Anza-Borrego Desert wildflowers in bloom

San Diego resident Joe Kelly takes a closer look at yellow desert dandelion in Galleta Meadows at the junction of Borrego Springs and Henderson Canyon roads. The retired salesman says he’s staying in Borrego Springs for four days, “... on a vacation from vacation.”  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Caterpillars like this one are feeding in abundance in Coyote Canyon, taking their pick of the wildflower bounty.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

The rising moon slips over the eastern wall of Coyote Canyon, where brittlebush dot the landscape with golden bouquets.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

The Day-Glo orange flowers of the thorny-branched ocotillo bushes are reaching full bloom in Coyote Canyon. The packed sand road through the canyon is maintained and passable for most vehicles, but the soft sides of the road should be avoided.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Plack of Rancho San Diego photographs a carpet of yellow desert dandelion and purple sand verbena along Henderson Canyon Road.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Yelena Sedochenkova gets in on the wildflower fun with a floral hair bouquet as she enjoys the sun and desert blooms after two days of hiking and camping in Coyote Canyon.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Larry Elwell of Mira Loma has a state park guide to desert wildflowers in hand while his wife, Cindy, photographs yellow desert dandelion. Galleta Meadows, at the junction of Borrego Springs and Henderson Canyon roads, is in full bloom with a variety of annuals and cactuses. Rangers say steady winter rains have brought the most color to local deserts in several years.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Photographed by the light of the moon, Dennis Mammana of Borrego Springs looks up at the stars above a huge field of wildflowers on Henderson Canyon Road. The astronomy photographer and lecturer pulled over to photograph the night sky and the best desert wildflower bloom in several years.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)