I've been to Deep Creek twice, I usually travel down Bowen Ranch Road from Roundup Way, pay Mike at the house, park my car in the main lot, and hike down the trail into the canyon where there are 3 main hot pools (you have to wade accross the creek to get to them). Are there any other pools? And where is this garden I've heard about? Someone also told me about a waterfall with a small cave behind it, where the Manson family used to stay. Are there any waterfalls or caves? And what other ways are there to Deep Creek besides from Bowen Ranch? Am I missing out on anything besides the 3 pools south of Bowen Ranch?https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5461#msg-5461Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:56:06 -0700 Phorum 5.2.10 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5470#msg-5470 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5470#msg-5470 Wizard Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, CaliforniaWed, 23 Apr 2003 17:21:51 -0700 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5469#msg-5469 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5469#msg-5469 dynamichrt Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, CaliforniaWed, 23 Apr 2003 17:08:37 -0700 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5466#msg-5466 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5466#msg-5466 Wizard Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, CaliforniaWed, 23 Apr 2003 08:53:59 -0700 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5464#msg-5464 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5464#msg-5464
You can also hike in on the Bradford Ridge Trail that comes in from the opposite side of the Canyon from the Bowen Ranch Trail. To access this trail, take the 138 to the 173, but instead of turning towards Hesperia as Gary indicated you continue on the 173. About 5 miles after the pavement ends you will come to the second white little wooden bridge. There is a small parking area on one side of the bridge. The trail starts on the other side of the bridge and is about 2.5 miles to the springs. The hike out on the way back is quite steep, especially at the beginning.

At the springs there are five pools, the Crab Cooker (beside the face of the large rock), the Womb (the largest, seven foot deep), the Serenity (that is just below the Womb towards the Crab Cooker), the Anniversary pool that is on the rock above the Womb) towards the source of the spring), and the Arizona Pool that is down from the grassy green are that is above the Anniversary pool. The Arizona pool is at creek level, so for the past month and a half it has been below the creek level making it unusable.

In regards to your waterfall and cave, I do not know where they are, maybe Wizard can get back to you on this.]]> Ron Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, CaliforniaTue, 22 Apr 2003 20:50:50 -0700 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5462#msg-5462 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5462#msg-5462
You can park below the earthen dam (South side) and hike up to the spillway then take the hiking trail which leads you up the canyon. You can also park on 173 and walk across the dam and pick up the trail again at the spillway. No parking fee... but you're at the mercy of leaving you're car in the middle of next-to-no-where and there's plenty of "off road" users in the area. I've heard of cars getting vandalized in the area, but I've never had a problem.

I have taken a Mtn. Bike up the trail to the springs until the Forrest Service folks caught me and beat me with a few stripes. ;o) You're not supposed to have any type of vehicle... morotorized or not on this trail.

The hike is about 6 miles one way up the canyon to the Springs. Most of the time you are well above Deep Creek. but the views of the stream below are pretty nice. There are several trail spurs that can take you down to the stream to enjoy many unique areas amid the granite rocks and boulders. There's a few small waterfalls and cool pools to dip in, but I'm not sure if any are the specific places you are referring to. It's a pretty flat hike for the first half, but you're in the sun on the North side of the canyon. Then you cross a bridge which arches over the creek and you will be on the South side of the canyon the rest of the way to the springs. That puts you on the same side of the stream as the springs, so you won't have to wade through Deep Creek. I've never quite understood what the big deal is with wading across the stream at the springs. It's only 20 or 30 seconds to wade across in knee or waist high cool water. But I digress...

Anyway, once you're on the South side of the canyon, the trail winds in and out of a couple of side canyons that have some nice shade and small streams. It's a long hike, and can sap you of your strength in the heat of a summer day. Take lots of water. If I've got all day to kill, I prefer this longer hike. It makes the springs that much more rewarding when you get there. The pools and waterfalls are especially nice during the high water of a spring runoff.

I'm told that you can also get to the springs from the East by hiking down Deep Creek Canyon to the the hot pools, but I don't know where you start from. I've hiked a mile or so up above the springs a couple of times... but have never come down the canyon from above. I think some of the neatest rock formations and pools are within the mile or so just above the hot springs. There's supposed to be some other pools up above, but I've never sought them out. Seems like I enjoy the main pools too much to waste time trying to find something less appealing.

So... that's my take on the area. Did I get it fairly factual, y'all? I'm sure the Wizard, Mr. & Mrs. Laughing Bear, or other regulars could give you their slant of things as well.

Enjoy your "hot pottin" and remember to leave the place cleaner than you found it!

Take Care,

Gary]]> Gary Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, CaliforniaTue, 22 Apr 2003 14:47:54 -0700 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5461#msg-5461 https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?1,5461,5461#msg-5461 dynamichrt Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, CaliforniaTue, 22 Apr 2003 13:03:12 -0700