DEEP CREEK HOT SPRINGS
deep creek hot springs
DEEP CREEK HOT SPRINGS
CALIFORNIA
THE 6 POOLS . DAY CAMP SITES . THE OTHER TRAIL
SECRET CAMPING
Hidden amongst the desert foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains lies a natural hot spring on the deep creek fork of the Mojave River. This desert oasis, which like any quality nature experience must be earned in order to enjoy, is a confluence of extremes. Here, the high desert landscape interfaces with a flowing river. Here, the icy cold of the snowmelt and rainfall flows adjacent to pools heated from the earth’s core. Willow trees and cacti mingle amongst these soothing mineral springs contributing a unique and alien beauty to this special spot. This rich ecotone provides a complete detachment from any nearby reality as well as a serenity of both sprint and body. Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the quest and hike to find it.
In order to access this relaxation mecca, you must quest over the mountains, through the high desert, and into the unknown.
GETTING THERE
Amazing hand-drawn map given to you on you arrival at Bowen Ranch
BOWEN RANCH - 6221 Bowen Ranch Road, Apple Valley, CA 92308 (Trailhead + Parking)
$10 day fee per person - CASH (as of November 2019)
No Camping Allowed, sadly. I did years ago when you could get away with it, but I wouldn’t risk it now.
2-mile hike from Bowen Ranch to Hot Springs via lovely Hand-Drawn Map
No Glass or Campfires allowed, Pack-In/Pack-Out Experience
No restrooms or amenities at springs
No service to be found :)
Roughly a 2-hour drive out of the Los Angeles area, with 30 minutes of that being hard, slow, dirt-road-driving. Seriously, it feels like you are headed into a real-life, Hills-Have-Eyes-situation, but I promise the destination is there, as secret as it may be. Be sure you head there in a vehicle that can handle a bumpy dirt road. My Corolla has made it a few times, but every time I was afraid that it was at last the time, and that we would end up bottomed-out and un-findable by a tow truck.
I recommend as early a start as you can manage for your adventure. It takes 2 hours to drive there as well as about a 1-ish-hour hike down. That way, when you leave as the sun is setting, you get a full day of relaxation wonderment. Trust me, you will not want to leave and all the time spent there is still never enough time. Sigh… This is especially true in the “hot-springs-months” of October-March when, thanks to stupid Daylight Savings Time, the sun goes down way, way too early.
Do NOT trust your maps when it comes to finding this Secret Spot. I feel like there was some deal made with Waze and Google Maps to make sure people can’t find this place (which I respect). No signs are posted, and digital maps WILL lead you astray, that is, if you even have service by that point.
See below for the ACTUAL ROUTE to Bowen Ranch
(Roughly 2hrs from LA)
- 210E to 15N
- 15N for 27mi.
- Exit Main St., turn R
- Main St. for 7.2mi
- L on Rock Springs Rd. 2.8mi
- Continue onto Roundup Way 2mi
- L onto Central Rd. 0.5mi
- R onto Ocotillo Wy. 2.3mi
-R onto Bowen Ranch Rd. 3(?)mi
I always stop at the Stater Bros on Main Street in Hesperia, which is on the way to Bowen Ranch. I get a hand-made, fresh sandwich from the deli along with chips, water reserves (so much water, you guys!), canned beer or canned Underwood Wine or some other Whiteclaw-like option, fruit roll-ups, jerky, and/or anything else I may need/desire for my adventure. Just be aware, whatever you want to bring, you will have to haul it on your back. Consider the weight of everything you pack! No glass!
GENERAL INFO
The hike is a nice, leisurely, 2-mile downhill journey to the springs from Bowen Ranch, which means however, that the way back is a rather brutal uphill slog. Knowing this, you should consume as much of what you brought in as possible at the springs (water, food, etc.) in order to have an enjoyable ascent back to Bowen Ranch. Just save yourself some water for the hike back up to the ranch.
Warning: Unless you are very familiar with this trail, it is very easy to take a wrong turn or get lost, especially as it gets dark, so everyone in your party should have a paper map (given to you at your arrival), and a headlamp or lantern just in case. GPS systems (not your phone) or a compass are always recommended as well (but not necessary). See below for my Gear Recommendations.
Clothing -optional soak in “The Womb” pool
Deep Creek Hot Springs are also Clothing Optional (!!!), which means you will for sure see some naked strangers, if that is something you are concerned about (or into). It is also super chill and cool if you want to keep your suit on the whole time - no one cares. It's great. I do recommend going in the buff at least for some of your experience if you can. There is nothing quite like it and the relaxation factor is off the charts. It is a no-judgement-zone and it feels extremely liberating to be that free in the wild.
Please read my Hot Springs Do’s & Dont’s post if you are unfamiliar with Hot Springs etiquette.
You will have to cross the cold river stream at the end of your initial hike to get to the actual hot springs, so bring some Chacos/water shoes, or just be prepared to get cold and wet for a minute before you earn your delicious, steaming soak. It actually feels quite nice after your sun-exposed hike down.
Clothing-optional polar plunge into the cold Mojave River
THE SECRET SPOTS
THE SIX POOLS
There are 6+ unique pools to soak in at this special and natural anomaly. I say “6+” because one of the “pools” is a sand-bagged-off portion of the cold river with hot water from the springs pouring into it, making it a tolerable hybrid of cold and hot water. It is a lovely refresher. Be sure to check out each pool as they each have their own unique qualities and temperatures. In high Summer or deep Winter, you can always find a pool with a temperature to your liking.
Warning: Do not drink from the hot spring or from the creek. This area, and most hot springs, is home to a virulent parasite which thrives in the103 degree water and you can get very sick if you drink from this spring, however, by far, most injuries have occurred from people getting too intoxicated and falling from granite cliffs. Just be careful, friends.
