As this week’s rains cleared, cold winds and cooler temperatures caused the flowers in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to close up. Rangers at the park said the flowers should be at their peak in the coming weeks. The state-protected reserve is open from sunrise to sunset.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The poppies close during a chilly sunset over the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Joan Ong of South Pasadena holds Danielle Mar, 9 months, as they pose for a family photograph at dusk in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Visitors walk through the reserve at dusk.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

A carpet of poppies and other flowers, including goldfields, lupine and lacy phacelia, are blooming.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The weather can change dramatically in the high desert, quickly becoming windy and cold.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The rolling hills frame a carpet of poppies at the reserve.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Flora offers a variety of colors in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Windmills frame wildflowers blooming in the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Depending on the season’s weather, the bloom could last into mid- to late April.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Poppies close in chilly weather.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Poppies open up on nice days but curl up at night or when temperatures drop.