Saturday, July 8, 2023 – Santa Paula Cyn, along the creek to the Waterfall and the Punch bowls
Smartphones – Please read the full hike description before RSVP!
DISTANCE: ~8 tp 10 miles roundtrip – out and back style hike
GAIN: ~ 1000′
HIKING TIME: ~ 5 hours
RATING: Moderate + (Not a beginner’s hike, you need to be in good physical condition for this). Recommend Trecking Polls, water shoes ( or shoes you do not mind getting wet,) and perhaps even a swim suite.
*** NOTE: For safety, Rain or Extreme Heat at the trail will cancel hike ***
DESCRIPTION: This hike will lead you into a peaceful world of waterfalls, swimming holes, tranquil pools, and shaded woodlands but does have some heavier use on weekends. The area is on the way to Ventura so we can expect temperatures to be lower than Santa Clarita.
We begin the hike outside St. Thomas Aquinas College on the road/ lot across the bridge from the gate to the College. Then we will make our way up the road to the trailhead. After 0.5 miles, the trail takes us along the river, by Big Cone Camp 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 and keep in mind you will likely get wet.
Carpooling from Santa Clarita:
Recommend meeting and the back end of the Walmart parking lot at Kelly Jonson Parkway if you are going to carpool.
MEET YOUR LEADERS:
At the trailhead, 6:15AM for 6:30AM SHARP START up the trail.
Meet at the old gate outside the entrance to St. Thomas Aquinas College, 10000 N. Ojai Road, Santa Paula, CA.
DIRECTIONS to trailhead (34.42629, -119.08943) from Santa Clarita:
From I-5 exit at Newhall Ranch Rd to CA-126 West. 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.
Drive time: From 5 FWY / 126 SCV WY intersection is ~ 40 mins, check Google/ Waze.
BRING Plenty of water (2 – 3 L, if it is hot), 1 L of electrolytes, a snack, shoes with good tread, a hat, sunscreen, and your camera. Poles if you have them to steady yourself if you need to cross streams.
Dogs: Ok if well-behaved and on a leash.
NOTES: There is Poison oak, so wear appropriate light clothing with long poly pants/ sleeves. No restrooms at the trailhead, please plan accordingly. Shorts will work but just be aware of the poison oak.
Adventure Pass: Not Required.
Leader: Paul and Gary