Overnight Waterfall Backpack -- Get Punchy at Santa Paula Punchbowl

Waterfalls. Punchbowls. A beautiful hike. What more do you need for an over-nighter?

This will be a relatively short backpack in Ojai, about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, but its filled with beauty and will have some fun challenges. I've done this trail many times, and it's great for a quick weekend backpack that doesn't chew up your entire weekend.

The trail to the campground will be about 5 miles with 1,000 feet of gain.

It is a trip that is suitable for people who are new to backpacking or experienced.

Bring a bathing suit! There is a swimming area.

PARKING
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead. There is also parking up the road if that is full. It requires no pass. I have parked here many times without incident. That said, anytime you park for an overnight hike, it is sensible not to leave anything valuable in your car or anything that can be seen.

If you’ve never been to this location before, plan to arrive early in case you need extra time to find us.

ABOUT YOUR EVENT LEADER
I am Joe. I am a writer and outdoor adventurer. I have been to half of the 63 national parks, and am on a quest to see them all. I have backpacked Yellowstone, Sequoia, and have a special affinity for spending the night under a canopy of trees. I have been a meetup hiking leader for 2 years with various groups. I’ve enjoyed leading hikes throughout Southern California and appreciate the great people I’ve met. Please send me a note if you have questions about this trip!

GEAR

Everyone is responsible for bringing their own gear and food.
Here is a checklist of items:

• A backpack to carry your equipment
• A sleeping bag
• A tent
• A sleeping pad
• A headlamp or flashlight
• Food
• Water bottle or water reservoir
• Hand sanitizer
• Jacket, hat, etc.
• a swimsuit

Optional:

• Trekking poles (recommended, and helpful for river crossings)
• Bowl/mug/eating utensil
• Small quick-dry towel
• Sanitation trowel (to dig hole if you need to poop)

I plan to start the hike with 2 liters of water. There will be water to filter at the campground, and much of the trail follows a river.
Here you will find a checklist from REI which is helpful:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

For those new to backpacking (or if it’s been a while), please review these basics:

TIPS FOR PACKING YOUR BACKPACK
https://youtu.be/IIRKbKy3YP4
HOW TO TREAT WATER
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/water-treatment-howto.html
BEAR SAFETY
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-in-bear-country.html
LEAVE NO TRACE - BEST PRACTICES
https://tinyurl.com/27yvmnfm

LEGAL STUFF
By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group actives.

DISCLAIMER:
As an organizer I assume absolutely no responsibility for you, your safety, or your belongings. I am simply a "backpacking-companion", nothing more. If you choose to participate you assume all responsibility for yourself and agree not to hold me or the meetup group liable in any way. Make sure you do not participate on a hike do not feel capable of doing without putting yourself or your health at risk. If in any doubt, please research the event further and/or contact the organizer.