Every year I wish for a “superbloom”! But with the ongoing draught it seemed my dream went from bloom to gloom. We wrote about a desert superbloom last year but I didn’t have a chance to witness. This year, we experienced heavy winter rain. When there is enough rain, there are flowers and when there is a deluge we get a superbloom! I’ve been tracking the wildflower progress through various U.S. National Park sites as well as checking Instagram. My daughter had the day off from school so I took the opportunity to get in the car and head to Lake Elsinore. It was an 1.5 hour journey and it was well worth the drive.
How to get there: From LA take the 15 N to Lake Drive exit. Take a left off the exit and drive under the pass. I took a right onto Walker Canyon Drive. Just look for the cars and the orange bursts blanketing the hillside. Park on the side of the road. Believe me, there will be other people. I highly suggest going during the week. I’ve heard that there was a traffic jam this past weekend. Our visit was relatively mellow and we had no issue findind a parking spot. People were respectful, happy and I spotted a few photographers with tripods. It was truly a lovely, peaceful vision.
Tips: Look for a sign that shows visitors a list of the flowers that are in the area. The majority of the bloom is our state flower, the poppy, but there other beautiful specimens sprinkled throughout the area. The warm shade of orange was breathtaking and assured me that Spring is here. Don’t dance on the flowers! Believe me, I wanted to have a Fraulein Maria moment from Sound of Music. I wanted to twirl across the hillside but please people, be careful of the flowers! Stay on paths and be careful of where you step. There are plenty of paths to walk along and the deeper you walk into the hillside, the denser the groupings of flowers are. PLEASE don’t pick them. I know it’s tempting to take them home but relish the moment and leave them for others to admire. Be careful of rattlesnakes. We didn’t see any but they are coming out of hiberation this time of year.
What to bring: Your cameras! Our flower excursion was the perfect mommy/daughter photo date. Armed with our cameras we shot at different ie from below the flowers, close ups (I have a macro lens), zoom outs for sweeping shots, portraits and selfies. You can even do the same fun pics if you are using your cell phone. Dress appropriately (it was warm), wear sunblock and comfy shoes. I did see a couple with a dog who seemed to enjoy the flowers as much as they did.
If you can’t decide where to go, I would suggest a drive to Lake Elsinore and soon. The flowers are easy to locate and it’s a reasonable drive versus Anza Borrego which is 3+ hours from Los angeles. Plan a trip soon before they disappear. You will not be disappointed!
Photos taken by my daughter except photos listed under tips.
