The Bradford Ridge Trail does require more physical effort than the Bowen Ranch trail, due to its longer length, and alos because it goes up and down a few times in the first 30 minutes of the hike before you reach the Deep Creek Canyon, the total altitude changes from parking to DCHS would also be greater in my opinion. I wouldn't know the more accurate numbers for that but someone good with a GPS could come up with them I'm sure. Since the beginning of the Bradford ridge trail is not obvious from the rd unless you are clear with the directions it might be better for Nekkid 1964 to use the Bowen Ranch Trail for his first visit. I think though trying both at some point would be benificial in that he may find the Bradford Ridge Trail way of getting to DCHS from the Big Bear area better overall for him. I'm not sure actually which would be the best since I also do not know what part of the Big Bear area he is coming from.