Hike the Santa Paula Punch Bowls

This is an 8.5 mile trail, out and back. Parking is available along Ojai St, and the trail starts at the entrance of Thomas Aquinas College. Follow the paved road which goes around the school, until you reach a fork on the road, then stay right. The trail will take you through Ferndale Ranch, just keep going straight and the trail will end once you see a fenced gate, with several oil pumps inside. Make your way to the left, and follow the edge of the fence, until you reach the Santa Paula Creek. At this point, you can just follow the creek upstream, until you see the trail on the opposite side of the stream. Cross the stream with caution, to follow the trail (be aware that the stream could be really strong on days with heavy rains, so be careful!).

Continue to follow the creek upstream, and you will find another place to cross it. If you see a lot of graffiti covered rocks, you're on the right path. You will then pass by a camp called Big Cone Camp, just pass through it and you will eventually find a fork on the trail. Left leads to the Punchbowl, right leads to the Slides.

To get to the Punchbowl, just scramble over the big rocks to your right side. Soon enough you will see the swimming hole with the waterfall.

To get to the Slides, go back and continue upstream, and about a quarter mile you will reach a spot directly above the Punchbowls. Keep following the trail parallel to the creek, at the 4 mile mark you will find Cross Camp, and the trail ends when you hit a narrow slot canyon. The Slides are about a quarter mile up the canyon.

Be safe at all times! Rocks may be very slippery.

Go back the same way you came in.