Re: Exact location of Spill way trail to deep creek hot springs

I have taken the hike in from 173. It is long and difficult. The hike back is 80% up hill. If you are in good shape it is an hour and a half.
The first mile or so is on the side of a hill, you walk with one hand on the hill, it is steep and dangerous.
With that being said if you like adventures that is the path for you.
If you want to bring 3 kids, a dog, two ice chests, and heavy backpacks and can barely walk to the fridge to get a beer you just might die out there, honestly.
I am not trying to scare anybody, let's not sugar coat it either.
If I park at Bowen ranch I can hike out and get to the 15 and main in an hour and a half.
If I park at 173, I can hike and drive back to the 15 in 3 hours.
I have also parked at the spillway behind hesperia lakes at the top of the hill and have never had problems with vandals or anything while exploring the west side of deep creek as it flows along the pct.
I also wish the forest service would grade down to the flat campgrounds west of bowen ranch and down to the lower parking area you see at the edge of bowen ranch property line, about 1/3 mile south of bowen ranch parking.
Anyways, Parking at Bowen is safe, and not too long of a hike,a nd you can camp.
Also Bowen has pretty new signs at their gate?
Maybe they can grade a little too...