Deep Creek Hot Springs (Clothing-Opt.)

The water was great, and the 5 of us (myself, plus 2 that RSVP'd on our (BCMEN.Org) web site, as well as 1 that RSVP'd here and one guy that saw the listing and came kinda last minute without RSVP'ing) really seemed to enjoy the soak.

The hike was another matter - I'd found that conditions on the trail have deteriorated from my last time there 2 years ago, incl. some areas having more boulders or other size rocks in the way, and one area appears to have had a landslide, losing part of the land that made it a smoother descent (or ascent on the way back).

In short, I'd say the trial is now not for the less than OK with difficult hikes, and I personally will not be returning unless I hear of some improvements on the regular trail from Bowen Ranch, OR I find more favorable conditions exist on the Pacific Crest Trail or one other on the opposite site of the creek and find someone that can handle the drive (as most other trails need 4WD and/or a high clearance to drive to the trails).

:   We have room for 1 more person in a car traveling from near Western & Artesia in Gardena, down the 405 (S/E) to the 22 (E) and up the 55 (N) & eventually the 15 (N), so if you're somewhere along this route, we may be able to offer you a ride around 8:30am or later, depending on where you are.  Car is leaving central O.C. around 9am.  ETA to Bowen Ranch is now 11:30am.

Most of us plan to meet in Orange County, near Beach & Garden Grove Blvds. and carpool out to the Hesperia/Victorville area and access Deep Creek Hot Springs trail from Bowen Ranch, where there is a $5/person parking fee, in cash, paid directly to the ranch.  Aside from that, there is no fee other than the shared cost of gas for the ride there & back.

The bulk of our group will plan to meet at or near the Walmart on Beach Bl., off the 22, at Trask in Westminster, where you can park on the fringe of their lot without hassle (they even have overnight capmers at times).

Deep Creek Hot Springs is clothing-optional, but we'll option to be nude for this event, which is sponsored by BC-MEN (search the net if you wanna find more about us before hand).

Deep Creek Hot Springs is a natural, undeveloped hot spring near Hesperia or Victorville in the San Bernardino Mtns. area.

If the weather cooperates, nude hiking after leaving the parking area is possible to the springs, and most people use the springs nude.

Note that since this is a public location on federal (BLM) land, we cannot guarantee we will be alone on the trip, and men, women, & children may be present. The hot springs, as well as the trail to & from have a long-time history of nude use, but some may be (partially) clothed on the hike and in the pools.

Also note that natural hot spring waters sometimes contain amoebas, and it is not advisable to put your head under water - keep your nose & mouth above water at all times and do not drink the water.

Deep Creek Hot Springs is a great place to soak your cares away for a while, and features many pools with different degrees of heat to them. (Hot to cool, depending on distance from the source.)

The hot springs are about a 1.1 mile hike (est. 30-60 mins.), with about a 500' drop in elevation on the hike to the springs, according to DeepCreekHotSprings.com (Deep Creek Volunteers says it's just over a 2 mi. hike with an over 900' drop in elevation.)

Camping near the springs is not permitted, and so not suggested for this trip.

Bring your own towel(s), water/beverages, snacks, and perhaps a lunch, as well as a bag to take back out any trash you may have.

Please leave any valuables at home, if possible, or place out of site in vehicle - if crossing creek from Bowen Ranch side, leave towel & dry clothing in a bag before crossing - items crossing creek with need to be in a water-tight container/bag to keep dry, in case of high water level in creek.

Since G.O. does not permit links to web sites, I will email you with some additional details, incl. links to some still & "movie" shots of the springs & other info on DCHS.