Mexican Gold Poppies in El Paso, TX 2025

El Paso never looks more beautiful than in March, when yellow poppies cover the slopes of Franklin Mountains. The annual bloom is the most anticipated natural phenomenon in the city.

Mexican gold poppy, known as Eschscholzia californica ssp. Mexicana, is quite common for Southwest. But El Paso is especially famous for its massive poppy blooms. There are rumors that seeds were dropped here from a plane in the 1930s to make the arid area more appealing.

Mexican Gold Poppies Season

The first flowers appear in late January. The bloom peaks in March, turning everything north of El Paso into a sea of gold. By early April, the flowers are usually fading unless El Paso gets a few good showers.

Places to Visit

Castner Range (Franklin Mountains)

The eastern slopes of the Franklin Mountains, particularly the Castner Range, are renowned for their extensive poppy displays. A popular viewing area is near the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, located at 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive. The museum often serves as a starting point for visitors aiming to explore the blooming fields.

El Paso Museum of Archaeology

Adjacent to the Castner Range, the museum not only offers cultural exhibits but also provides access to trails leading to poppy-rich areas. The annual Poppies Fest, celebrating the bloom, is traditionally held here, featuring live performances, educational exhibits, and guided nature walks. The festival typically occurs in March, aligning with the peak blooming period.

National Border Patrol Museum

Located near the Archaeology Museum, this museum's vicinity also boasts poppy blooms. Visitors can explore the surrounding areas to enjoy the floral displays while learning about the history of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Franklin Mountains State Park

As one of the largest urban parks in the nation, Franklin Mountains State Park offers numerous trails where visitors can encounter Mexican Gold Poppies during the blooming season. Trails on the eastern side, closer to the Castner Range, are particularly noted for their floral displays.

Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest

For over 10 years, El Paso celebrates the annual bloom with Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest, organized by the Museum of Archeology. It is held on a Saturday in late March, from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the museum, live shows, performances, educational exhibits, kids' activities, delicious treats from food trucks, as well as a crafts and art fair that features over 50 booths. The best part of the festival is, of course, nature trails across the Castner Range of the Franklin Mountains.