Popular seasonal recreational trail reopens to public Friday, Feb. 27

After a burst of early-season rain, spring has arrived ahead of schedule at Diamond Valley Lake — and so have the wildflowers.

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California Poppies along the Wildflower Trail at Diamond Valley Lake.

Thanks to the late fall and early winter storms, colorful blooms are already dotting the hillsides above the reservoir, prompting the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to reopen its popular Judy Abdo Wildflower Trail beginning Friday, Feb. 27.

The seasonal trail, which winds along the slopes overlooking Diamond Valley Lake, offers sweeping views of the 4.5-mile-long reservoir and a close-up look at Southern California’s spring display of native flowers. Visitors can typically expect to see vibrant California poppies, deep blue arroyo lupines, purple Canterbury bells, yellow rancher’s fiddleneck, delicate white popcorn flowers and pink red maids.

The Wildflower Trail will be open Wednesdays through Sundays. Trail hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no entry after 3:30 p.m. Beginning March 8, hours will extend to 5:30 p.m. (no entry after 4:30 p.m.). The trails and marina are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

The 1.3-mile loop, accessible from the DVL Marina parking lot off Domenigoni and Searl parkways in Hemet, is rated as an easy-to-moderate hike with some rugged terrain. Along the route, visitors are treated not only to seasonal colors but also panoramic views of the Southland’s largest drinking water reservoir.

Dedicated in 2000, Diamond Valley Lake nearly doubled Southern California’s surface water storage capacity and today can hold 264 billion gallons of water. The reservoir plays a critical role in safeguarding the region against drought and emergencies, allowing Metropolitan to store water supplies when they are available for when they are needed in drought years. Metropolitan has taken advantage of the past few wet winters and Diamond Valley Lake is currently nearly full.

The Wildflower Trail also offers a window into one of the region’s most significant environmental success stories. It is located within the Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve, which Metropolitan helped establish in 1992. The 9,000-acre reserve surrounds Diamond Valley Lake and connects to Lake Skinner, forming part of a broader network of more than 30,000 acres of protected habitat across Southern California that Metropolitan has helped create and continues to help manage through long-standing partnerships. The reserve is home to eight distinct types of habitat and protects more than 30 sensitive, endangered or threatened native California bird, animal and plant species.

Visitors are reminded to enjoy the blooms responsibly. Wildflowers must not be picked, and guests are asked to remain on designated trails to protect sensitive habitat and wildlife. Rattlesnakes are common in the area, particularly during warmer months, and hikers should remain alert. Pets are not permitted on the DVL property.

In addition to hiking, Diamond Valley Lake offers boating, fishing and biking opportunities, making it a popular outdoor destination throughout the year.

Parking is $11 ($5 for those 62 years and older, military members and veterans), and the Wildflower Trail fee is $4 per person. Information on pontoon rentals and fishing is available at dvmarina.com.

For Southern Californians inspired by the early blooms, Metropolitan encourages residents to consider planting native or California Friendly® gardens at home. Replacing thirsty turf with sustainable landscaping not only supports local ecosystems but also helps improve water-use efficiency. Information on plant options and turf-replacement rebates is available at bewaterwise.com.

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