Devil’s Punchbowl Hike

Jer and I have fond memories of hiking Devil’s Punchbowl as kids in California. I remember going on an elementary school field trip and feeling like it was an extraordinary place because ladybugs were everywhere. My grandmother had told me that ladybugs were good luck, so I was delighted to be surrounded by so much fortune. Now we have returned with our own kids!

This hike is short enough for young families to enjoy, and safe while you hold hands or carry kids at trickier spots. The Nature center is temporarily closed during the pandemic, but masks and social distancing allow for hiking to continue.

There was refreshing water flowing in the middle of the 1mi loop, which is not always the case. Actually it was my first time being able to enjoy water here, so that was rewarding! We encountered dragonflies, flowering cacti, amazing rock formations, and beautiful desert life along the way.