Santa Paula Canyon along the creek to the Waterfall and the Punchbowls

Saturday 10 June, 2017 - Santa Paula Cyn, along the creek to the Waterfall and the Punch bowls

Distance: ~8 miles roundtrip - out and back hike

Gain: 1000' max

Hiking Time: 4 hours approx.

Rating: Moderate ++ (This is not a beginner's hike, you need to be in good physical condition, especially if it is warm).

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. The area is on the way to Ventura so we can expect temperatures to be lower than Santa Clarita.

Although the address is the actual college, we will begin the hike outside on the road at the old gate to St. Thomas Aquinas College. Then we follow the signs for the trail, staying on the road and off the school grounds. After 0.5 miles we begin our hike on the Santa Paula Canyon Trail. The trail takes us along the river, by Big Cone and Cross Camp. We will see several swimming holes and enjoy some great views into the gorge.

The Punch Bowls are a lot of fun and should have some water. Bring a pair of water shoes if you have them and prepare to get wet. Unfortunately the area now has a lot of graffiti and some trash left by irresponsible people. Please bring a plastic bag to help remove some trash, on our way out.

Carpooling from Santa Clarita: If you wish to form carpools from Santa Clarita with other club members, we recommend you meet at Towsley Canyon (24255 The Old Road, Newhall, CA) at 6:45AM for a 7:00AM SHARP departure. I am sure by now that someone familiar with our "Carpool drill" will help get you organized.

Directions to Towsley Canyon / Rivendale Carpool spot: From Valencia, take the I-5 South to the Calgrove Blvd exit. Exit, turn right. Go through the light and almost immediately turn right into the driveway for Towsley Canyon/ Rivendale. Park OUTSIDE the gate (look for club members near the gate).
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.

Meet your leader at the trailhead:

George will meet you at the old gate outside the entrance to St. Thomas Aquinas College, 10000 N. Ojai Road (CA-150) , Santa Paula, CA, at 7:45AM to start up the trail at 8:00AM SHARP.

Directions to trail head from Santa Clarita: Take the I-5 north and exit at Newhall Ranch Rd (exit 172), left at top of ramp, on to CA-126. Drive 28 miles and exit in Santa Paula at 10th/CA-150 (For Ojai). Turn right on to 10th St. and go 0.5 miles until the road makes a slight jog right to become the Ojai Rd/CA-150. Follow this road about 5 more miles until you see the gates of St. Thomas College (on the right). It is best to park off the road in a turnout just before the bridge / gates, on the left. Leave nothing valuable showing in your car.

Bring: Plenty of water (3 - 4 L, if it is very hot), 1 L electrolytes, a snack, shoes with good tread, a hat, sunscreen and your camera.

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 probably a good deal of Poison oak, so please bring appropriate light clothing (long poly pants/ sleeves).

Adventure Pass: Not Required.

Leader: George