Deep Creek Hot Springs

LOCATION Apple Valley, CA

DISTANCE 3.6 miles

ELEVATION GAIN 930 feet

TIME 2 hours

DIFFICULTY Moderate

SEASON Fall, Winter

COORDINATES N 34 21.510, W 117 09.881

HOW TO GET THERE

1. From Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, follow the I-15 N through Cajon Pass and exit at Bear Valley Road, and turn right

2. From Barstow or Victorville, follow the I-15 S and exit at Bear Valley Road, and turn left

3. Continue on Bear Valley Road for ~10 miles, pass the Apple Valley Plaza, and turn right at the traffic light on Central

4. Drive ~3 miles on Central, cross a railway line and steep hill, and turn left on Ocotillo

5. Continue on Ocotillo, which starts as a paved road and turns into a dirt road, for 2.2 miles, until you hit Bowen Ranch Road

6. Turn right onto Bowen Ranch Road and drive 6+ miles until you arrive at Bowen Ranch

RECOMMENDED GEAR

• Hiking shoes with a good grip • Trekking poles / hiking sticks

• Water shoes

After going to Iceland's Blue Lagoon in spring 2015, I became obsessed with hot springs. Although the two can't be compared as they're vastly different, I love both for various reasons. Deep Creek is the closest uninhibited natural hot spring to Los Angeles, so while it's not as beautiful as hot springs up north or around the world, it is unique to Southern California.

I've been twice, once in November and another time in February. I don't recommend going in any other season than winter because it can easily get into the 90s. The hot springs will further dehydrate you so unless you bring a ton of water, just don't do it. I can't think of a worse scenario than hiking in 100°F weather and soaking in 80°F water, and running out of water. It's also not unusual for people to get lost on this hike and end up being helicoptered out.

There are two routes to the hot springs, and you can get both directions here. The above directions are to Bowen Ranch, which is the easier way. The drive is about two hours from LA, only because there's a very bumpy dirt road that you have to drive on for 6 miles. My Volvo S40 made it just fine, but it'd be easier and faster with a 4x4. Tip: the faster you go, the less bumpy it'll feel.

You must stop at Bowen Ranch because it's private property. The owner of the land, Mike Castro, is stern but overall very welcoming. I've heard of him being mean, chasing people away with a gun, and other crazy stories but as long as you're respectful and polite, you'll be fine. And I can't stress that part enough. You don't want to drive two hours to end up being turned away. It's $5 per person to enter, $10 to camp overnight. If you take the longer alternate route, there is no fee.

Getting to the hot springs is easy and shouldn't take long since it's a downhill descent. Once you get to the creek, you can see the hot springs across on the left. Most people set up camp here (if you're overnighting) and wade across. It's best to strip down and cross furthest to the right as the water is only about knee-deep. Cross on the left, and you'll be waist-deep in. The water is freezing cold year-round, the coldest in February, so be prepared. It's shockingly painful.

There are five hot spring pools. I've only soaked in one pool, around 80°F. There are cooler and hotter ones, but I always get too comfortable to migrate. I'd allot 1-3 hours to enjoy the pools, relax, and have lunch. Time everything out so that you can leave an hour before the sun sets. It's very easy to get lost in the dark as this trail is not clearly marked.

There will probably be nudists there, but everyone is friendly. Be open-minded and respectful. As the hot springs become more and more popular, it's slowly changing the nude-friendly atmosphere, which takes away from the experience in my honest opinion. Going back to your car can be difficult. It's a steep incline and as someone who weight lifts, this was pretty difficult for me the first time around. Most can make the ascent up with little problem, but it'll take longer to get back up as I guarantee you'll take several breaks. Hiking sticks or trekking poles are recommended.

Happy hiking!