While only members of the tribe may mine for the prized mineral, or collect peridot that’s above ground, those visiting Peridot Mesa in search of wildflowers from late February through early April will find their own treasure in the 1,000 acre expanse of flowers: yellow-orange Mexican goldpoppies on the rocky slopes and hillsides. In fact, slopes of the collapsed caldera can be carpeted with gold when winter rains are generous and conditions are right for a ‘super-bloom’ – as 2023 appears to be. Famous for the green gemstone that gives this dormant volcano remnant its name, Peridot Mesa on the San Carlos Apache reservation is even more famous with photographers and spring-flower chasers as one of Arizona’s best places to see and photograph goldpoppies.
