The poppy "SuperBloom" in Lake Elsinore has attracted thousands of people to Walker Canyon, but has also created a public safety crisis, which caused the trails to be closed on Sunday (March 17th).
In an effort to combat some of the headaches faced by residents, the City of Lake Elsinore announced in a press conference today that new rules will be implemented for this weekend, including a full closure of the Lake Street offramps from the 15 (from 6am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday), and no parking at Walker Canyon.
Shuttles will be available for $10 per person. Children 3 and younger are free, but must sit on an adult's lap. Only service animals will be allowed on the shuttles, which will leave the staging areas Saturday and Sunday from 6:30am until 5pm. The last shuttle will leave the wildflower area at 7pm. Officials predicted wait times for shuttles may exceed two and half hours.
Visitors arriving via the 15 South can use the Nichols Road Exit for shuttle parking at the Lake Elsinore outlets. Visitors arriving via the 15 North may use the dirt parking lot at 10000 Nichols Road.
According to the press conference, there will be "residents only" access on Temescal Canyon, Lake Street and Nichols Road. Over 40 Sheriff's Deputies will be on hand to provide traffic control and enforcement, but residents are asked to avoid the area if possible.
Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, to bring plenty of water, and to know their own physical limitations. Drones are not permitted. The CHP emphasizes that parking on the freeway is illegal, and citations will be issued.
Officials asked for patience, and also for respect for the natural habitat. Please stay on the trails, and do not pick the flowers.
All plans are subject to change. Updates will be provided here. Watch the entire press conference here:
