Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair
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Features
About this place
Catch amazing views of rock formations caused by seismic activity on one of the multiple trails for different experience levels. There's also the possibility of longer backpacking trips through the high country. The park is dog friendly and has no parking or use fees.
What a hidden gem! A martian landscape full of faultline desert rock formations and joshua trees against a mountainous backdrop of the San Gabriels. Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area features a 1 mile well-marked, well-maintained single track loop trail inside the Punchbowl (great for kids) and a 7 mile trail to the Devil's Chair, a fin rock formation that offers panoramic vistas of the valley floor and the jutting sandstone formations. The second trail also features connections to trails that lead to the high country. Be sure to drop by the visitor's center for some great information on the wildlife, flora and fauna, and geological history of the area. Ask for a map, too!
Free entry, no parking fees or passes required. This hike is suitable year-round but just be careful of the high temperatures during the summer and early fall months. Winter and spring are spectacular if and when it snows.
The trail is easy to follow and is about 8 miles out and back. The trailhead is right behind the porta potty in the parking lot. Keep left at the greenish water shed and continue for about 3 miles where you will start a series of switchbacks. You'll begin to see the chair as you traverse the ridge; be careful not to pass it, just keep following the trail coming up behind it. You will eventually reach a narrow ledge that overlooks the canyon with metal railing on either side – be careful and watch your step! Once you've reached the plateau, you can rest, eat a snack, and take in the gorgeous colorful view below and around. Yeah!
If you are into rock climbing, bring your gear! So many fun rock faces and shears to explore.
Leave No Trace
