Deep Creek Hot Springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs
4
Monday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
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4.0
45 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
16
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Denise S
1 contribution
Jan 2021
We tried to walk down from the Bowden Ranch parking and never found the springs! There are too many crisscross OHV trails--and even if you head straight down to the creek (about a 1500 ft. descent), it is then unclear if you should head upstream or downstream. After going both upstream and downstream for over an hour we had to give up and climb back up to avoid darkness. Coming from Bowden Ranch (east of Deep Creek) you would need to cross the water in the creek to find the springs. Note that heading down the main canyon from the Ranch we actually saw the intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), but unfortunately the white map handed out at the parking was not useful and did not include the important PCT landmark. It is probably better to try the hike coming in from the Lake Arrowhead side.
Written 10 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice P
Yucaipa, CA81 contributions
Dec 2021
My friends and I hiked into this canyon about 8 years ago. We brought our own food and water. We traveled thru the dirt road to the parking lot. At that time, there was no charge to get in, nor a charge for parking.
Once there, there was swimming available. People weren't all that friendly, but the 3 of us enjoyed our time nonetheless. Some people were nude, but there was no outlandish behavior.
Hiking out was uphill, so if you come here plan for that, so you don't get caught in the dark. I recommend the hike... it's moderate going down. Semi- strenuous coming out.
I'd never do it again, as I'm older now and not in such good shape.
Once there, there was swimming available. People weren't all that friendly, but the 3 of us enjoyed our time nonetheless. Some people were nude, but there was no outlandish behavior.
Hiking out was uphill, so if you come here plan for that, so you don't get caught in the dark. I recommend the hike... it's moderate going down. Semi- strenuous coming out.
I'd never do it again, as I'm older now and not in such good shape.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveltilyoudrop_110
Bloomington, IN33 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This place on our list of to do... glad it's done and off my bucket list. About 5 mile round trip hike. Going down very steep and at some points dangerous trail. Oh and we parked at Bowen ranch. At 60 years I was fearful I could not do but I did it!!! For sure only for adults. Lots of nude people. The hot spring we were in was HOT but felt great. There were mostly people minding their business. There were some very wired and unsavory people there as well. Don't sweat the walk out.... it was easier going up and out than in. I did have to sit on behind and scoot over some areas as ledge so steep and narrow. Take 2 walking sticks. You have to walk through almost waist high ice cold water so make sure your backpack is high riding. We packed in 12 bottles of water and lots snacks. Save 1/2 water for trip out. If you want adult beverages you can take but you still need the water. If you're female I don't recommend going alone. I did have a local who sat with us and he was very impaired. While I really didn't feel totally scared I felt wary..... he said lots of things one of which how visitors disappear and are never found! It may have just been scare tactic. However everything he said seemed plausible. If you can physically do it then go for it. Just be prepared for nudes and weirdos. Don't wait til it's dark to leave as trail too dangerous. Hope this is helpful
Written 13 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SierraAlana
1 contribution
Jul 2013
I lost my camera at Bowan Ranch yesterday 7/16. It is my life and has all of my photos from some major life events on it and I have to get it back. There is no number to reach the people that live on Bowen Ranch.. So I'm driving back from Las Vegas to re-trace my steps. If you find a canon camera in a forest green case please contact me @ 817-372-2262 or my boyfriend @ 707-499-1439. Or... If you know how to get in contact with the people that run the ranch. Please help! I'm hysterical. Thank you~ Sierra
Written 17 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
natcpl
Washington DC, DC407 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We have visited Deep Creek Hotsprings many times during trips to southern california. We try to add it to our itinerary anytime we are near the area. The reason that Deep Creek Hotsprings is one of our favorite natural springs is its beauty. It literally comes out next to the Creek and there are several rustic man made rock pools cascading down from the springs itself. There are several approaches to the springs. We have only taken the route from Bowen Ranch.
An SUV is definitely recommended when driving to Bowen Ranch. The road is rough and parts may be rutted and washed out. When arriving at the ranch there is a sign and payment box. You pay the fee to park and/or camp and proceed to the parking are and campsites. There is no camping allowed at the hot springs itself eventhough many people break that rule.
Now from the campsites on through to the hot springs the area is clothing optional. We really enjoy this aspect. Typically, if the weather is nice, we park and ditch our clothes in the car and stay nude the whole trip. We pass some textiles on our trips that dont expect nude hikers but usually these are visitors who are newbies to the springs.
The hike to the springs is about 2 miles each way from the ranch. Once at the creek, you have to cross it to get to the springs themselves. There are several wide flat sandy areas to layout and sun as well. Besides soaking in the many different temperature pools, people will cliff jump and slackline there as well.
The crowd is always mixed. It just depends on who is there when you go. On our trips, the springs were never very crowded but we have heard stories that it can get crazy there. We have also heard that trash can periodically be a problem there. Our guess is that it is usually after a period of crowded days. We usually bring down a large empty trash bag and try to bring back what we can carry back to the car.
The springs themselves are situated on different elevations up the wall of the creek bed. You just need to watch your footing when climbing up and down from one pool to the next.
Overall, we love spending a day at Deep Creek Hotsprings. Nude hiking, Nude Soaking, Nude climbing and slack lining are great ways to get back in touch with nature and to relax and rejuvenate.
An SUV is definitely recommended when driving to Bowen Ranch. The road is rough and parts may be rutted and washed out. When arriving at the ranch there is a sign and payment box. You pay the fee to park and/or camp and proceed to the parking are and campsites. There is no camping allowed at the hot springs itself eventhough many people break that rule.
