SUPER DUPER

Superbloom, Diamond Valley Lake. Hemet, CA. Photo by Kat Kemmet

It's the SUPERBLOOM! We have had so much rain the past few months and the wildflowers are loving it. Southern California is covered with beautiful wildflowers, blooming in parks and trails and even along the freeway.

I went to Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet, CA to check it out.

California Poppies at Diamond Valley Lake. Hemet, CA. Photo by Kat Kemmet

Diamond Valley Lake is quite a drive, so I highly recommend waking up and leaving early. It was about 1hr 40 minutes from Glendale.

FEE: Yes, there is a fee to park by the marina, which I highly recommend doing because it is right by the trailhead. The cost is $10 per car and $3 per person.

Get there early, I can't stress this enough. We got there around 10:30 and there was already a line of cars waiting to get their passes to park and hike the trail.By the time we left (which was around 1:30ish, I think), the parking lot was nearing full and there was a massive line up and around the hill to get in.

Short Hike. The hike only took us a couple of hours. There is one main loop and a couple narrow short trails. There are some parts that lead down to the lake, but it is a no-body contact lake. Please do not swim here.

Bathrooms: YES! There ARE bathrooms at the Marina and there is even a port-a-potty partway on the trail.

Pets: Sorry, there are no dogs allowed on this trail. :(

Bring water and snacks, but if you forget them at home, there is a gift shop that sells drinks and snacks and a few souvenirs.

Do NOT leave the trail. The flowers are GORGEOUS and you will be tempted to frolic (at least I was), but they are fragile. Don't ruin the experience for everyone else by walking on the flowers and destroying them. There are signs everywhere to remind you not to leave the trail, and there are staff watching, so just be courteous, respect nature, and stay off the flowers and on the trail. Trust me, you can get PLENTY of beautiful photos without ever leaving the trail.

The Wildflower Trail at Diamond Valley Lake. Hemet, CA. Photo by Kat Kemmet

Enjoy it! It is a beautiful spot and well worth the trip out there. Photos don't do it justice so go check it out for yourself!