Re: should I even go?

I concur that weekdays are the time to go. I only go there at dawn and stay for a short while. I usually have the place to myself except for campers who aren't up yet. Bowen is safe. I've been at the Bradford parking and I've heard of no problems. I also parked at the trail below Bowen when I drove my 4 wheel. I've had no issues there but it is a rough road. The spillway has a reputation for breakins. One other cavaet. Twice in my 8 years of visiting, I have found gangs holding initiations at dawn so I always ascend the bluff to see who might be there before I commit to cross the creek. And I agree with Wizard that the bikers are becoming a big problem. I saw two bikes at Warm Springs in May. They had their bikes right at the creeks edge. The problem, when it's "only about me," then we will have issues with the protected places. Bottom line: Go and enjoy the place. The whole area from Splinter's Cabin to the Spillway is a true Southern California gem.