Update: March 31, 2024: There is currently no bloom at Walker Canyon and the trails are closed to the public. Please see the news segment below, from KCAL News, for up-to-date information on the wildflower bloom.

Update: March 12, 2024, as of today there is no bloom in Walker Canyon. In 2023 to keep the public safe, as well as nature safe, the city of Lake Elsinore closed this area to the public. Please respect nature and city guidelines. The photos in this article are from the 2017 and 2019 super bloom and provide individuals with a way to witness past blooms, from a virtual space, while respecting city guidelines. Enjoy and please monitor the following resources for more information. Bracing for the bloom, Lake Elsinore Official Instagram, and the Lake Elsinore FB page. 

Walker Canyon Super Bloom 2017

I have not one bit of shame in the fact that I’ve become crazed, obsessed, and downright captivated by all the amazing wildflowers appearing in Southern California. With the arrival of the 2017 “super bloom” I’ve been on the hunt for the best flower power spots around.

Here is sunny Southern California we very rarely get to set our eyes on fields of green laced with orange, yellow, purple, and red flowers. So, it’s no wonder that people come from all over to witness the bloom. One of the best locations to see the super bloom is Walker Canyon, Lake Elsinore. I headed out to check out what all the buzz was about, and I was not disappointed!

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Location

Flower Heaven….Just Kidding…Walker Canyon near Lake Elsinore California…Off the 15 Freeway. I was on the 15-South so it was Exit 81 Lake St. You’ll be able to see the flowers from the freeway so be very careful when driving as it can become distracting for you and others. Just remember you will be one with the flowers soon enough. (Please note the city in already saying for 2024 you will NOT be able to park by the trailhead.)

On the Trail

We hit the road early in the am to beat the heat and the crowds. (2019 Note: It was a bit chilly on my visit, I would bring layers if you plan on hiking around. The temperature is much lower than it was back in the 2017 super bloom) Arriving early pays off big time. I would recommend visiting on a weekday in the early am. The super bloom has been drawing in large crowds making it hard to get good pics.

If you plan on bringing Fido with you make sure you have a well-behaved pooch. With the swarms of people coming to see the flowers there are a lot of dogs, kids, and irresponsible adults. You want to make sure you’re keeping yourself, your dog, and others safe. Dogs are welcome here in Walker Canyon so you’ll see a lot of them.

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What to Know Before You Go

There are a variety of hiking trails and the further you venture on them the farther you’ll get from the masses of people. I would recommend getting a nice hike in while enjoying the scenery. The trails split into various directions quickly with no markers so make sure to pay attention to what trail you’re going on, so you don’t get lost. All the flowers can start to look similar quickly!

When I visited, in 2017, there were a couple porta potties along the road. I wanted to mention this since I know a lot of people are traveling from rather far to see the flowers. These seem to be the only restrooms available, however it’s better than nothing. I mean when you gotta go…you gotta go.

Stay on Trail. I witnessed so many people wandering into the field of flowers and not practicing proper trail etiquette. Please don’t ruin the bloom for everyone else. When you trample the flowers it impacts the experience others may have on their trip to Walker Canyon. Not to mention rattlesnakes could be in the flowers. That should be a good enough reason to stay on trail! Here’s some information from the 2017 bloom and rattlesnakes.

Below is a note from the 2017 bloom. However, I would still monitor the weather before you head out. Usually this area of California is hot in March and April. For that reason, I would layer up. FYI: This $h!+ it hot hot hot. Luckily a friend warned me about the heat, so I was well prepared. Probably even over prepared. But there’s really no shade to hid behind and you are hiking up and down the canyon to view the flowers. Bring LOTS of water.

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Recourses to get your 2024 Bloom On

• Guide to the 2024 Bloom
• Other California Spots That Are Bloomin’
• Trail Etiquette Reminder
• Rules to Respect the Super Bloom
• Can’t see the bloom, visit the Flower Fields.

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Southern California is blooming…Adventure Awaits!