Punch Bowl Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · Geological Significance · Views

The nearest restroom facilities are at the Campground area which can be accessed from a small connector trail on the Punch Bowl Trail.

The Punch Bowl Trail can start from either a short connector that leads back to the campground, or from the Lower Picnic Area Trail. If starting at the Lower Picnic Area Trail, the trail turns to the right while the Mill Trail continues straight ahead. The dirt trail gently climbs a small hill, with a bench on the right hand side where you can rest. The trail winds its way through the woods before crossing two bridges before entering the Punch Bowl.

Here, you'll encounter ferns and other plants that require more moisture as a small creek runs through this area providing the vegetation water throughout the year. Taking a look around, you can see where the creek has carved out the rocks in the shape of a bowl. The stream has created overhangs where the rock is smooth from centuries of water flowing through the area.

After running through the area and looking up at the cliffs that are above you, you climb some steps that are cut into the hillside before climbing up a scaffolding of wooden steps to the top of the hill. After a short run to a clearing, you end up at the junction with the Canyon Ridge Trail, which you can take to get back down to the Lower Picnic Area Trail and work your way back to your vehicle.

This area has a lot of moisture, so there are more ferns and vegetation that thrive off of water.