Devil’s Punchbowl Trail (10W09) to Devil’s Chair (Pearblossom)

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/b/c/c/event_205291692.jpegDESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderately strenuous 8 miles RT with 2,100’ of elevation gain/loss.
The Devil’s Punchbowl is the point at which the San Andreas Fault and the Punchbowl Fault meet; it is part of the San Andreas Rift Zone. The resulting spectacular geological formations and their coloring are awe-inspiring. Our hike will take us along the mostly shaded (by pine trees) rim of the Punchbowl to Devil’s Chair, a breathtaking overlook with 360-degree views of the geologic formations. A rainbow of rock surrounds Devil’s Chair with pink-streaked chalk-white cliffs, undulating tan crags, chocolate brown slabs, and green-gray ledges set against the green of the mountains and the blue sky.

PREPAREDNESS: Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy.

NOTE: At the beginning of each outing you will be required to read and sign a liability release form (a sign-in sheet).

DIRECTIONS TO THE CARPOOL LOCATION IN SIMI VALLEY:

Take Hwy 118 to the Stearns Street exit in Simi Valley.
If you’re approaching FROM THE WEST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive north under Hwy 118, make a U-turn at the first opportunity, drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.
If you’re approaching FROM THE EAST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.
Park and wait for the hiking leader(s) who will distribute specific driving directions to the trailhead.

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD IN THE DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL NATURAL AREA (for anyone who intends to meet us at the trailhead) – NOTE: You should be at the Devil’s Punchbowl Nature Center (see below) by 9:30 a.m.

From the junction of I-5 and Hwy 14 (the Antelope Valley Freeway) - - -
Drive 29 miles northeast on Hwy 14 to the Pearblossom Highway exit (#30).
Take the Pearblossom Highway exit and then turn left (north) onto Sierra Highway
Drive 0.8 mile north on Sierra Highway (at which point Sierra Highway makes veers off to the left, but do NOT veer left).
Continue straight ahead (east) 8.3 miles on Pearblossom Highway to its intersection with 87th Street.
Turn right (south) onto 87th Street and drive 0.7 mile to its intersection with Fort Tejon Road.
Turn left (southeast) onto Fort Tejon Road and drive 5.2 miles to its junction with 131st Street / Longview Road.
Turn right (south) onto 131st Street / Longview Road and drive 2.3 miles to its junction with Tumbleweed Road.
Drive 0.4 mile east on Tumbleweed Road at which point the road bends to the left (southeast) and the name changes to Devils Punchbowl Road.
Drive 2.6 miles southeast on Devils Punchbowl Road to the parking lot adjacent to the Devil’s Punchbowl Nature Center.
Park and wait for the hiking leader(s) and the rest of the hikers.

DISCLAIMER:

The organizer(s) or leader(s) take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during any Rancho Simi Trail Blazers Club (RSTB) hike/outing. These events can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen.

By participating voluntarily you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being and acknowledge, appreciate, and in consideration for being allowed to participate in any way you further agree:

1. The risk of injury from the many of the activities is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and
2. TO KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others and assume full responsibility for your participation; and
3. To willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, you observe any unusual significant hazard during your presence or participation, you will remove yourself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and
4. You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, its organizers, officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises used to conduct the event ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Activity participant agrees that this release will apply to all known and unknown as well as unanticipated claims, injures and damages resulting from group activities, as well as those now disclosed and all rights under section 1542 of the Civil Code of California and hereby are expressly waived. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California reads as follows:
“A general release does not extend to claims which the (participant) does not know or suspect to exist in his (or her) favor, at the time of execution of the release, which if known by him (or her) must have materially affected his (or her) (participation and agreeing to) the release.”

By participating in any group event or activity, you hereby, for yourself, your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, your executors and administrators, waive any and all rights and claims for damages you may have against any and all entities and individuals associated with the group, their representatives, successors and assigns and will hold them harmless and free of all liability or claim of negligence related to any and all injuries, disability, illness, death, loss or damage to person or property, suffered in connection with any and all activities organized by the group.