Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 8:00 – Hike the Devils Chair
· Hike leader volunteer(s): Paul
· Distance: ~ 7.5 Miles total (out and back style)
· Elevation gain: 1,463 ft
· Time: Approximately 4.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
· Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
· Dogs: Dogs are welcome but need to be on a leash.
· Hiking Poles – recommended.
· Restrooms – At the Trail Head.
· Adventure Pass – Not Required.
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below) – mainly for an 1400 feet of trail gain as well as narrow trails, with step vertical edges in some places.
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
- Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
- Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
- Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
- Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
- Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
Description:
The Devil’s Chair hike offers a geological journey through the rugged landscapes of the San Gabriel Mountains. As we traverse the trail, we will encounter a diverse array of geological features, showcasing the area’s complex tectonic history. The hike leads us through ancient sedimentary layers, evidence of the region’s marine past millions of years ago, while also exposing them to the effects of more recent faulting and uplift, sculpting dramatic cliffs and canyons along the way.
At the pinnacle of the hike stands the Devils Chair, a striking rock formation perched precariously on the edge of a sheer cliff. This geological marvel is a testament to the forces of erosion and weathering that have shaped the landscape over millennia. From this vantage point, hikers can behold breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, offering a glimpse into the geological processes that continue to shape this dynamic and ever-changing terrain.
Meet your leader at the Trail Head: Meet at the Parking Lot near the trail head at 8:00AM for an 8:15 AM SHARP departure.
· What3Words Map and Navigation (///replant.appreciated.works)
· GPS Location: (34.413873784621266, -117.85865452742534):
· Address: 28000 Devil’s Punchbowl Rd Valyermo, CA 93563
Bring: Lunch/ snack, lots of water (2 – 3 liters), and a camera.
Wear: Layered clothing, hat, sunscreen, shoes with good tread, and long pants because there is a lot of Poodle Dog Bush along the trail.
Other Notes: Most of the trail is a single-track out to the Devils Chair and if hiking along steep trails freaks you out this is not the trail for you.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities. The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization.
We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
