QuoteSam D. ... good segue to ask folks to sign the petition. Link to my post on this forum: http://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/forum/read.php?2,18668 I've signed. I encourage others to do the same!by JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Hi folks, I camped at the Kern River this past weekend. Checked out Delonegha, Miracle and Remington hot springs, plus the Kern River Brewing company. As I was informed on various internet sites, Delonegha is private property now and therefore no longer accessible, and Miracle was destroyed a number of years ago. Not that I didn't believe what I'd been told, but my explorer's instinct leftby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Quotemgray Does anyone have directions from big bear? Googlemaps directions from Big Bear to Bowen Ranch gate. Bowen ranch charges $5/person for day-parking on their property, or $10/person for overnight parking on their property. Googlemaps directions from Big Bear to HWY 173 pking. I've never done the hike from this starting point, but I hear that it's a lot more difficult and stby JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Click here for full-size image on Picassa. Click here for segment # 1 of full-size map on Picassa, cropped to print to a "landscape" 8.5X11 sheet of printer paper. Click here for segment # 2 of full size map on Picassa, cropped to print to a "landscape" 8.5X11 sheet of printer paper. Link to googlemaps driving directions from downtown Santa Barbara to the trby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
QuotePaul P. I'm essentially the opposite of Joel when it comes to using a GPS for directions, especially in an area that I'm very familiar with. Oh, I absolutely agree that a GPS is completely gratuitous in an area that you're familiar with. Problem is, I've only ever been to Santa Barbara a handful of times in my life, so I'm not familiar with the area at all. When I'm driving around Pasadby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
QuoteSam D. How accurate is the driving map? I always exited on Milpas and took 144 and 192 and El Cielito Rd dealing with permanent temporary detour along the way. If I start at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, can I take Mission Canyon Road->Foothill Rd->Mountain Rd-> Gibraltar ??? I must confess that, when it comes to driving, I am a very GPS-dependent person, and so oftenby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Thanks! Will post a similar map for a (much more challenging) hike to Big Caliente, soon.by JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Click here to view a full-size version of the map on Picassa. Clickable link to driving directions URL in map comments: click here for link. Clickable link to Forest Adventure Pass parking permit URL in map comments: click here for link.by JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
I echo Paul's reply. It's an "upside-down" hike like DCHS, meaning you go down and then up on the way out (after you're already tired). I'd actually thought it was closer to 3,000 feet of elevation loss/regain, but 2300 sounds like it could be right. Either way, it's a lot. By way of comparison, DCHS elevation loss/regain when hiking from Bowen Ranch is about 900 feet. Forby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
If the paved road at the top of the ridge (El Camino Cielo?) is still open, you can park at Cold Springs Flat trailhead and hike 5 miles (one-way) to Little Caliente. That's how I always go, because I wouldn't want to risk driving my little Toyota Corolla over that treacherous dirt road, even when the gates are open. It's a nice hike. You do have to cross the Santa Ynez river, but my guess isby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
I live in Pasadena.by JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Yeah, the bubbles thing is kind of neat. What kind of chemical reaction is causing that, exactly? Anyone know? The path was not overgrown yet. I did enjoy the spring, but I bet its relative disuse for its proximity to the highway has something to do with its small size and its sulphuric smell. I'd certainly consider it worth visiting if I'm driving that way on the 101 anyway, espby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Went to Gaviota Hot Springs yesterday, in an effort to check out more and more new hot springs. Nice day, and of course an easy hike in. Gaviota is a nice spring, and I had it all to myself (surprising, given how accessible it is), but I'd say that this isn't my favorite hot spring ever. Disconcertingly mucky, more a warm spring than a hot spring, and REALLY sulphuric smelling. Only Vicker'sby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Thanks, Paul! I'll check out what folks have to say on SoakersForum, and will get Gersh's guide.by JoelTDahl - U.S.A. Hot Springs
I'm looking at the general area on Google Earth, and the road in appears to be a dirt road. Anybody know how rough a condition that road generally tends to be in? Is it doable in a regular sedan, or is a 4WD high-clearance vehicle necessary? Thanks! Joelby JoelTDahl - U.S.A. Hot Springs
Thanks, Paul! My brother and I will check this one out!by JoelTDahl - U.S.A. Hot Springs
Can anybody recommend any hot springs in Arizona, within a reasonable day's drive of zip code 85086? Click here for Googlemaps link to that zipcode. I'm visiting my older brother who lives there, sometime soon. Looking for some nifty hot springs locations to go to with him. Primitive/rustic location like DCHS preferred (not interested in fancy spas). I've bought a few southwest hot sprinby JoelTDahl - U.S.A. Hot Springs
Ended up going to Deep Creek last weekend instead, though still intend to make it out to Little Caliente sometime this winter. Will post a trip report when I do.by JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Bowen Ranch permits camping on their property, for $10/person each night. It's ~2-mile hike to the springs from there. I don't think they have any trees to speak of in their campsites, though. I believe the Willow Fire cleared all of those out -- I think that's true of most of the area around DCHS.by JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
A few friends and I went to DCHS yesterday. Bowen Ranch Road is washed out in many places, but it's still passable. We made it through in three regular-size sedans, though there were definitely spots that we needed to take slowly. The river crossing came up a little above my waist at the deepest spot, and the water is *cold.* The Anniversary Pool's wall has been broken, and it's practby JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks, Paul!by JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Anybody know the current conditions at Big Caliente and Little Caliente? I'm thinking of going with some friends to Little Caliente over MLK weekend. Gate closures on the dirt road are not an issue, as I prefer to hike in to Little Caliente via this route. My big concern about the hike in is the likely level of the Santa Ynez river, which the hike requires crossing. Anybody know whatby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Assuming the weather remains clear after the predicted deluges for the next few days are over, and the river level becomes manageable, would anyone be interested in organizing a clean-up of the springs area, to scoop the sand out of the pools, and do whatever else may need doing? Perhaps next weekend (January 8th/9th). I live two hours away, in Pasadena, but would be willing to make the trek ouby JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Never been there myself, but I've heard good things about Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur. http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/destinations/sykes/index.htmlby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Big Caliente / Agua Caliente and Little Caliente are two nice ones in the Santa Barbara backcountry.by JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Hi all-- We made it out to DCHS springs yesterday. Gorgeous weather, with only occasional rain that never lasted for long (and just being in the spring when it rains pretty much negates any unpleasant aspect of the rain). The tubs were warm and nice, the creek is cold, but not yet frigid. It's between knee-level and waist level at the crossing from the beach. Bowen Ranch Road is in decby JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks, everybody! I'm heading out there sometime this week. Also, I'm thinking of camping (legally!) at Bowen Ranch. If memory serves, Bowen Ranch charges $5/person for day parking, and $20 for camping. Is it $20 per car, or $20 per person? Any suggestions/tips for camping at Bowen Ranch? I've never camped there before, only day-parked. Thanks! Joelby JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Anybody have a report on current conditions at DCHS? How's the water level? Bowen Ranch Road? Much obliged, Joelby JoelTDahl - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
QuoteSam D. Please post your trip report in this thread. Many thanks, Sam D. Got to the trailhead. Temperature: 110 degrees. Turned around and went to the beach instead, feeling a tiny bit stupid for forgetting that deserts are hot in the summertime. Going to try this again sometime during the cooler months. Perhaps MLK weekend. Did find Vicker's Hot Spring on the wby JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs
Vicker's Hot Spring -- can somebody post or PM me info on how to find it?by JoelTDahl - California Hot Springs