One thing that the American Southwest has in spades is interesting rock formations—the geological variety of the landscape makes for stunning vistas and exciting exploration. Just inside Los Angeles County resides the Devil’s Punchbowl county park, which allows us surface-dwellers observe the notorious San Andreas Fault and its effects on the Earth. Many short trails branch off from the trailhead, leading off to a variety of fascinating formations. Most notable is the Punchbowl itself, a steep V-shaped canyon that drops 300 feet at the vista point. Composed of sedimentary rocks inclined in steep layers, it’s an unsettling yet beautiful sight. The visitor center at the canyon’s base offers guided park tours as well as an on-site 11-inch telescope for viewing some of the area’s formations that aren’t accessible on foot. Entering the park also gives you an in-depth view of California’s plant biomes, with each change in elevation revealing a different assortment of flora and fauna.
Devil’s Punchbowl
28098 County Highway N6
Pearblossom, CA 93553
(661) 944-2743
www.devils-punchbowl.com
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