DCHS ( Deep Creek Hot Springs ) is in USFS lands. Public Access Roads that people use to LEGALLY get close to DCHS, go through BLM lands, and just barely into USFS lands in two places in the lands north of DCHS. There are also some legal motorcycle trails. There are no public roads anywhere close to DCHS on its east, west, and south. The closest public road on the south is HWY 173 ( two and a half miles away ). There is a hiking trail from HWY 173 to DCHS, but nothing else for vehicles. The Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the Deep Creek canyon is also not designated for vehicles. So if your trying to get fairly close to the springs with some type of vehicle, you will be using public routes north of DCHS. It is ILLEGAL to ride any vehicle to DCHS. I believe there is one exception to this, which would be bicycle riding on the Bowen Ranch trail. The closest any legal route gets to DCHS is probably around a mile and a half away, at the top of the canyon north of DCHS, with one of the closest points being the USFS parking area just off the Bowen Ranch trail ( 3W02 ). If you truly want to ride legally, do it the " right way ", then you need to contact the USFS, and the BLM, and get information on what roads and trails are open for public use. Unfortunately the irresponsible ORV users many times tear down signs that indicate open trails. There are many illegal ORV trails north of DCHS. Anything south of old 3N59A ( which now has a new number ) is illegal for any vehicles. This road runs from east ( across the north side of Luna Mtn ) to the west past the USFS parking lot, then it continues west to eventually connect with the Powerline rd. For the most part, if you are riding on any terrain which drops down into the Deep Creek Canyon, you are riding ILLEGALLY. Hopefully you are one of the responsible riders who value the rules of riding for the area. Good Luck :-)
