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 Reporter |
Summary: The Devil's Punchbowl is a point where 2 earthquake faults collide, creating upwards jutting vertical walls as high as 300 feet. It is a spectacular setting, with the high desert spreading out on one side, and the pine covered Angeles National forest on the other. The hike takes you along the mostly shaded rim of the Punchbowl, to the dramatic Devil's Chair, a breathtaking overlook with 360 degree views of the geologic formations. A rainbow of rock surrounds the Devils Chair with pink streaked chalk white cliffs, undulating tan crags, chocolate brown slabs, and green-gray ledges. This, combined with the green of the mountains and the blue sky, makes for a memorable image. Hikers with extra energy, may want to also take the 1 mile loop trail, which drops down into the punchbowl amongst the stunning rock formations. Summer hikers should bring lots of water as it can get seriously hot in this area! Trailhead: Exit the Antelope Valley Freeway (14) at Pearblossom highway (138), and follow it to the town of Pearblossom where you will turn right (south) on Longview Road (County N6). Follow the signs to the park 7 miles ahead. Note that facing the nature center, the Burkhart trailhead is on the right side of the parking lot. (Lat:34.41381 Lon:-117.85858) Trail Guides for Devils Punchbowl - Devils Chair: 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: Devil's Punchbowl Nature Area (661) 944-2743 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 11 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JB on 3/16/2010 Did this on 3-13/14-10 with a Boy Scout Troop and went on to halfway between Devils Chair and Southfork. Beautiful weather, a little cold (30s) at night, trail clear of snow but several fallen trees that need to be navigated around. Views are gorgeous. Thank you to whomever put in the mile markers. This is a great backpack trip for an overnight as it challenges you on the way back but worth every step.
Reviewed by RON on 3/7/2010 Wife and I did this on 3-4-2010. Beautiful day to be on one of our favorite trails. Snow on the trail as we got closer to the chair cut off but nothing that cannot be managed with poles. A gret day to be out.
Reviewed by Ray on 2/25/2010 Excellent hike. Beautiful scenery. I saw big horn sheep on my last hike. Path is clear. Best during the fall and spring. During winter it may get slippery due to mud and snow. Great workout for those who challenge themselves. 
Reviewed by Barb on 2/16/2010 Beautiful, but otherwise informative ranger didn't tell me poles were needed, saying just that everything was passable. Had to turn back without poles (in car trunk) due to icy patches. Turned around when hiker (with poles) coming back said it would get worse. Wonderful side hikes and hikes to bottom. Great snow fields to crunch across, lots of water and a beautiful clear blue sky. Temp shifted from cool to hot. Definitely will do again. Dogs frolicked in snow.
Reviewed by raybnxny on 1/31/2010 Excellent hike, great views. Dog friendly trail. Watch your step in a couple places.
Reviewed by Julia on 1/16/2010 Hiked this trail on 1/3/10 with a friend and my dog. Overall, I enjoyed this hike. Great place to bring your animal, but watch your pet if he/she is a daredevil like mine....there are lots of steep hills and cliffs with loose dirt to slip on. The steep parts are very hard on the thighs and rear-end, especially if you are out of shape like me. But it's worth it. The rock formations are beautiful, and getting a chance to rest and eat a snack on Devil's Chair is quite a treat! The views are awesome! The temperature was perfect at this time of year as well. I wore a tank top the entire time, and worked up a sweat. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet. I will be seeking out other trails during the summer months, as it gets very hot
Reviewed by Luke on 12/29/2009 Just hiked this yesterday. The last drop down to Devil's Chair and the corresponding climb back were pretty tough on a fat hiker like me, but probably not too bad for those in better shape. Most of the trail is quite enjoyable. At any rate, the scenery is spectacular and well worth the effort. It got pretty cold near the end (pushing 4:30 pm), but, while I did break out a beanie, I never had to put my coat on.
Reviewed by EE on 11/29/2009 Just hiked this one yesterday during the storms. Didn't think we'd catch much snow, but once we got above 4,500 (and just into the parking lot), it started coming down. By the time we made it to Devil's chair, it was pretty much white out conditions. This is a beautiful hike, and I'm sorry we didn't actually get to go into the punchbowl. The views, though, from the chair are quite spectacular, and overall a very easy hike on a good day! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||