devil's punchbowl

sharonsR7944AY

This is a fabulous place to see snowcapped mountains and huge Desert Vista is only a couple hours out of Los Angeles. It's a county park so it's absolutely free, and on our visit the park ranger was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.

maryhL3136GE

Incredible views and opportunity for personal reflection and prayer. Be sure to stop by the Ranger Station to see the exhibits and learn about how the Punchbowl was created.

LightPro

The round trip is 7.4 miles and takes roughly three hours to complete for an intermediate hiker. The first 0.9 miles from the trailhead is a gradual incline. Signs to Devil's Chair are well positioned. At the trail fork (take the left fork) the trail remains relatively flat until just after the 3.0 mile marker. Then there is a series of ups and downs followed by a decidedly descending trail. At the trail fork (again veer left) Devil's Chair is just another 0.2 miles. Once at destination, Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views. Take plenty of water and a snack or picnic. Fine for children who are experienced hikers, however, not advised for under 12 years of age.

MrThibbs

Devils Punchbowl in Pearblossom Ca is a real nice place to take the family. It has a few hiking trails from easy to difficult. The one mile loop down in the Punchbowl itself is a little step at times however worth the struggles. The is also a nice little Nature center one can take the little ones to and see snakes and other wildlife from the area.

KBFam2011

The Devil's Punchbowl is a large depression that has two ring trails around the top and one leading into the basin. The site is one of the only places to hike in the AV and is good for a quick day long getaway. The wife and I went there and hiked the loop in less than 3 hours (we're hikers). Bring water as it is a desert environment and some water. Also, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in the Spring and Summer months - stay away from them and they'll do the same. Parking is fairly limited, but you can park on the road leading up.

562yingl

The Punch bowl name, I get it, the short trail with 1 mile length is really a giant bowl-shape basin that's punched by some huge troll long time ago. Really fun and not that hard for any age. The rocks are easily to be explored and sighted in any viewpoint. And the Devil's Chair one is 3.5 miles long and take some time if you're not a senior trail walker. Need to pass nearly 1 mile dessert path, easy but dull since not so much splendid view and change. The following 1.5 miles is covered by trees and with view points along which makes it more pleasant. The last 0.5 mile is a little tough due to the slope, but totally worth it with the view point at the end. And there's also a spot not on the trail but I consider it as the real devil's chair since it looks more like it. Oh, don't forget to bring coat, the woods part is really cold now especially near sunset. And I think no need to say why it's important to get down before sunset. Get there early, before 11:00 I guess, just 40 parking tops, so~

HatCat44

What more can I say? The rock formations are interesting and the hiking trails are great.... while out that way, stop in at Charlie Browns for some overload of schlock and kitch. And good BBQ.

Hesney

Back in the 80s I made a film here. The sight is very reminiscent of many westerns. Well, that's why we picked it for our Western.

LightPro

Up in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains, this gem of a park pacts everything you could ask for in desert flora and fauna. Great for kids, the 1 mile loop trail leads you through the punchbowl without much effort. Kids older than 10 can walk it. For the more adventurous, a longer trail (3.7 miles) will take you up to "Devil's Chair." The visitors center displays stuffed and live animals of the area, including Ruth the Barn Owl and several snake species, including rattlers in enclosures. This is a great destination, but bring water with you; the fountains were disabled during my visit.

303ConnieS

I was a little disappointed in Devil's Punchbowl. I didn't do a lot of hiking on the day I was there because I didn't have the proper footwear, but it just looked like an average place to hike.

EnzoL394

Our family goes quite often and does the "loop" hike. Moderate trail that can be tough coming back up if you're out of shape. Takes about an hour if you don't stop and play at the creek at the bottom. It's free ! Water fountains and bathrooms are available. cool little artifacts in the info buildings there. If you don't hike, check out the owls in captivity and take some pictures from the great vista at the beginning. It will surprise you. Much more beautiful than the ugly high desert.

Wedgie01

Spent a great Saturday morning hiking through the Devil's Punchbowl. Beautiful place with some amazing geological formations right on the San Andreas fault. Returned a second weekend and hiked up to the Devil's Chair, a great lookout on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Andreah66

The punchbowl is such a lovely place to hike. It is really easy if you aren't a big hiker, and has a nice little stream at the bottom. A really strenuous trail there is the devil's chair, but the view is totally worth it!

DaveandKimTravel

A nice moderate hike at nearly 5,000 feet, take it serious and be prepared. Love the geology and the great views. Another SoCal surprise, this is an LA County Park, a bit rustic and that is the point of a natural area... right? Area was formed by the Punchbowl and Pinyon Faults and pressure from the San Andreas Fault.

KennethL828

Devils Punchbowl is a natural bowl created by the intersection of two earthquake faults. There is a small museum at the site and several information kiosks. A long trail circles the bowl and a few shorter trails. There are not a lot of facilities but it is worth a stop if this type of thing interests you. The earth has been folded and distorted and it's good for scenic photos.