Thanks for the good report. Sounds like a Sunday at the springs. Good to know others are carrying trash. I know for a while a few of us were hauling most of it during the weekdays. The UV index is listed as 8 at noon now so a good sunscreen is important. I have found the 70 or 100 spray ons actually keep one's skin from getting to overdone but they are annoying later.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
If you are a hiker, you could park at the end of Hook Creek Road out of Cedar Glen by Lake Arrowhead. Go beyond the gate and down the hill until the T junction. Turn left and about a 1/4 mile is a locked gate to what is called Splinters Cabin. Park at the gate and walk down the road past the picnic area at the cabin. The Steel Bridge which is about 8 miles south of DCHS is down the creek from theby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Read the article. There are some pretty sharp turns around there and it is a steep descent off the trail. I have run into kids riding motorcycles near there and it can be hazardous for the hikers as well. The PCT is really only a hoof and foot trail. Sometimes there are reasons for these designations. The PCT Assn did some trail maintenance from DCHS south beyond Indian Camp a couple of years agoby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I camped at the Ranch last week and it was in the high 20's with some wind. Down at the Springs Ranger Dave said his reading was 28 on Friday Morning, but we were up to a toasty mid 60s by 1030 when I hiked out. The area has been evolving with a mixture of textiles and non. The weekends swing heavily toward families and children at times. This time of year its mostly various types of Springers anby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I came in at dawn and headed out around 1000 so we probably passed on the trail. It was a great morning. I will add since I arrived to find two sets of campers. Scottie was there and a couple of others. Scottie is heading out for food so will not be around this weekend for anyone who want to know. He also mentioned he wants to go to Saline. I've seen that on the board here as well. Glad you enjoyby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Mellowguy, Responsibility is what the Forest Service expects. People who camp at the Spring, make camp fires during High Danger season and who generally endanger the Springs are far more of a problem than the unaccompanied guys I know. But its how we treat the people and the place which makes a difference. It's OK to do many things around the Springs but not in many other contexts. I know manyby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Sungirl, I agree with your statements. I look at the situation. If juveniles are at the springs I am certainly wearing swimming attire. Just because the law allows for Clothing Optional does not mean one won't have to defend ones actions in court. That could cost money and time. The various jurisdictions may decide to enforce their understanding of the law. Parents may decide to target someoneby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Mr. Wayne, Since no one responded I will say you can find some on the 24,000 Topos of the area. Nice part of the PCT up that way by the Steel Bridge.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I arrived at the Springs on the 5th around 5pm and hiked in for a brief soak. Met a group who needed help coming out (they were nice, one was very overweight and it took some encouraging to help her make her way) so I walked them out and made sure they took the right turns. This is the largest group I've seen free-hiking. There were 6 and a mixed party. I think I once saw 4 at once as a mixed groby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I arrived at the Springs around 8:30 am. There were only 2 people there. Spend a quick soak and then hiked up to Willow Creek. The creek is now dry. It was still flowing about a month ago when I went by. The Springs were clean and look ready for the weekend. There were a few people coming in when I was hiking out at 2:00 pm. Note: There was a rattlesnake on the PCT about 3/4s of a mile beforeby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Excellent report. I agree that people come for different reasons. It is a spiritual place to many. I enjoy the early morning quiet there and have only had it disturbed by this Friday type a few times. Thanks for letting us in on a great few days.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
This is an awesome area. With the proposed National Park status this is essential to find the right plan. I lead a group on the Mojave Road from the Colorado to the Manix Exit across the existing Government Road last year and I was amazed at how fabulous and unexplored this area is. In the Spring expect it to have some of the best displays of of desert color. Perhaps Anza-Boreggo may be better, bby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I learned of Deep Creek while I was a kid in the 60's. My father always talked about hiking in to fish for the natives. It is a special place and yes, the farther you get from the springs, either up or down creek, the better you will do. The springs are polluted with ecol i. Two trout is the limit and only casting rods. No spinners. Enjoy. Coyote.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
