Re: Access/Driving to Deep Creek

Coming from LA, I much prefer this route to the Bowen Ranch route for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that it is much prettier than going via Bowen Ranch and is therefore more relaxing. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes from Hollywood, early in the morning, to get to the trailhead. The route I usually take is 210 to 18 and then on to 189 towards Blue Jay.

From the trailhead it is about an hour hike down the the springs. Coming back is brutal for the first part of the hike, as you will understand on your way down. There is one trick to the trail down, that those more experienced than me should give you more specific information on. But, about 3/4 of the way down, right near an old barbed wire fence, the trail splits. The fork to the right goes very steeply down the canyon. I don't take that route. The fork to the left takes the ridge (hence Bradford Ridge) and, while still steep, is not as steep as the other fork.

I haven't had any problem parking at the trailhead, although if someone wanted to vandalize your car they would have plenty of time as I seldom see anyone down there. There are two places to park. You can park right before the bridge where the road makes a bend, right by the trailhead. I don't like this spot because it seems easy for someone who doesn't take the bend very well to side-swipe your car as as they go past. Better at least to avoid unintentional damage! Across the bridge on the left as you are going down there is a little area behind the fence that you can park in. Just go back across the road and the trail head is on the uphill side of the bridge.

I hope this helps. All my knowledge of this route comes from others on this site who have so generously offered advice, for which I am very grateful.