The Devil's Punchbowl is the hidden gem of Los Angeles County. Nestled into the northern foothills of the San Gabriel mountain range, this county park is blessed with white sandstone strata, pushed skyward by the geologic activity of the San Andreas Fault and other nearby fault lines.
These soft slabs are beautiful to see and great to climb. While many do not care for slab climbing, or feel uncomfortable on sandstone, the climbing here presents a variety of style in a beautiful setting where the high desert meets the mountains. Although not a replacement for the sport climbing of the now closed Williamson area, anyone looking for a change from the routine, or needing to work on their slab technique, should give DPB a try. And soft sandstone is very easy on the fingertips! Just remember to always pull down on flakes, never outward. ;-)
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and there are no fees associated. This is a very popular spot for day hikers and nature classes. The County of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation department offers many guided hikes and other activities for visitors. Please go to devils-punchbowl.com for more information. Be sure also to check out the live snake collection in the welcome center and say hello to Ruth
Some years ago there was a move to ban climbing in the Punch Bowl. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed. But for the purpose of keeping this wonderful area open to climbing, please be very respectful of the area, obey park rules, use only proper trails, pack out everything that you bring in, and note that no new route development is allowed, and no bolting. If you find bolts in need of replacement, please contact the ASCA, and they can work with the Parks and Rec department of Los Angeles County on our behalf.
Amenities: There are several small markets in Pearblossom for basic supplies, near and on the corner of CA-138 and Longview. There are a couple restaurants nearby these markets, as well as a wider selection in the towns of Little Rock and Palmdale, not far to the west, along the CA-138.
Camping: There are two campgrounds nearby with sites for tents as well as RV's. Both have toilets and fire pits, one has running water. Both require an Adventure Pass and according to the first link (scroll down to find the campgrounds, listed in alphabetical order), both are free. But according to the second link, South Fork charges $8/night.
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Los Angeles, CA
If you don't know how to pull the old bolts W/out damaging the rock. You have no business rebolting Stop scaring the rock. The Ranger is going to get upset. May 18, 2013
Sherman Oaks, CA
As rock climbers, we are all responsible for protecting the rock. It is important for maintaining the beauty of the places we climb, the integrity of the routes, as well as the security of our sport. No one wants a crag to be shut down due to mistreatment. So, It's important to be careful and know what you're doing if you're placing a bolt. It not only scars the rock, but climbers trust that bolt with their lives.
While climbing "Upper Bolt Route," I saw an old, 1/4 bolt, with half a nut rusted onto a dilapidated hanger, and said to myself, "what the hell am I doing here?" I was not falling. That's what I was doing there. Many of the anchors on this wall are rusted, and some chain anchors are linked with a single wrap ring, which isn't redundant. On the whole, I think this place could use a major overhaul. Oct 27, 2014
littlerock CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
If looking for attitude, its off left of the road in/parking area. If you are looking for Vdirect, walk past the station on your left and keep going straight. We took the loop trail left, and followed the stream up. I feel like there is an easier way because leaving, we found the trail very quickly. Jul 27, 2020