Now from the campsites on through to the hot springs the area is clothing optional. We really enjoy this aspect. Typically, if the weather is nice, we park and ditch our clothes in the car and stay nude the whole trip. We pass some textiles on our trips that dont expect nude hikers but usually these are visitors who are newbies to the springs.
The hike to the springs is about 2 miles each way from the ranch. Once at the creek, you have to cross it to get to the springs themselves. There are several wide flat sandy areas to layout and sun as well. Besides soaking in the many different temperature pools, people will cliff jump and slackline there as well.
The crowd is always mixed. It just depends on who is there when you go. On our trips, the springs were never very crowded but we have heard stories that it can get crazy there. We have also heard that trash can periodically be a problem there. Our guess is that it is usually after a period of crowded days. We usually bring down a large empty trash bag and try to bring back what we can carry back to the car.
The springs themselves are situated on different elevations up the wall of the creek bed. You just need to watch your footing when climbing up and down from one pool to the next.
Overall, we love spending a day at Deep Creek Hotsprings. Nude hiking, Nude Soaking, Nude climbing and slack lining are great ways to get back in touch with nature and to relax and rejuvenate.
Written 9 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven T
Grand Rapids, MI6 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We drove 3 hours from Big Bear Lake to see this place, after getting lost many times we found the road. It is over 7 miles of back woods dessert roads to get the the ranch. We got there and were looking for a place to park when a truck came ripping through the lands. I believe this was the owner of something as he said he cant have idiots on his land and we have to go. We asked what the problem was and he reminded us that we were in the middle of nowhere and anything could happen, was he threatening us?! I think he was mad we didnt put 5$ in a box but we were not sure that we were in the right place at that point. I cant say what the springs were like but I can say they are hard to find and some dessert hippie watches over the place, so if you go put money in a box and be vigilant. I would not try and go again, way out of the way and a waste of a day.
Written 17 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
California Drea... H
San Diego, CA6 contributions
Sept 2017
I went there 2 times already and it is one of the best camping spots in California.
There is a river, a lake and a natural Jacuzzi.
There is a river, a lake and a natural Jacuzzi.
Written 24 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snooks22018
San Bernardino, CA4 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
The trail up to the hot springs is narrow & runs along the side of the mountain. Be aware of your surroundings & take plenty of water.
Personally, I would not swim in or drink the water since it has known to be contaminated. Make sure you are in an open area for the public. Not all areas are open
Personally, I would not swim in or drink the water since it has known to be contaminated. Make sure you are in an open area for the public. Not all areas are open
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mssoellegant
Louisville, KY338 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
I want to preface my review with, I did HOURS of research to prepare for this excursion and none of that helped. I normally take pride in my ability to navigate unfamiliar territory. I could not find Bowen Ranch to save my life. The directions I got from Arrowhead Lake Road took me to a closed gate on Deep Creek Road and when I tried to find an alternate route google wanted to take me up the mountain on a ATV road in my little Kio Rio.... Eventually I came to a spot that was impassible in my car and maps told me the ranch was about 20 minutes away so I decided to get out and walk... Walked for an hour without seeing any sign of human life then decided to turn back around. I was super bummed we didn't make it but afterward we couldn't stop laughing about the experience we just had. Needless to say we will never forget it! I would give my review more stars if I were actually able to find the place! I am an experienced hiker from the red river gorge area and even that didn't seem to help me find my way. I will definitely be trying again the next time I come out west via Roundup & Ocotillo which appears to be the correct way.
Written 24 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony W
3 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
I've been going to the hot springs since I was a kid I grew up in the area As many people as said you can always park at Bowen Ranch. However if you have a vehicle with a little Clearence and you're comfortable going off road right before Bowen Ranch there's a BLM Trail. you can follow it and park at the trailhead called Freedom Trail and it'll take you right to the hot springs and it doesn't cost you any money to park there. Deep Creek Hot Springs is a fun place just please be sure you take out your trash also be aware of rattlesnakes there's been a huge increase this year saw several on our hike there happy hiking be safe y'all.
Written 6 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We plan for the trip next Monday to the hot springs. It would be me, my friend and a dog. Is the water at the ranch high at this time- I heard some said it could come at waist?
Written 27 February 2020
I foolishly used GPS which led me to a long circuitous route to Bowen Ranch Road along awful dirt roads. Once on Bowen Ranch Road, I took a wrong turn and had to ask a colorful local resident for directions. I was close and he directed me correctly to Bowen Ranch.
Written 2 May 2019
Would this be a safe place for a 50 year old woman to be at alone?
Written 18 November 2017
Probably so, but I would actually not recommend it for a weekday on the off chance that there may be only one other person there when you visited. On a weekend there would likely be many more people - and a mixed crowd - so you'd feel safer in numbers. I also wouldn't recommend hiking the Bradford Ridge trail alone unless you are a well-experienced hiker (due to some places where the optional trail is difficult to identify) -- but the Bowen Ranch trail should be fine as it is much more heavily utilized and is more easy to navigate and hike.
Written 1 December 2017
Yes, people stayed overnight. Personally, I would NOT unless you have the ability to defend yourself against potential personal threats.
Written 4 November 2017
Is Bowen Ranch still open to park your car there?
Written 17 September 2017
How long a hike,and what shape should a person be in to get there??
Written 30 March 2016
This is definitely a personal perspective-type question. I regularly do about 40 minutes of cardio in the gym or running outside about 3-4 times per week. I found the trail to be pretty easy, taking about 1 hour. Individual results may vary, but even an out-of-shape person could do it by going slow (and taking plenty of water in hot weather).
Written 2 May 2019
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