Hello Dirk, Its definitely about two and a half miles from the Kinely Creek Bridge on HWY 173 to DCHS by way of the Bradford Ridge trail. These folks you talked to may have been referring to hiking from the Mohave Dam area downstream from DCHS. When I use the Bradford ridge trail it takes me about one hour and 15 minutes to hike from the parking area at the Kinely Creek bridge to DCHS. Its longer going out because of the climb back out of the Deep Creek Canyon. It appears you have my previous directions for this route. Some things to remember are #1 - The beginning of this trail is not marked. On the north side of the Kinely Creek ( white bridge ) is an old metal pole gate which can be seen from the bridge. Walk around the right side of this pool gate and continue north about 200 feet which will find you in a small ravine. Turn left ( downstream ) in this ravine and follow it and the trail will quickly become clear to follow. #2 - After hiking for about 40 minutes, give or take, depending on your hiking speed, you will come to a split in the trail where one trail takes off to your right, and one trail crosses an old barbed wire fence. Take the trail which crosses the fence, its the easiest one. After crossing the barbed wire it will be about 10 to 15 minutes further to where you will hit the PCT. At the PCT go right ( upstream ) along the Deep Creek canyon and in another 15 minutes of hiking you while be at DCHS. Remember the way in for your hike out. This trails goes up and down a number of times during the first 30 minutes of hiking before it begins its decent into the Deep Creek Canyon. Best to bring sufficient gear for colder weather. Like we saw a couple days ago, the weather at DCHS can make dramatic turns in a short period of time so its best to be prepared. Currently this evening here in Apple Valley the temps are in the high 20's. The Bradford Rigde Trail is a good route to the springs, especially when the creek is running high. Good luck Dirk :-)
