Popular Wildflower Trail opens to public this Saturday, March 2
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is opening its seasonal Wildflower Trail at Diamond Valley Lake tomorrow (Saturday, March 2), offering visitors beautiful views of the district’s 4.5 mile-long lake and anticipated spring bloom.
The Wildflower Trail will be open Wednesdays through Sundays at the lake in Hemet in southwestern Riverside County. Due to recent later season winter storms, many wildflowers have not yet begun to bloom. However, warmer weather over the next few weeks is expected to usher in a heartier bouquet. Among the flowers typically found at Diamond Valley Lake are California poppies, deep blue arroyo lupines, purple Canterbury bells, yellow rancher’s fiddleneck, white popcorn flowers, and pink red maids.
The trail is part of the Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve, which Metropolitan helped create in 1992, covering 9,000 acres surrounding Diamond Valley Lake and connecting to Lake Skinner. Through long-standing partnerships and commitments, Metropolitan has played an ongoing role in establishing and managing four large-scale multi-species reserves spanning more than 30,000 acres across Southern California as it works to ensure water reliability and environmental sustainability for the region.
The trail’s 1.3-mile loop, accessible from the DVL Marina’s parking lot, with entry off Domenigoni and Searl parkways in Hemet, is rated as an easy-to-moderate hike with some rugged terrain. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (no entry after 3:30 p.m.). Beginning March 7, trail hours will change to 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (no entrance after 4:30 p.m.). The trails and marina are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. In addition to hiking, the lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing and bike riding.
The Southland’s largest drinking water reservoir, Diamond Valley Lake was dedicated in 2000, nearly doubling the region’s surface water storage capacity to help safeguard Southern California from drought and emergencies. It stores 264 billion gallons of water.
Visitors must refrain from picking the wildflowers and stay on trails to protect the area’s wildlife. Visitors should also be watchful of rattlesnakes, a particular risk in the area. Dogs are not permitted on the premises. A reserve interpreter will be available on the trail on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon to discuss topics that include the types of wildflowers, birding and the area’s geography.
Parking is $11 ($5 for those 62 years and older, military members and veterans), and the trail fee
is $4 per person. Pontoon boat rental and fishing information is available at dvmarina.com.
Southern Californians who want to create wildflower gardens at their own homes are encouraged
to consider planting native or California Friendly® gardens. Information on these plants and how
to receive a rebate for replacing thirsty grass with this more sustainable landscaping is available
at bewaterwise.com.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.
Media Contacts