Deep Creek Hot Springs
Worth it, but respect it. The two practical routes: Bowen Ranch (private ranch, $10/person cash at the gate, ~2.5 miles down each way) or the free Bradford Ridge Path from Highway 173 (~2.6 miles each way). Both are steep coming back out. Clothing-optional culture at the pools, no shade, no water, and a real (if rare) naegleria risk — keep your head above water.
The facts
- Difficulty
- Hard (the climb out, heat exposure)
- Distance
- ~5 miles round-trip (either main route)
- Elevation gain
- ~900–1,000 ft (all on the return)
- Time needed
- 3–5 hours plus soak time
- Pass required
- Bowen Ranch: $10/person cash. Bradford Ridge: free (forest land)
- Parking
- Bowen Ranch dirt lot (rough road in); Bradford Ridge: limited roadside off Hwy 173
- Dogs
- Yes, but hot sand and no water make summer dangerous for dogs
- Restrooms
- No
- Cell coverage
- None at the creek; spotty on the rims
- Best season
- October–May; summer afternoons regularly exceed 100°F
Getting there
Get directions →Pick your route
Bowen Ranch route (most popular): drive dirt roads out of Apple Valley to the private Bowen Ranch, pay $10 per person, cash, at the gate, then hike ~2.5 miles down a steep, loose decomposed-granite trail to the creek. Shortest walking distance, roughest drive, and the fee surprises people every weekend.
Bradford Ridge Path (free, from the mountain side): starts off Highway 173 north of Lake Arrowhead and drops ~2.6 miles to the creek. No fee, less traffic, and the closest option coming from Arrowhead — but roadside parking is limited and the climb out is a grind with a steep first mile.
A third option, the Pacific Crest Trail from Hesperia's Rainbow Bridge area, is a much longer day (10+ miles round-trip) and best left for cooler months.
Safety — read this part
Heat: this is high-desert canyon, not mountain forest. There is essentially no shade, and summer afternoons run 95–110°F. People are rescued (and occasionally die) here in summer heat; hike it October–May, start early, and carry 2–3 liters of water per person.
The water: the Forest Service confirms the amoeba Naegleria fowleri has been found in these springs. Infections are extremely rare but nearly always fatal — the rule is simple and non-negotiable: keep your head above water, don't submerge your face, don't let water up your nose.
Culture: the springs are traditionally clothing-optional. Weekends are busy and social; weekday mornings are quiet. Pack out everything — the area gets trashed and the Forest Service has considered restrictions because of it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Deep Creek Hot Springs cost?
Via Bowen Ranch: $10 per person, cash only, paid at the ranch gate (it's private property). Via the Bradford Ridge Path off Highway 173: free. There's no fee at the springs themselves — they're national forest.
Which route to Deep Creek Hot Springs is easiest?
Bowen Ranch is the shortest hike (~2.5 miles each way) but has a rough dirt-road drive and a steep loose descent. Bradford Ridge is similar length with a better road to the trailhead. Neither is easy coming back up — save water and energy for the climb out.
Is it safe to soak at Deep Creek?
The pools themselves are pleasant (95–105°F), but keep your head above water at all times — Naegleria fowleri has been confirmed here. Avoid summer heat, don't hike it in flip-flops, and don't count on cell coverage in the canyon.
Are the hot springs clothing-optional?
Yes, by long-standing custom. Expect nudity, especially on weekdays. Families do visit — weekends midday are the most clothed hours.
Can I camp at Deep Creek Hot Springs?
Camping is not allowed at the springs or within the creek corridor day-use area. Bowen Ranch allows paid camping on the ranch side; check current Forest Service rules before planning an overnight.
Facts on this page last verified July 17, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.