Bluebonnet Season Came Early This Year In Texas And Here Are The Best Places To See Them
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Spring means one thing and one thing alone to us Texans: bluebonnets. Fortunately, the vibrant blooms are already being spotted from Big Bend to the Piney Woods and everywhere in-between! According to WildflowerHaven.com, this season could be the most promising in nearly a decade – so get those kids dressed and cameras ready! Here are five of the best places to see the flowers for yourself:
Early January brought the first blooms in West Texas, over a month ahead of schedule. Above-average rainfall during October is to thank, and the area received a 3 on the scale. We highly recommend driving down Ranch Road 170 for the most spectacular views.
Blue Bell Country earned a grade of 3+, with patches already plentiful and widespread. A split season is expected, fields coming to life slightly later than roadsides. Provided the weather continues to cooperate throughout March, spring in this part of Texas looks highly promising. Highway 290 offers the best windshield views, while FM 360 is more suitable for stopping to take pictures.
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Known as the "Official Bluebonnet City of Texas," Ennis is also forecast to put on quite a show this season, getting a grade of 3+. Rainfall has been well above average for the past several months, so blooms are already springing to life. Over 40 miles of mapped trails attract 10,000+ visitors each year, boasting vibrant blue fields as far as the eye can see. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival is coming up in April, and you won't want to miss the festivities. More information here.
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Central Texas is expected to be the most fruitful region this year, receiving a 4+ score. October rainfall surpassed that of 2010, which was the best bluebonnet season on record since 1997. Plenty of buds have already been spotted, so they should start blooming in no time! Willow City Loop, a 13-mile drive in Fredericksburg, is by far the best place to experience the flowers. We actually wrote an entire article about this road, including directions on how to get there. You can find the story here.
Early blooms have been spotted near George West, Three Rivers, and Freer, suggesting peak season will be much earlier in South Texas as well. Rainfall has been slightly above normal, earning a 3+ grade for the area. I-35 and I-37 are expected to see roadside bluebonnet activity any day now, so get those cameras ready!
Have you seen any bluebonnets yet this season? Where? And if not, where’s your family’s go-to spot once spring is fully underway?
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