OUT THERE

Not Everyone Gets Into Deep Creek's Pools

High desert hideaway isn't easy to get to, and some popular pastimes aren't even legal, but the soaking and sunbathing make it a real hot spot.

By EMMETT BERG
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

July 20 2002

You pay your money or you take your chances.

Mike Castro takes your money for the privilege of crossing his property outside his weathered cabin in the furrowed high desert several miles southeast of Hesperia. Castro's property, an old ranch, lies athwart a trail to the popular Deep Creek hot springs at the bottom of a narrow canyon along the northern boundary of the San Bernardino National Forest.

You can also walk a long five miles to the hot springs on the Pacific Crest Trail, but Castro's property offers the easiest access, along with a secure place to park--for a fee. If you try to cross his land without paying the $4-per-person toll, chances are Castro will catch up with you somewhere out on the crinkled outback he prowls on his dirt bike, armed with a pistol, on the lookout for scofflaws.

Edit: please don't violate copyrights



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/09/2013 12:40PM by Rick.