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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.