High Desert Recreation Trail

Closest Major City: Pearlblossom

Distance: You Pick

Description:
The highlights of this ride are the majestic scenery, long climbs, and the spectacular view of the Devil's Punchbowl from above. From the trailhead in the parking lot, head West on the High Desert Recreation Trail. You will quickly cross a stream. This can get deep so be warned. From here, the trail climbs steadily including some tight switchbacks. You will then drop down the other side of the saddle and cross another stream. Climb a tough steep section and you will come across the Devil's Chair Trail. Stay on the main trail here. From here continue up the hill. The trail will level off and encounter a dirt road that leads down to the Devil's Punchbowl. Stay on the trail and cross the road. You will enter a cool dense forest that will be a welcome site on a hot summer day. On the other side of the forest, and start climbing some more with some tough loose sections to an intersection with another dirt road. An old windmill is the landmark here. This is your turnaround point or you can go up the dirt road and catch the Burkhart Trail.

Directions to the trail:
From CA 138 (Pearlblossom HWY) in the town of Pearlblossom, head South on Longview. Follow the signs to Devil's Puchbowl Co. Park. Turn left onto Valyermo Rd. and go East for several miles to Big rock Creek Rd. Turn south on Big Rock Creek Rd and head up the hill for a few more miles to the spur road to the South Fork Campground. The trailhead parking is just before the campground.