To Sam I say I enjoyed the afternoon while he provided some of his Henniger Beir from Frankfurt to those around. Thanks for an enjoyable afternoon and I know that the others got a little annoying after their drinks. I chose to just enjoy the conversation. Coyoteby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I descended the Goat Trail around 1 pm and found a fairly large group of Korean Ladies coming down the trail ahead of me. I hike fairly quickly and a few coming out, some au natural. Found a few of the locals enjoying the springs while I hiked up the trail to Willow Creek to see how the trail and the vicinity were faring in the summer heat. There were complaints from the naked guys that there werby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Laughing Bear has always been a voice of reason over the years. He knows the creek and the people with all of their issues. My prayer is for his swift recovery.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I will chime in with Paul. I won't be there but enjoy the springs and great cool weather this unusual weekend is bringing.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
So you must be above the rules since you don't follow them. Hum. I wonder why they make them?by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Let's hope they have a plan for how to stop a gusher!by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I usually go to Bowen for security, but Jobe is correct about Bradford Ridge. You park on the side of Hiway 173 at the bridge and head in. It is really a nice hike through the transition between the chaparral and the pinon pine environments. The last 1/2 mile is confusing for the first time visitor. If you go left you stay on the regular trail and are about 1/3 of mile above the springs. If you aby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I've parked there last year a couple of times. Haven't taken my Wrangler in this year to see how Round Mountain fared from the rains, but the parking lot itself and the road above it look pretty much the same. I assume you're referring to the road off of Oak Springs Road which has an Open Route Road which goes around the back side of Round Mountain?by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
And you know it's a full moon tonight. That means a bright night tomorrow night. More people try to go down then besides it being a long weekend and that's a good time to check. Besides it is the Rule of Law and that's what keeps us all safe. Enjoy the springs and happy hiking. Let me add since some on this forum seem to have a different understanding of visiting the springs at night than I dby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
True. I was there that day at dawn and I talked to the guy running the Yoga Group. Very great idea to have them come in from a gathering in Palm Springs. This is a much better area than PS. I didn't stay beyond 1230 but it was beginning to become crowded with great people. I didn't observe anyone who was an issue and the group was warming up to the purpose of the Springs. It is a sacred area.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
There is also the burning of the vehicles last year. Just be aware that the Freedom Trail comes with a security issue. There is a reason why Mike charges $5.00 ($10.00 per person per night) per person. He has overhead and he provides security. I have parked at the Ranch hundreds of times and have never questioned or found I have a problem. I have camped there and found Mike responsive to any probby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Jobe, That's great. Time to hike the PCT and not worry who's looking at cars parked by the road near Onyx Summit on 138. That also says these bike riders can hang at 8400 feet! Coyoteby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Let me add that the Rangers have been ticketing those who park off the road. If you break grass or create a new parking area you could be ticketed. The issue is the Freedom trail was never sanctioned by the Forest Service. They are the law so they create the rules. Let me add that I have parked at Bowen hundreds of times and never had a problem while the vehicles which were burned last year at Frby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Coyote spends time studying the behaviors of those who visit the Springs. In the hundreds of trips I have made in the last 10 years I have made the acquaintance of only a few who called themselves "gay." Of the thousands of people I have met no one has exhibited overt sexual behavior, propositioned anyone or publicly had sex viewable from or observed by me. This is a non-issue. There arby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wizard, Sorry to have missed you. I was in the Womb with the 3 through hikers discussing the trail. There were also 2 women who were camping in the area for a while. I may be down early Thursday.by coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Hiker, I concur with all of the above. What I saw last Friday was that the creek was much safer than it had been and was down quite a ways. The report I left a couple of week ago was that the creek had been up a couple feet. It really is closer to normal for this time of year now. I will be coming in from the Bowen side this week. For those inclined to hike: There are at least 2 other waysby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Came in from the Bradford Trail. 173 from Hesperia is not in real good shape. High wheel recommended. The Springs had several groups. One party of 3 were through hikers and were staying the day. There is a float and it was working well when I left at 12:30. The creek is about the level of the Serenity Pool but the crossing seems to be filling with sand about 50 feet down. It was below the chest oby coyote - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California