Deep Creek Hot Springs – 2024 Complete Guide
Photo courtesy of @oliveslilgarden
I just visited Deep Creek Hot Springs, located along the Pacific Crest Trail in the San Bernardino mountains, just north of Lake Arrowhead. If you’re looking for the best natural hot springs near Los Angeles, I definitely recommend this spot. You can be at the trailhead in less than 2 hours from LA. Here’s my latest guide with everything you need to know for visiting the natural hot springs located at Deep Creek.
Deep Creek Hot Spring Hikes
There are two different ways to get to the hot springs, with two different hikes. The first is Bowen Ranch. The second option is the Bradford Ridge Path.
Operating Hours:
Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Admission Costs:
Parking fee at Bowen Ranch: $10 per person
Alternate parking fees (if applicable): Range from $5 to $30 depending on the location and time of visit
Bowen Ranch Hike
Trail Name: Bowen Ranch Hike
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: More popular than Bradford Ridge Path; expect more crowds
Parking Fee: $20-30 (cash) to park and cross private property
Noteworthy: Short and easy hike compared to Bradford Ridge
Bradford Ridge Hike
Trail Name: Bradford Ridge Path
Distance: 2.5-3 miles each way
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Hike Time: Approximately 3 hours
Elevation Change: 1,000 ft. (descending on the way in)
Popularity: Less popular than Bowen Ranch hike
Scenery: Scenic and beautiful, winding through valleys of the San Bernardino National Forest
Noteworthy: Considered underrated despite its scenic route
The Waters at Deep Creek
Photo courtesy of @anaaguirre1
There are 5-6 hot spring pools available for your soaking pleasure.
Water Temperature: Ranges from 100°F to 105°F
Geothermal Source: Naturally heated by geothermal activity
Mineral Content: Rich in calcium, magnesium, and sodium
Therapeutic Benefits: Known for stress relief and alleviating muscle aches
Location: Situated in the San Bernardino National Forest
Photo courtesy of @sofssz
Bowen Ranch Directions, Hike & Parking
The Bowen Ranch trailhead is located off of Hwy 15. You can find the pin as “Bowen Ranch Camping & Parking Area” on Google Maps. Make sure to not just Google “Deep Creek Hot Springs” as it will take you to wrong spot. The road is generally in pretty good condition, but the last 8 or so miles are a dirt road and the last few hundred feet of the dirt road isn’t in the greatest condition so be prepared (you can make it without a high clearance vehicle). Upon arriving to the parking lot, be prepared to pay between $5 to $30 to park (it varies!)
*fun fact: the parking lot used to be owned by a man named Mike Castro, and some people had some not so great experiences with him. However, in recent years the parking lot has come into new ownership!
For detailed hike directions check out this guide as well as this one.
Bradford Ridge Directions, Hike & Parking
Start at the Bradford Ridge Path Trailhead
Located 1.5-2 hours outside of Los Angeles
Find parking on the side of the road near the trailhead (if it’s crowded you may need to walk a bit)
You will need to climb over a guardrail to start the hike (some have reported that the trailhead sign has gone missing FYI)
If you’re visiting in winter when there is snow, make sure that CA-173 is open before you head out
The hot springs are located along the historic Pacific Crest Trail
A detailed trail map is available from All Trails
Tips for Your Visit
Photo courtesy of @kekoa_lokua
Come early on a weekday to avoid crowds and to enjoy your personal zen moments.
Clothing is optional here. So, do be prepared to see nude people.
This can be a party spot with drug use, especially on evenings and weekends.
The hike begins somewhat close to a gun range, so if you hear gunshots don’t be overly alarmed! (hopefully…)
Do not drink the water or put your head under – according to the Forest Service, the Hot Springs at Deep Creek may contain a very rare brain eating amoeba called Naegleria Fowleri (Sounds very scary, but it is very very low probability to contract it. You can be especially confident of your safety is you simply avoid dipping your head under water.)
If you’d like to read about other hot springs in California to visit, I wrote a whole article on that.
Photo courtesy of @elliegonzalez13
Photo courtesy of @irina.iborisevich
