Deep Creek Hot Springs | Apple Valley

There are many things that can make a hike unique: a cool waterfall, an epic view, a breathtaking rock formation. For Deep Creek Hot Springs it is the natural hot tub that you encounter at the halfway point of the hike.

Deep Creek Hot Springs is nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead and is about a 2 ½ hour drive from San Diego. While there are many trails within the Arrowhead Ranger District, suitable for beginners to the most experienced outdoor adventurer, Deep Creek Hot Springs is arguably the highlight of all the trails to choose from.

The trailhead is located near the north edge of the forest near Bowen Ranch. You will travel along a nondescript desert brush trail known as “Goat Trail” that quickly drops 900 feet to Deep Creek. There is a steep descent down to the springs (keep in mind that you will need to ascend uphill on the trek back out). This trail is clearly marked and starts off wide enough for a large group to trek down, like the group of about 30 hikers that joined me in completing this hike. Follow this wide trail until the end of the hill and then look for a foot path down the hill to the road. Go left at the road. Follow the arrow on the marker on the way back as this is where people often get lost. You will need to walk down the road for approximately 50 yards, and then the trail continues to your right through an opening in the fence, just before the parking lot. You will now be on National Forest Service land and the trail descends down the canyon and is easy to navigate.

The Hot Springs

The hike back out follows the same trail as you took down, and is considered strenuous for most. If you will be hiking in spring or summer months, bring sun protection as you will be hiking in full sunlight with the limited number of trees nearby. The hike up always takes much longer than the hike down, especially after spending time relaxing near the hot springs.

Parking lot near trailhead

Diverse wildlife is common to Deep Creek Hot Springs, with a State designation of a Wild Trout Stream. It also has some of the greatest diversity of vegetation communities of any drainage on the national forest. Vegetation ranges from sparse creosote, chamise, and California buckwheat at lower elevations to oak and pinyon woodland and scattered mixed conifer, according to LakeArrowhead.com .

An alternative route along the Pacific Crest Trail east from Arrowhead Lake Road turns this into a roughly six-mile hike.

Deep Creek Hot Springs Tips

Tip 1: Bring cash; you will need to pay a $5 per person toll fee near Bowen Ranch to cross private land. Camping after dark is $10 per person.

Tip 2: It is advisable not to submerse your head under the water in the hot springs to avoid possible infection.

Tip 3: Do not drink the water! The Hot Springs pools of Deep Creek contain a rare and sometimes fatal disease named amoebic meningoencephalitis.

Tip 4: Many people take full advantage of the hot springs by changing into their birthday suits. Beware of nudity and if you are offended by this, this hike isn’t for you.

Tip 5: Pack or wear a bathing suit if you want to take a dip in the Hot Springs. Remember to exercise caution and do not dip your face under the water.

Tip 6 : Deep Creek Hot Springs is closed to the public from sundown to sunrise.