Here's How to Visit The Fresno Blossom Trail Next Spring For a Magical Drive
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October 26, 2021
As the weather begins to warm up and California's central valley begins to bloom, the Fresno County Blossom Trail is the Spring view we all need. The Central Valley is the hub of agriculture production in California. Fresno County, home of the Big Fresno Fair, is full of sunkissed fruit and nut trees that begin their journey as beautiful blooms in Spring. Time your trip just right and you will find yourself cruising through the orchards among aromatic pink and white blossoms in full bloom.
Whether almond, peach, plum, nectarine, or apricot blossoms, this scenic drive is one that requires your car windows down. The smell will leave you anxious to return in summer for the Fresno County Fruit Trail and all of the produce stands along the way. With California producing over 1/3 of the country's fruit and nuts, this agricultural hub does not only bloom in spring. It also delivers unforgettable views and fills the air with aromatic citrus and floral scents.
When to visit Fresno Blossom Trail
Blossom season is short and dependent on the previous season's rainfall and temperatures. However, the blossoms usually pop in mid-February to mid-March. Follow local updates via Twitter @GoBlossomTrail and the Fresno County Office of Tourism for the most updated information.
You can usually count on 3 weeks of prime blossoms in the orchards. Sadly, by the end of March, most flowers have fallen to the ground due to wind and rain. If you miss the flowers in Spring, you can always return in summer to see the Fresno County Fruit Trail.
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Tips for visiting the Fresno Blossom Trail
- Visit at the right time of year - follow local updates on the Fresno County Blossom Trail via Twitter @GoBlossomTrail or the Big Fresno County Office for current blossom season status.
- Order a map ahead of time from the Fresno County Visitors Bureau. If you show up without planning ahead, pick up a map at our first stop - Simonian Farms. If you miss that, screenshot this one to avoid getting lost due to cell service issues.
- Fill up with gas when you exit Highway 99, as the Fresno County Blossom Trail is 62 miles through farm country. Or if you are an avid biker, consider biking through this incredible scenery.
- If you are looking for some extra photo-worthy shots, take a trip after it rains for incredible puddle reflections. Always park safely on the side of the road.
- Roll down your windows to smell the scent pouring from the orchards. This is a DO NOT MISS!
- Know the blooming fruits and nuts that you are viewing! White blossoms are almond trees or apples, pink flowers are peach trees and dark pink are usually nectarines and plums.
- Remember that these incredible views along your route are all on private property. Respect the locals and do not pick the blooms. Watch where you step as irrigation systems may be set up around the trees.
- Dogs are discouraged, but if you are bringing your dog, please make sure he/she is leashed. Many farms have farm dogs that may not be excited about their fellow canine visitors.
- Watch for bees among the fruit trees. They play a pivotal role in the beauty surrounding you - let them work!
- Looking for more views? Neighboring orange groves tend to blossom at the same time. Citrus blossoms are white and smell fantastic. Take some time to extend your route through Orange Cove and explore the Orange Blossom Trail.
- Extend your road trip into Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon National Park for even more epic views!
Where does the Blossom Trail start
Start your blossom adventure on the corner of S Clovis Ave and E Jensen Ave at Simonian Farms. This family farm is more than your average produce stand. With wine tasting, old-fashioned candy and soda, fresh fruit and honey, shopping, ice cream, and a peek into the local agricultural history, this farm stand is a perfect stop to fuel up with all the snacks you need for your trip through the blossom trails. This is also a great place to pick up a free map of your upcoming route!
How long is the Fresno Blossom Trail
The Fresno Blossom Trail is a 62-mile loop. You can do the loop in three hours or so, but plan to make the most of your stops and enjoy the day. With February bringing warmer temperatures into California, this makes for a perfect road trip on the way out to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
How to Get to the Fresno Blossom Trail: Map and Directions
The Fresno County Blossom Trail starts just off of Highway 99 in Fresno, CA. Exit Jensen from the North or Kingsburg from the South and head east to Simonian Farms.
If you are looking for breakfast, do not miss the Blossom Trail Café in Sanger. You can't go wrong with the Farmer's Eggs Bowl or Pastrami Breakfast Wrap. If you are traveling later in the day, continue on to the east side of the trail in Minkler for your lunchtime stop!
Turn off by the Kings River for a beautiful picnic, or stop at the infamous School House Restaurant & Tavern for an incredible meal made from scratch. You will not be disappointed if you order the short rib meatloaf. Take a moment to soak in the views of the blooming orchards in front of the Sierra Nevadas.
From here, head east towards the Orange Blossom Trail, or head south to the family-owned Cedar View Winery. This boutique winery delivers incredible views from the California foothills and gives you an up-close view of the blooming almond, nectarine, and peach orchards. Do not leave without taking a moment to taste their flagship grape, the Alicante Bouschet.
Next, head towards Reedley and make a stop at Hillcrest Christmas Tree Farm. Ride the steam train around the peach and plum orchards while soaking in the views from the foothills. The property is rich in history and the current owners designed and built the track, train cars, locomotives to enhance their visitors' experience throughout the seasons. Wrap these epic views by heading out to Sequoia National Park for more incredible scenery!
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