The steep trail up the ridge is the correct trail. It is the more "gentle" of the two options. I can recall speaking to someone on one of first visits to the hot springs; they told me that they lost 30 pounds over the years hiking to the hot springs on the Bradford Ridge Trail. I can believe it. It's unfortunate, but if you drink too much or get too mellow at the hot springs and you are out of shape, the Bradford Ridge Trail can snap you out of it and bring you back to reality in a hurry. But aside from the very steep parts, it is a very peaceful hike in a beautiful setting. It is a great place for solitude if you need solitude.
See you at the springs.