Name: Devil's Chair and Devil's Punchbowl in Pearblossom
Start: 2024-11-23T08:00:00-08:00
End: 2024-11-23T12:00:00-08:00

Distance: 7+ miles, 3 hours w/breaks

Elevation Gain: 1,300 +

Rating: 5/10

Trail: single track trail; out and back.

Fine Print: Hiking poles could be helpful for this one

This area is still recovering from the 2020 Bobcat fire and the habitat still bears the scars. You are encouraged to be mindful of new growth and stay on the trails.

Check the Weather (https://www.weather.com/weather/today/Pearblossom+CA+93553?lswe=93553&from=searchbox_localwx)

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.

The Devil's Punchbowl County Park consists of 1,310 acres and was opened in December 1963. The forty acres where the nature center is located was once in private ownership and was purchased by the County of Los Angeles because of its unique features. Surrounding U.S. Forest Service lands were then added to enhance the park. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation now operates this area as one of its Natural Areas facilities.

The most conspicuous features of the park are geological. The Punchbowl is a deep canyon cut by the runoff of large quantities of water from the higher San Gabriel Mountains occurring over a long period of time. These mountain peaks above the park are 8,000 feet in elevation while the Nature Center is located at 4,740 feet above sea level. The peculiar uptilted rock formations to be seen in the entire area are layers of sedimentary rocks that were formed long ago by the depositing of loose material in horizontal layers by water. Later they were squeezed into their present steeply-tilted form by the continuing action of uplift along the Punchbowl and Pinyon Faults and pressures along the San Andreas Fault. The Punchbowl Fault is to the south of the rock formation while the Pinyon and San Andreas Faults are to the north. A detailed description of the process theories is available in handout form from the Nature Center.

Optional: As long as we're here, we can hike the short Punchbowl Loop after the initial hike.

Optional: Lunch after at Charlie Brown Farms in Little Rock. Looking for Venison, Elk or Alligator meat? Then this is the place for you. Also, for those who've been looking for the perfect life size caveman to adorn your living room - they've got it!

Punchbowl Site (https://www.devils-punchbowl.com/)

Charlie Brown Farms (https://charliebrownfarms.com/)

Directions: Head North out of the San Fernando Valley on the 5 or 405 to the 14 North (Antelope Valley Fwy). Exit 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. We can set up a carpool point as we get closer to the hike date. There are additional directions on the Punchbowl Site linked above. It's roughly 65 + miles from the middle of the valley. Parking is free!

PLEASE - Know your limits and abilities. Bring and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while carrying on a conversation with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun. Well behaved dogs are welcome on this one, but need to be picked up after.

All hikers must have a recognizable profile photo to join any of my hikes. No exceptions.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Valencia Hiking Meetup Group and it's organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Valencia Hikers Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hikers Meetup Group and it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

Rain cancels.

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Devil's Chair and Devil's Punchbowl in Pearblossom

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Devil's Chair and Devil's Punchbowl in Pearblossom

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