California · February 2016
Hike Summary
Distance:
7.5 miles out and back
Total Elevation Gain:
1,200 ft
Starting Elevation:
4,750 ft
Highest Point:
5,364 ft
Hike Time:
3 to 4 hrs
Difficulty:
Moderate
Seasons:
All
Dogs:
Allowed on Leash
The Devil's Punchbowl sits on top of the San Andreas Fault, and a hike to the Devil's Chair is a great way to experience the area up close.
If you're short on time or don't want to make the extra effort, there are quick hikes down to the Punchbowl located next to the visitor center.
If you choose to hike all the way to the Devil's Chair, you should bring plenty of your own water.
The trail starts from the parking lot and follows the Burkhart Trail before the signed split to the Devil's Chair.
Beginning the hike, the exposed uphill ascent can be pretty discouraging if it's hot and the sun is out.
Soon, however, the trail levels out and you will be protected by the mountains to the north for most of the hike.
In the winter, you might see snow on the northern slopes of the Angeles National Forest and there may even be light snow on parts of the trail.
Devil's Punchbowl
The end of the hike is mostly downhill before you reach a narrow ridge for views into the Devil's Chair.
The rocks here take on very different colors than what you can see in the Punchbowl at the visitor center.
Directions
The Devil's Punchbowl is located on the north side of the Angeles National Forest, near Valyermo, California. The hike to the Devil's Chair starts at the Burkhart trailhead located at the southeast corner of the visitor parking lot.
1
Burkhart Trailhead: 34.413861, -117.858611
2
The Devil's Chair: 34.402423, -117.845799
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