Mileage: Approx 7.5 miles
Elevation: Unsure
Gain/Loss: Approx 1,000
They say: Moderate
We say: Actually really easy.
What it is: We had planned a backpacking trip to the Superstition Mountains, but yet another storm blew in that promised high winds, rain and snow. Since I was sick, and the Supes are a good 7 hour drive, and we weren’t to sure we wanted to drive into a sandstorm, we stayed home. In order to curb our disappointment (and to coddle my illness which was on the verge of laying me out of I didn’t rest) I decided to take the Sherpa and Adventure Dog on a traipse through the snow on the other side of the San Gabriels. The terrain was lovely and of course, covered with a heavy layer of snow. We hiked in our waterproof boots (snowshoes are recommended but Jonnie and I both have strong opinions about walking around on giant palates of metal and plastic) and Lhotse hiked barefoot. We made snow angels along the way, and Lhotse ate snow. I haven’t done this hike sans snow, but I hear the rock bands in the area are notable. All in all, it’s a fun hike any time of year, especially during a “staycation”.
Please DO: This hike, at some point. It’s really nice.
Please DON’T: Walk the trail for Devil’s Punchbowl after rain – it makes for a gnarly mudbath. Like walking in pudding.
What you need to bring: Waterproof boots and maybe trekking poles if you refuse to wear snowshoes.
What you want to bring: Cash to buy burritos in town after.
How to get there: Take Highway 14, exit at State Route 138 (Palmdale Blvd) heading East. Following the SR 138 signs, turn right at 47th St. E, which will then bear left and turn into Fort Tejon Rd, and then left again, becoming Pearlblossom Hwy. After approx 16.6 miles, turn right at Longview Road (County Road N6). After 2.2 miles, turn left at Fort Tejon Rd., then .3 miles go right onto Longview Rd. In 2.3 miles, turn left at the sign onto Tumbleweed Rd, which will bear right onto Devil’s Punchbowl Rd. The road will end at the parking lot for the park.
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