Update 2023: The Lambert Park Poppy Garden is the restored Alpine Poppies and they are back and are more beautiful than ever. That’s due to a restoration project and the amazing moisture we’ve had in 2023! For the best directions on how to get to the Lambert Park Poppy Garden scroll down.
Alpine Poppy Field Restoration Project
I went to check on the status mid-week before Memorial Day and met Jessica Smuin, who is a member of the Alpine City Council and heading up the project. She explained all the hard work that has gone into building the fences, benches, arranging the stones, raking the sand in the pathways and petitioning for the grant. Hopefully this will help preserve this treasure of the Alpine poppy fields, now named Lambert Park Poppy Garden!
A lot of thought has gone into this project. The new benches were constructed from Linden trees planted during the pioneer era that had to be cut down to widen Linden’s Main Street. They have been placed with photo opportunities in mind. (Photos below taken 6/2/23)
I took my younger kids when the lighting was harsh, but we still got some fun photos.
The fences, pathways and benches were designed to reduce the accidental trampling of the poppies. The new homes have encroached into the natural space, but this much-needed project has helped to keep it beautiful.
This year they have a guest book to write your name and where you live. They also explain the significance of the poppy symbolism.
Ever since World War I, poppies have been a symbol of peace and remembrance of those who served. It’s perfect that they are typically in bloom over Memorial Day.
This year’s long winter delayed the poppies that usually peak around Memorial Day. In 2023 they should be in bloom the first week or two of June. Out of the whole field, I could only find one that is just starting to open in late May.
By June 2, 2023 there were lots blooming!
Please be careful when you visit to leave it nice and not pick any poppies.
Lambert Pioneer History
George Cannon Lambert and Mary Alice Needham Lambert owned a summer home on this property they built in 1910. Over the years it has deteriorated and this winter a large chunk fell off the remaining corner.
In addition to the poppies, the Lamberts also planted English roses. The yellow blooms are beautiful!
You still have views of the surrounding mountains and of Utah Lake from the trailhead.
You might see some birds too! The blue and grey ones are Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays and the orange and black is a black-headed grosbeak.
If you go on weekday mornings, it shouldn’t be too busy. It mostly just gets crowded on the weekends and evenings. There is hardly any shade, so try to go when it’s cooler.
Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed in the park, but there are mountain bikers, so please share the trail courteously.
Directions to the Alpine Poppies
It can be confusing if you get on the wrong trail, so below are a few maps. Also, look for these homes because the poppy field is directly in front of them.
Park in the Lambert Park South Parking Lot. (Please don’t park in the church next door.)
Then take “Middle” Trail to either “Ruin” or “Poppy” to the Poppy Fields. (Middle and Ziggy are slightly longer possibilities). Here is the route I recommend. Parking is in the green, the poppy field in red and the trails marked in blue.
This is the view from the South Parking by the restroom, which are nice flush toilets. You can take the bridge to the right or head straight over the little rise.
The first photo below is looking back towards the parking lot so you can see the bridge and the little water to step over.
Head to the left side where there are trail markers. The left one says “Middle” and will take you to the “Poppy” or continue to “Ruin” trail. The right sign says “Zag Ziggy”. There is a new bike section along that trail, so that will be more popular for bicyclists.
Here are some views along Middle, Ruin and Poppy.
Even though the Lambert Estates Roads are nearby, you would have to cross though private property, so don’t park to the east.
Alternately you can park at the Lambert Park West Trailhead or along the road on Box Elder Drive, but there are fewer trees and the longer paths aren’t very scenic. Take Lambert Luge. These are a few photos from the other routes.
In addition to the poppies there are also other beautiful wildflowers in Lambert Park. Here are photos of flax, milkweed (just before it blooms), Sego Lily (Mariposa Lily), spotted stickweed, vetch, snapdragon, desert paintbrush, and more.
Here are a few more poppies in Lambert Park Poppy Field!
Stats: Distance – 0.9 – 1.5 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 30-60 minutes
Elevation gain – 58 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – In the south parking lot
Seasons to hike – May -June
Permits needed – none
Pets allowed – Yes
Other nearby hikes are Three Falls, Horsetail Falls, Horsetail Falls Northside Route, Highland Glen Nature Loop, and American Fork Canyon.
