Santa Paula Canyon to the Punchbowls

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/c/4/600_439802244.jpeg

Distance: 8 miles roundtrip - out and back hike

Gain: 200'

Hiking Time: 4 hours approx.

Rating: Moderate +++

Description: This hike will lead you into a peaceful world of waterfalls, swimming holes, tranquil pools, and shaded woodlands but does see heavy use on weekends.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/0/3/7/600_439793303.jpeg

We will begin the hike at the entrance to St. Thomas Aquinas College. Follow the signs and please stay on the road. After 0.5 miles you will begin your hike on the Santa Paula Canyon Trail. The trail will take you by Big Cone and Cross Camp. We will hike by many swimming holes and have great views into the gorge.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/d/f/600_439802271.jpeg

The Punch Bowls are a lot of fun, bring a pair of water shoes and prepare to get wet. Unfortunately the area now has a lot of graffiti and some trash left by irresponsible people. On our way out please bring a plastic bag to help remove some trash.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/0/2/6/600_439793286.jpeg

Carpool: The address above is for the trailhead. If you would like to carpool with other club members meet at Towsley Canyon (24255 The Old Road, Newhall, CA) at 6:45AM for a 7:00AM SHARP departure to the trailhead.

The Leader will meet you at the trailhead.

Please be respect­ful of your driver’s sup­port by con­tribut­ing some­thing at the end of your car­pool to help defray the cost of gas — THX.

Alternatively, you can meet the group outside of the Thomas Aquinas College on the Ojai Santa Paula Rd (CA-150) at 07:45AM. We will start up the trail at 8:00AM SHARP.

Directions: Take the I-5 north and exit Newhall Ranch Rd (exit 172). Turn left onto CA-126. Drive 28 miles and exit on 10th/CA-150. Turn right onto 10th St. Go 0.5 miles and make a slight right onto Ojai Rd/CA-150. Follow the road to St. Thomas College and park off the road on the left.

Bring: Plenty of water (3 - 4 L, if it is very hot), electrolytes, a snack, and shoes with good tread. Sunscreen.

Dogs: OK, if well behaved around other dogs and hikers with poles. If bringing one, please drive yourself to the trail head.

Notice: There is a lot of Poison Ivy, so please bring appropriate clothing.

Adventure Pass: Not Required.

Leader: George

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/d/d/7/600_435640407.jpeg