we still have face mask requirement in SAN Diego: "All persons two year old or older who are present in the county shall have possession of a face covering described in California Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance issued on April 1, 2020, (available at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Face-Coverings-Guidance.aspx ), when they leave their home or place oby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
QuoteKRISSYINK Do we know if Bowen Ranch is letting people park there and hike down? The forest memo is stated to end the 30th.Maybe soon?! The forest memo regarding closures only applied to developed recreation areas. Deep Creek is an undeveloped recreation area, and that's why it has been open the whole time. With that being said, exercise caution when passing others on the single trail. Bby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I talked to a U.S. Forest Service rep today, and they said Deep Creek Hot Springs is open. However, no thru-hikers are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail because it's considered non-essential travel.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Yes neogeo good post! I agree! It is simply irresponsible to go to any hot springs now. Most, if not all ,commercial hot springs have closed. Thanks to California doing shelter in place and social distancing early in the pandemic, the rate of growth of CV in California is slowing just a little bit. However, the peak is not expected until the end of April according to most epidemiologists.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
QuotejuliankayeGlad he is in charge. I know this is not a political forum, but seriously? You're glad he's in charge? Wow, that's the most delusional thing I've read since the crisis began. Try reading some factual print journalism for a change.....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Quotejuliankaye I say enjoy the outdoors and just follow the 6 foot rule. We need to live life. I know I do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rORMGH0jE2Iby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks for the update I wonder who reported them to the County?😏by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I have a ton of contacts in the hot springs world, and we all agreed that its not wise to go to any springs now. It's virtually impossible to maintain social distancing in most natural hot springs. I feel bad for some of the commercial hot springs owners who are probably suffering quite a loss in business, but we all have to do our part to beat coronavirus. April will be a bad month for the U.S.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Totally agree Rick! It’s selfish ignorant assholes like him that should learn the necessity for shelter in place. I’m sick and tired of people like him who think the Constitution gives them the right to go anywhere they want at any time during a National Emergency, jeopardizing the health and safety of others .by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Yes it’s serious shit. Best to stay at home and only go out for essential trips like food.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike threatened them. They may also have realized it would not be financially profitable.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks for the report! Some folks are in favor of the improved facilities: other people are opposed.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I'll wait until the snow melts to go there. Thanks for the report!by Paul P. - California Hot Springs
I had a brief chat with a friend today who recently hiked in to Deep Creek via the long way from Mojave Dam. Him and his girlfriend hiked out right when the sun went down. They had good headlamps, and right at sunset and as it got darker they saw a good size mountain lion following them. It was crossing the creek a few times and keeping its distance but definitely getting too close for comfort. Tby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
That's good news!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Yeah that's kinda what I thought too, thanks Wizard!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks Wizard I appreciate your explanation. So just to be clear, people can still go through Mikes gate, but there will be a slightly longer hike to get around the fence?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I have been a big fan of Sarah Jane Woodall (aka Wonder Hussy) for many years. She is a model out of Las Vegas, but she is also a lover of hot springs. As you can tell, she is very comfortable in front of a camera, and even though she talks a lot, her conversational flow is easy to listen to (plus she is cute too!). If any of you are interested in other hot springs, I encourage you to go to her wby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Good points Jay about remembering to bring enough water and remembering the trail! I think a lot of us utilized Baxandall's guide back in the day! I've still got mine, along with many,many hot springs books.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I'm not convinced that the new access location will have significantly more visitors than Mike. Of course if they do develop more organized camping facilities, that could change. I would like to know how many visitors actually go through Bowen Ranch . It would be good to know some monthly or even average yearly visitors. I doubt Mike kept track specifically unless he monitored his incoming cashby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
QuotePaul P. Quoteneogeo It would make more sense, if these new owners are going to set up a website and more camping and more advertising of their access route to the springs, that they also involve themselves in the care of the place that their capitalizing will impact. . As mentioned, the cat is out of the bag, and everyone and anyone can find info online about the springs. People are goinby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Quoteneogeo It would make more sense, if these new owners are going to set up a website and more camping and more advertising of their access route to the springs, that they also involve themselves in the care of the place that their capitalizing will impact. . As mentioned, the cat is out of the bag, and everyone and anyone can find info online about the springs. People are going to go thereby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I thought so also Wizard! I suspect they wanted to get the website up and running quickly. I noticed that it doesn't appear correctly on all types of devices. Works fine on my PC's ,but some image and text overlaps on the iPads.I would imagine they will smooth out the rough edges at some point.....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
In the interest of full disclosure, it’s important to include the new DCHS campground website here - http://deepcreekhotspringscampground.com/ There are pros and cons.. With all the problems people have had with Mike, this new alternative will hopefully reduce or eliminate some of those problems. Better access and safer parking are pluses.There may be more visitors, which could have a negatiby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks Joe.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Quotejobe If anyone is curious ? You may turn right just before the Bowen ranch fence. Go @ a quarter of a mile and go left up hill to the trailers and pay to park at the old parking area. Which is now their property. And Have a fun day ! Joe, is that right turn on the same road leading to the Freedom Trailhead? Also, did Brent or Jessica mention what hours they are open? I like to get thereby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Jay, my understanding is that the new access road from the Brett's new area leads directly to the same spot where you used to park when accessing through Bowen Ranch. So yes, you can still hike nude from that point down to the springs. I always do!!!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Hey Joe, I only mentioned that about Mike because of all the cars that have been vandalized over the years at the Freedom Trailhead. Also, the last time I was at Bowen Ranch Mike “went off” about you and had a few choice words to say. I won’t repeat them here....I’ve never had any major issues with Mike so what would I be scared about? I’m more interested in whether Mike is actually stby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Good report Joe! Did you pay to park at Brett and Jessica’s area or do you still go to Freedom Trailhead? I noticed you said you have a van. Did you sell your Ford Explorer, or did you just not want Mike to recognize your vehicle Lol!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Tomfoolery, thank you for the excellent trip report! As a long-time regular to the springs, it's really nice to welcome newcomers who respect the place! I have not been to DCHS in a while due to family issues, but will get up there soon. I'm anxious to meet Brett and see what the new access road is like. Glad you had an opportunity to meet Joe and Wizard! I look forward to more trip reports abouby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California