Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail
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The Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail is a popular hiking route in the San Bernardino Forest that leads you to a series of relaxing thermal pools set along the creek. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the rugged desert landscape until you arrive at the edge of Deep Creek where you can soak in the relaxing hot springs before heading back. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead is very rough and will require a 4x4 high clearance vehicle to safely traverse.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail can be found 0.7mi south of the Deep Creek Hot Spring Campground along Bowen Ranch Road.
About
Backcountry Campground | No |
When to do | Year-Round |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Family friendly | Older Children only |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | High |
Route Type | Out and back |
Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail
Elevation Graph
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Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail Description
Although the terrain along the Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail isn’t overly difficult, finding the trailhead can be a bit of a challenge, as the initial portion of the route isn’t well marked. If you are concerned about not being able to find the trailhead, bring a GPS or trail map to make sure that you stay on the correct route. Additionally, each person looking to complete this hike will need to pay a fee in order to do so.
Even though you need to pay to utilize this trail, it is still a fantastic outing in the San Bernardino National Forest that has the added bonus of being able to soak in some relaxing hot springs. Throughout the hike, you will make your way through a stretch of undulating desert terrain, before arriving at the banks of Deep Creek and its various springs. It will likely be a bit busy, but this is a great hike to enjoy if you are in search of a fun weekend adventure.
Setting out from the trailhead, you will follow the dirt track leading to the southwest across the desert landscape for 0.4mi. Here, you will meet up with another trail and follow it to the right, where you will quickly arrive at another junction.
Keeping left at the junction, you will follow the trail for roughly 450ft and turn right at the four way intersection onto the Hot Springs Goat Trail. Here, you will continue on to the southwest across the barren desert landscape, enjoying the beautiful views over a distance of 1.1mi to arrive at yet another junction in the trail.
Passing straight through the junction, you will descend the hillside towards the banks of Deep Creek, where you will find a series of relaxing thermal pools where you can rest in the serene desert setting. After taking in the beautiful views and restorative powers of the thermal pools, simply head back along the same path to return to the parking area where you began your adventure along the Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail.
Trail Highlights
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest in the northern part of the Mojave Desert, the Deep Creek Hot Springs are a series of natural springs set along Deep Creek. The area is a popular destination for hikers, as there are a number of trails located in close proximity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in the Deep Creek Hot Springs?
Yes, swimming is permitted in the Deep Creek Hot Springs, although you should respect the habitat of the animal species living in the area and try to disturb the landscape as little as possible.
How warm are the Deep Creek Hot Springs?
There are 6-7 thermal pools along Deep Creek that can be used for swimming, with 5 of them being in the 100-105 ℉ range.
Insider Hints
There is a per person entrance fee to access this trail.
A 4x4 high clearance vehicle is required to access the trailhead.
Overnight camping in the area is not permitted.
Bring your swimwear to enjoy the hot springs at the end of your hike.
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