Santa Paula Punchbowl and Slides

This is NOT a hike for Beginners

I am limiting the attendance due to parking. I will be keeping track of no shows and last minute changes which will affect you on future limited attendance hikes. Please keep your RSVPs up to date (at least 12 hours in advance).

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Length: 8.5 miles (Some Exploring Included)
Elevation Gain: 1000ft
Dogs: See Below
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Difficulty: Moderate
Sunset: 8:07pm
What to Bring:

• Water
• Snacks
• Flashlight (Just in case)
• Clothes you don't mind getting wet in
• Sweater/Jacket if you get cold easy.

I have not done this whole hike so there will be some Exploration.

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The trail takes you through picturesque St. Thomas Aquinas College, then along the shady banks of Santa Paula creek. There are numerous water crossings and rock hopping so you may get wet. Along the way, we will see plenty of swimming holes, which is capped by a spectacular 25 foot waterfall just past Big Cone Camp. I also plan to explore further explore the area and find the slides which are further up the creek (45min is what I read).

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/b/a/8/event_228596232.jpegThis hike is a perfect example of how vandalism can destroy such a beautiful place. There is graffiti and trash everywhere on this trail and it is one of the worst I have seen. This hike has turned into a party area and many people who do not respect nature go.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/d/1/0/event_228596592.jpegA recent flood washed out a lot of the trail as we get closer to the waterfall. There are times where we will be guessing where the trail is. I have scouted most of the hike (did not make the waterfall due to time constraint) and I was mostly following the graffiti.

An excellent writeup for this hike can be found here:
http://whatnext.theoutdoorschool.org/Whats_Next/Punchbowl.html

Dogs:
Dogs are allowed in this area, but be aware that their is lots of water crossings, rock hoppings and poison oak. Dogs are not allergic to poison oak, but the oils stick to the fur and you can get it from petting them. I took my two dogs when I scouted the area, and I had to lift them up some rocks and washed one of them off when I got home. I am leaving them at home for the hike with the group.

Carpooling (Optional but Recommended) Meets at 11am:
There is limited parking in this area. Due to that, I am arranging a carpool spot at the Park N Ride off of Collins Drive in Moorpark. The address is

200 Arroyo Dr
Moorpark, CA 93021
http://goo.gl/maps/WS8fT

Biggest Dangers:

Snakes Poison Oak Slipping and falling Car Theft (There are reports of people breaking into cars in this area) Directions:
The hike starts at the entrance to Thomas Aquinas College on Highway 150. From Highway 126 take the 10th Street/Highway 150 exit and travel northwest 5.7 miles to the first parking area on the left and another 0.2 mile to the second parking area on the right.
Note that you must walk through a portion of the campus to reach the trailhead, but we will meet in front of the college where we park.

Rain will postpone this hike.

Pending Hike Requests:

• Eagle Rock (Topanga State Park)
• Paramount Ranch
• Eaton Canyon

Disclaimer / Release of Liability:
You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.