Devil’s Chair Trail Guide
Devil’s Chair Trail is a moderate 2-mile out-and-back hike located in the San Gabriel Mountains, California, in Los Angeles County. This trail offers hikers a unique opportunity to explore geological features along the Punchbowl Fault, with stunning views from the distinctive “Devil’s Chair” viewpoint.
The trail winds through diverse landscapes, showcasing a transition from lush pine forests to more arid plant communities, making it a rewarding experience for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts alike.
Trail Details
| Trail type | Out-and-back |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length | 3.8 miles |
| Elevation gain/loss | 557 feet / -557 feet |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 34.413762, -117.858502 |
| Location | San Gabriel Mountains, San Diego County |
| Season | Year-round |
| Information Number | 626-588-5364 |
Getting to Devil’s Chair Trailhead
The Devil’s Chair Trailhead begins near the bathrooms next to the parking lot of the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area and Nature Center. The address is 28000 Devil’s Punchbowl Rd. Valyermo, CA 93563.
The Trail
About 350 feet from the parking lot, the trail splits and you’ll take the right fork to head onto Devil’s Chair Trail. There is a sign with a map of the trail here.
The terrain features a mix of rocky paths and shaded forested sections, predominantly composed of tall pines. As you make your way along the trail, take time to observe the geological formations that characterize this area.
About halfway through the hike, the trail opens up to stunning vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains and the surrounding canyons.
The terrain shifts as you descend slightly toward the viewpoint, where you will encounter the fenced “Devil’s Chair.” This unique rock formation offers a dramatic drop-off and provides an excellent vantage point to see the pinkish Punchbowl sandstone and the intricate geological features caused by the Punchbowl Fault.
From the chair, you can see the line extending up the ridge, marking the intersection of various faults, including the nearby Pinyon Fault and the San Andreas Fault. The viewpoint also allows for panoramic views of Pinyon Ridge and the basin below.
As you descend, the lush forests gradually give way to the shorter rounded Pinyon Pines, reflecting the shift from shaded to more exposed and arid conditions.
