About Hemet's Diamond Valley Lake

Diamond Valley Lake – The Jewel of California Lakes – In Search of Bald Eagle Sightings

When I came to the valley almost 20 years ago (wow how time flies), I knew folks who had lived most of their lives, if not their entire life, here in the valley, and claimed they had never seen a bald eagle.

I’ve seen many red-tailed hawks over the years circling in the sky, but never a bald eagle.

photo source Wikipedia

I remember reading in the newspaper about ten years ago the excitement that a bald eagle or two had been spotted over Lake Hemet, which is located in the mountains east of Hemet and west of Palm Springs.

The Bald Eagle is the United States of America’s national bird

photo source Wikipedia

Bald Eagles were considered endangered until 2007 when they were removed from the U.S. government’s list of endangered and threatened species. Because of the efforts of wildlife conservationists, and in recent years, the Diamond Valley Lake project, bald eagles have come back to the valley.

Diamond Valley Lake is a man-made lake and reservoir. Fishing is allowed on sites off shore and on the lake, but no swimming because it is a water source. There are miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. One trail goes along the entire circumference of the lake.

About 10+ miles in from the Winchester Road entrance, on the south shore are two bald eagle roosting spots. Maybe soon I'll get a glimpse of this majestic bird flying above the lake. Diamond Valley Lake is a special place and the times I've visited, it takes my breath away. The jewel of California lakes.

View Diamond Valley Lake bald eagles in a larger map

Southern California’s popular Inland Empire area boasts some amazing active adult communities including Solera Diamond Valley by Del Webb. This elegant 55+ community boasts gorgeous surroundings, beautifully designed amenities and finely crafted homes in a premiere Southern California location. Set in the town of Hemet, Solera Diamond Valley is a smaller community of just 573 single family style ranch homes.

The amenities of this Del Webb community are simply amazing in architecture and design, meticulously positioned to make the most of the beautiful California countryside. The 23,000 square foot Mountain View Lodge is the main attraction for fitness amenities and social activities. It features a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor lap pool and spa, indoor walking track and aerobics studio. There are numerous rooms for arts, crafts and hobbies as well as beautiful spaces for socializing, playing billiards, checking email, playing games and just relaxing. Outdoors there are two beautiful resort-style swimming pools, two lighted tennis courts, bocce ball courts and trails for walking or biking.

The surrounding areas offer wonderful recreational amenities both indoors and out. Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego are all less than two hours away. Just minutes from home residents enjoy fabulous shopping and dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation. Diamond Valley Lake is a short 3-miles from the community and features boating and fishing in the lake stocked with a variety of fish species. Here there is also an extensive trail system perfect for long morning hikes or relaxing evening strolls.

Ranch homes in this popular California active adult community are priced from the high $100’s to the high $300’s and are available as new construction or resale. The Del Webb homes are available in 15 unique floor plans ranging in size from 1,240 to 2,230 square feet and have all been designed with the active adult homeowner in mind.

As with all Del Webb communities, Solera Diamond Valley offers a vibrant lifestyle and has a full-time Lifestyle Director on-staff to ensure residents have numerous activity options. Some of the popular resident clubs include the book club, cards, knitting, crafts, daytrippers, water colors, yoga and more. In this smaller-sized friendly neighborhood it’s easy to meet new people and make new friends.

For more information and photos of this and other CA active adult retirement communities please visit 55Places.com. To stay in touch with us please join our Facebook page by clicking the Facebook link below.

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Hemet, CA. The Western Science Center, located at 2345 Searl Parkway in Hemet, CA is full of education, fun and excitement.

This state-of-the-art museum complex has something for everyone.

This museum is home to a vast array of history and ice-age beasts which have been unearthed here at Diamond Valley Lake. Max, is the largest mastodon ever found in the Western United States, as well as Xena, a Columbian Mammoth.

You will have a very eerie feeling when you walk on the temperer glass which has been placed over the "Little Stevie" exhibit, which is a large mastodon that has been re-buried beneath the museum floor to re-create the actual dig site.

You will also see exhibits such as saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and many more artifacts. As I said, there is something for everyone.

Diamond Valley Lake, one of the largest reservoirs in Southern California, offers boating and fishing, as well as over 21 miles of hiking, bicycling and equestrian trails.

Hours: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm

There are two entrances:
North entrance - follow the signs on Domenigoni Parkway
West entrance - Winchester Road (Hwy79)

For more information visit the Diamond Valley Lake website.