Hiking Trail Guide: Pothole - Aqua Blanca Loop

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Pothole - Aqua Blanca Loop

Distance
11 miles

Elevation
2200 feet gain

Difficulty
7/10

City
Piru ,CA (93040) 43.78 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From Interstate 5 at Castaic Junction, head west on Highway 126 some 11 miles to the turnoff for Lake Piru. Head north on the road, which is called Main Street for 7 miles, at which point you will encounter an entrance kiosk for Lake Piru Recreation Area. Follow the road towards the Blue Point Campground, but be forewarned, the you may not be able to get all the way to the trailhead as this area was closed to automobile traffic due to an endangered frog.

Description

The Devil's gateway is the main attraction of this hike. It is 50 foot deep, quarter mile long slot cut into shear rock by Aqua Blanca creek. When water conditions are low, you can wade this spectacular section of the creek (note that the trail goes around the gateway). The hike along Aqua Blanca creek is also quite wonderful.

This is the most difficult day hike I have ever done. Trail conditions are poor, route finding is difficult, and access is a challenge. Although we list this as a 11.5 mile hike, motorized vehicle access to the trailhead is closed approximately 4 miles before you reach the Pothole trailhead. This adds 8 miles to the overall hike. I would strongly recommend bring a bike to ride to the trailhead.

I would also suggest skipping the pothole trail and simply hiking along Aqua Blanca creek to the Devil's gateway and back. Perhaps it was the time of year, but I did not feel that Pothole was all that interesting.

Map / Directions: