Naphi, as Wizard said ,Monday will be clear. However it will be very cold. The daytime high will only be in the upper 40s and the low around freezing. So if you go early Monday, just be careful on Bowen Road as there may be patches of ice.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
We all know that the rise of extremist groups and neo Nazis is more prevalent now, and there is a well known presence of these types of groups, including the White Aryan Resistance, in Hesperia and Apple Valley. Obviously someone from one of the extremist groups is responsible for the swastika and other racist graffiti. Efforts to remove the graffiti are very much appreciated even though it can bby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thank you for the information...... Quotepaulespo There are 3 sections that are tough, but I think the hill right before the parking lot is the most washed out and difficult even for a 4wd high clearance vehicle. I've seen some SUVs park before this hill. The other area is the hillside ridge which is about halfway, I've found some weird car undercarriage parts in that spot so its definitelyby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Great report...thanks for all the cleanup effort. Did it seem like the Freedom Trailhead road would be passable by two wheel drive or only 4 wheel drive?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Yes waiting until spring would be wise! There are many great hot springs up in the Mammoth and Bridgeport areas. Travertine and Buckeye near Bridgeport are awesome soaks anytime. Mammoth Long Valley Caldera has many great hot springs. Crowley’s, Hot Creek, Molly’s, Hot Tub ,and Shepard’s just to name a few .Enjoy!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
A trip to Saline is not for the faint at heart! If you have not been to Saline Warm Springs before, please be aware that you need to be fully prepared and completely self sufficient. Always check the weather first before you go. Both the North Pass and South Pass roads close if the snow or rain damage the roads. Check road conditions at Saline Preservation Association or Death Vally Talk websitesby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Good historyby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks for the report and pictures! Everything looks similar to when I was there except for the bent rim. Always a decent soak and never crowded.by Paul P. - California Hot Springs
Paul, when you go to Willetts, please snap a few pictures and let us know how the trip went. I will be curious to know which trail you use to hike in to it. I haven't been there since the landslide partially wiped out the tub. I'm assuming it should be OK now...by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
You can clearly see the Powerline Road route to Freedom Trailhead on Google Maps or Google Earth. Distance is almost 5 miles. I have not been this route but it may be suitable for mountain biking but looks like many elevation changes.....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
We used to ride our mountain bikes to the springs from the Mojave Dam trailhead. Really nice ride! I don't believe Mountain bikes are allowed on that trail anymore. Wizard had mentioned in a previous post about the Powerline Road access to the Freedom Trailhead from Deep Creek Road. I don;t know if that is mountain bikable- may have some steep sections.....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wizard I suspected access was blocked from Bowen Ranch Road. Both Google Earth and Bing Maps do not clearly show that route since apparently it hasn't been travelled much since 2000. It will be interesting to see what the future brings for access to DCHS....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wizard thanks for the great detailed info. I agree with you that the Moss Mill route down to the FS parking lot would be the best option for public access if the Ranch closes. Is that road actually open now, or blocked off at Bowen Ranch Road where it goes off to the left just before the Ranch?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Here is a decent map showing property boundaries in the Bowen Ranch area. The pink is BLM and the green is USFS. I'm assuming Mikes property and the other property that Wizard referenced is white. I'm not familiar with the Moss Mill route, but based on Wizards description, I assume its the one that cuts across the east side of Mikes property and loops around to the FS parking area. Seem to mby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Personally, I think it would be a win-win if the Forest Service (FS) took over access.I've got nothing against Mike, but many others have had a variety of issues with him.There's a long history as regulars on this forum are so well aware. And I'm sure Mike is tired of dealing with all the hassles he faces from visitors not playing by his access rules etc.On the down side, he would obviously loseby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks for the report and photo. I've been to Verde many times.The stream is tough to cross during high water. At low water its easy to cross especially where the road crosses just a short distance from the springs. The wall art has changed constantly over the years. My old girlfriend was a pretty good artist and she and I painted it back in the 1980s.by Paul P. - U.S.A. Hot Springs
Thanks I was able to see your pics. Looks pretty much like I remember it!by Paul P. - California Hot Springs
Sespe is one of my favorites. I've been there 3 times. I've never hiked the trail you did, - I've always come in from Mutau Flat, its a shorter, less punishing trail. You probably didnt get to Willetts Hot Springs- another epic soak near Sespe. Did you take any pictures at Sespe that you'd be willing to share?by Paul P. - California Hot Springs
I've soaked there many times. I learned a long time ago never to put my head underwater at hot springs!by Paul P. - California Hot Springs
Matt, Bowen Ranch does not take reservations. Keep in mind that camping there is very basic- no facilities. It should not be hard to get any kind of spot if you get to the Ranch at a reasonable time in the morning. Mike the gatekeeper will direct you. If you prefer not to camp, there are numerous hotels in Hesperial, Apple Vally, and Victorville. A cheap good close hotel that we always stay atby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Last night I saw this report on another website: Mdskibum and I visited Deep Creek Hot Springs on Sunday October 7, and Monday October 8 , 2018. We hiked in from the Bowen's Ranch. There were more people on Sunday than Monday. We had a great time . I took the temperatures of all of the pools and sources with my digital thermometer. The main source next to the Pacific Crest Trail wasby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Good pic Rick! I used to go there a lot.it was actually pretty clean water then and a decent soak.Also a while back the land surrounding it was for sale.I don’t know if that included the pool, or if it ever did really sell.by Paul P. - California Hot Springs
Thanks for cleaning, hauling out trash, and clearing out that trail box.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
It's a terrible tragedy but it appears not all the facts are in.Was it an accident or a crime? Were drugs or alcohol involved? And was the body found in the creek or in one of the springs? A few years ago someone died in the Slab City Hot Springs in the Imperial Valley. Authorities did close off the spring for a very short time while the death was under investigation- it was finally determined tby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
My Oregon friends just told me Cougar is probably gone. The fire was on the edge of the spring area and has probably burned all the vegetation around it. It will be a while before anyone can get up there to see the damage.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wow, besides some misinformation in the article, I burst out laughing when she described Mike as a "A grumpy, desert-dwelling (yet charming) curmudgeon". I bet he's never been called that before!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
It will be excessively hot Thursday. The high in the Deep Creek area will be in the 90s even pushing to 100. I would expect some folks may suffer from heat exhaustion. Personally, I would wait until it’s cooler. Every day is Hike Naked Day at Deep Creek.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Mdskibum, just be aware that sometimes cars are vandalized at the Freedom Trailhead. Don’t leave any valuables in your car there. If you want to decrease chances of vandalism ,just park at Bowen Ranch.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I submitted my comments quite a while ago when they were doing the preliminary draft environmental document. I dont think I saved any of my comments but if I find them I'll post them.by Paul P. - California Hot Springs
Thanks for sharing Rick. I have submitted many comments to them regarding this project.by Paul P. - California Hot Springs