However, if you fill water bottles from the copper pipe jammed in the granite from the source of "The Lobster Boil", this water has been superheated underground by the Earth’s magma (so cool!), and, subsequently, needs no more treatment than cooling in the rapids, upstream, for quality drinking water. With low levels of safe mineral content this water is tested twice a year by US EPA.
#2 Anniversary Pool - 107deg f
natural steps and holds from “Serenity” pool to “The Womb”
“The Lobster Boil” (#1) - The smallest and hottest pool, here the water comes gushing straight out of the rock and is a pipping-hot 117°f that locals calls "the crab cooker" or “Lobster Boil." It is not deep but it sure doesn’t need to be. I can only slide my lower legs into this shallow pool before becoming over-heated and lobster-red, however I have seen many champions fully submerge and lay flat in this scalding goodness.
“The Anniversary” (#3) - is typically around 104°f and has one of the best views of the area. This one you can submerge into up to about 3 or 4 feet.
“The Womb” (#4) - 103°f, and “Serenity” (#5) 101°f to 112°f are wonderful for a midday soak when the sun is highest. The Womb may be my favorite as it is deep enough to swim in, like my dream bathtub. You can access these pools by taking the long and safer way around the whole rock formation or you can carefully scale down the foot holds cemented into the rocks. Tread carefully and securely!
“Arizona” pool (#2)
"Arizona" (#2) - This beautiful pool stands alone from the others. It is one of the warmer pools at around107°f and feels like the gathering or common-room pool with it’s location and size. Natural rock seating, a sandy bottom, and quick access to the cold water makes this another perfect spring.
+ Extra pools (#6) - There is a cooler hot spring high atop the big cluster of boulder springs. This is a small rectangular hideaway which makes it a perfect spot for a cuddling couple, and on a hot day this body-temperature pool is a nice escape from the other, often crowded pools.
BEST DAY-CAMP SITES
When you first arrive at the river preceding the hot spring there is substantial sandy beach space to set up your day camp. This area is the most trafficked, however, as it is where almost all visitors pass through on their way to the springs. Off to the left side is a slightly more secluded area with a tree and rope swing attached! If not already taken, this is the best day-camp area on this side of the river.
My favorite area to set up a day camp is past the “Arizona” Pool. Directly adjacent to the Arizona spring is a great, shaded place to set up a hammock and even a day-tent for some napping. I have never found that spot to be unoccupied, however.
The further up stream you traverse the more secluded a day-camp area you will find. This of course leaves your further from the hot springs but on a hot day having your own area of cold river to basque is quite luxurious. One of my favorite day-camp areas is about half a mile up from the springs. To easily access it you have to swim in the river to find the private beach on the other side of the rock wall. You can see these areas on your hike down to the springs and you can easily scope out your ideal hideaway whilst approaching the springs.
I have found that wherever I leave my pack and things as I soak in the springs my possessions are safe, however there are rather bold critters that will eat through a bag or ravage your food supply if you leave it out and available to them. Be sure to close up any food securely if you leave it unattended. Don’t forget to bring your water with you to the springs!
THE OTHER TRAIL
The Bradford Ridge Path is the alternate and longer (6 miles) trail entrance to Deep Creek springs and actually runs along the infamous Pacific Crest Trail, just north of Lake Arrowhead. This trail comes from the south and the San Bernardino mountains and while not as steep as the trail from Bowen Ranch it takes more time to traverse which means more time not spent soaking in the springs. There is a loose gravel/sandy portion of this hike that many have trouble with. In the pro-column of this trail, you can potentially get away with camping overnight at the springs if you come from this direction…
SECRET CAMPING
While you are technically no longer allowed to camp at the springs, and I’m not officially saying you should, if you chose to take a risk and potentially get fined, I’m sure one could potentially succeed in said camping expedition. As someone who succeeded in camping for my 30th birthday celebration, on a full moon no less, many moons ago, I can say that it is spectacular and potentially well worth the risk. The Bowen Ranch entrance takes your license plate number and is very aware of your car presence and therefore know that you are either lost, in danger, or staying the night. Please don’t do this as it will stress out the poor night-watchman and potentially call in a search party for you. If you park on the Lake Arrowhead side at the entrance to the Bradford Ridge Path, although the trek is longer, you will not be monitored for your overnight adventure. If you do camp there I would suggest finding a site further up-stream and to keep your noise and fires to a minimum. Please be aware that the Recommended Gear List below is intended for only a day-stay at the springs.
The Southwestern Arroyo Toad calls Deep Creek it’s home
Be sure to keep an eye, or ear, out for the Southwestern Arroyo Toad, an endangered species who lives in the sandy shore of the creek. If I were an endangered species I would also choose to reside here. The toad is a small (2.2-2.9 inches), dark-spotted and light-olive green or gray to tan with dark spots and warty skin. The toad lives from confluence of the Mojave River up to an elevation of 4,300 feet usually spending the day burrowed in the sand and coming out at night to forage for food. They give off a wonderful chorus of charming toad sounds throughout the night.
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Water! More than you think you need
Sandwich or something portable and substantial
Canned beer (optional)
Canned wine or bubbly option (optional)
Chips, jerky, nuts, gummy bears, etc.
Protein bars
DAY PACK
Hammock (optional)
A Book
A bag for trash
Toilet Paper and Small Shovel
Trekking poles (optional)
Compass or GPS system (optional)
Map
WHAT TO WEAR
Bathing Suit
Sweat-wicking top
Light Warm Layer - Fleece or light down jacket
Extra underwear (optional)
Gloves (optional)