Located in the San Bernardino National Forest outside the city of Apple Valley, Deep Creek Hot Springs offers beautiful views, rare wildlife, and hot springs pools where you can take a dip and relax. If you’re in Southern California, then a trip here might be the perfect opportunity for an outdoor adventure with your family or a solo getaway.
As long as you are willing to commit to a bit of a hike, you can easily access the Deep Creek Hot Springs. You can either get there through Bowen Ranch Road, which leads to a 2.5-mile trail up to the hot springs, or by hiking the six-mile Pacific Crest Trail.
While the Bowen Ranch option is shorter and easier to navigate, because it goes through private property, it does require a fee.
Hot Springs Pools
Once you make it to the Deep Creek fork of the Mojave River, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. The three different thermal pools are impressive, so be sure to bring your swimsuit and water shoes along. Temperatures may reach 100 degrees, so thankfully, there is a river stream nearby where you can cool off.
While enjoying the hot springs, make sure that you are careful not to drink the water. It contains the rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis disease, so it is advised that you keep your head above water to avoid this. You may also want to prepare by bringing bottled water and snacks in order to refuel for the hike back to your car.
Despite not allowing camping, the Deep Creek Hot Springs remains one of the most popular attractions in the area. In addition to the hot springs, the San Bernardino park has a large range of vegetation and animal habitats. Deep Creek has been designated a Wild Trout Stream, and it is even home to the Southwestern Arroyo Toad, an endangered species.
Hikers, adventurers, and explorers alike consider Deep Creek Hot Springs in the San Bernardino National Forest to be an ideal spot to get away and spend some time outdoors. It is truly a nature lover’s paradise, so plan your trip today if you are ready to check it out.
Getting There
From I-15, take the Main Street in Hesperia exit. If coming from northbound, turn right, and if coming from southbound, turn left. Continue for about 10 miles. Turn left on Rock Springs Road and continue for eight miles. Turn right on Bowen Ranch Road, where there is a parking lot and the beginning of the trail.
You will be given a map of the hot springs upon paying the fee. If you would prefer to take a longer hike that does not go through Bowen Ranch, you can choose to take the Bradford Ridge Trail to the hot springs instead.
Details
Address: Pacific Crest Trail, Apple Valley, California 92308
Phone: 909-382-2600
Season: Year-round
Management: United States Forest Service
Water temperature: 100 degrees Fahrenheit
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