| Where: | San Gabriel Mountains |
| Mileage: | 7.5 miles |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Recommended: | Go early in the day |
To get to the trailhead: Take Interstate 5 North. Exit onto 14N toward Palmdale. After 30 miles or so, take exit 30 to Pearblossom Highway. Turn right onto 87th Str. Turn left onto Fort Tejon, right onto Longview, and left on Tumbleweed. Here you will find a parking lot. Parking is free, but closes at sunset.
Description:
Devil’s Punchbowl County Park is situated in a remote area on the northern side of the San Gabriel Mountains. The rock formations in this area are a direct result of the San Andreas and Punchbowl Faults.
0845 start – 1015 finish – I zoomed through this trail as I had to get back to town. I would recommend spending some time here.
Begin at the north end of the parking lot for about .9 miles on a fire road. You’ll catch a few glimpses of the Devil’s Punchbowl as the trees allow. After the first .9 miles you will hit the Devil’s Chair trail; this is considered high desert area. The trail stays level on the side of the mountain at about 5,000 feet. There are some slight descents and ascents during the middle section of the trail. Most of this part of the trail is more exposed and provides views of Antelope Valley –lucky for me it was a clear day.
Finally at the last portion of the trail I ran into the first hiker on her way out. She had the right idea. I sat at the edge looking out while I snacked and had a refreshing drink.
The Devil’s Chairs gives a 180 degree view of one of the most active rift zones in the world and what happens to the ground. On the way back I saw a few crowds were coming in.
Note to self: Come early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. During summer months it can get extremely hot.