Dope Hikes

Deep Creek Hot Springs is a natural hot springs located in Apple Valley, which is a two and a half hour drive from Los Angeles. Here, you’ll discover a swimming hole, rock pools and even a few nudists (though most people were in swimwear when I visited).

Water temperatures range from icy cold to sauna hot around the creek, which has several nooks and crannies to explore.

There are two ways to hike to the Springs:

1. Via Bowen Ranch, which has a $5 per car entry fee and a shorter distance to hike. To note, recent Yelp reviews suggest that the entry and parking situation is a bit dicey.
2. Via Bradford Ridge Path, which is my preferred path listed below. Be warned: the hills on the trail are some of the steepest in the region.

SCREENSHOT THESE DIRECTIONS: Hike to Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge Path

• Trailhead Address: Deep Creek Hiking Area, San Bernardino County, CA 92359
• Parking: Free parking off highway shoulder
• Distance: 2.5 miles each way
• Difficulty: 🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮 out of 5
• Step-By-Step Instructions: 
  1. Walk around the gate just off of the road.
  2. Follow along the trail.
  3. As you near the end of the very hilly 2.5 miles, you’ll come across a fork.
  4. Follow it right into the canyon until you discover the hot springs. Just remember to go left on the way back.

By Lee