Quotepeciousaitiff (serious question: anyone know if that brain-eating amoeba can get me through my foot?)... No, you can only get it if you inhale water through your nose. Nevertheless, the creek water has been tested before and at times does have e.coli, so you should throughly disinfect your foot with peroxide and neosporin.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Good info Tanija!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
QuoteAntranikWhat is the best time to go when there would be the least amount of people? Never go on any weekend. Best time to go to avoid big crowds is during the week. Individual days vary, but I have found that generally Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings are the least crowded.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Speaking of camping, does anyone know anything about a group of people that camp at the springs occasionally? I think they are called Team Green or something.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
peciousaitiff, first off, what the cop told you is BS and in hindsight, the cop should have been directed to the SBNF website as Wizard indicated. The website clearly shows that nudity is OK in the Deep Creek area and on the hike from the Bowen Ranch .I have been hiking nude on that trail for over 40 years and have never had any issues except for some occasional looks of surprise or stares. Inby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I'm glad to see the rangers are getting down there to warn and cite illegal campers. And many thanks to the volunteers who hauled out a lot of trash. Sanitation continues to be a big issue at the springs.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Hmmm..they could easily have been albino dwarves...with that being said, I saw my first UFO in elementary school. A large cigar shaped fuselage hovering over our playground. Lots of witnesses and of course it was reported. Much later in life during my "wild" period. I drove out at night with another crazy friend to Area 51. Our goal was to get in to the secured area and take pictures ofby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Dale, if for some reason you end up not going in to park at the Freedom Trailhead, I wouldn’t recommend going through the Bowen Ranch if it’s late. The official cutoff is 9pm, but I would not go through the ranch gate after 7pm, only because Mike can be somewhat ornery after dark .by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
No problem for a minivan or sedan. However, when you get to Bowen Ranch. Mike may tell you to park prior to descending to the lower parking area depending on the conditions.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Quoteanleu1I'll be driving to get to Bowen Ranch before 10, Antonio, I would strongly urge you to arrive at Bowen Ranch during daylight hours- at the latest, at sunset. If you arrive any later, you will get the gatekeeper pissed off and risk other trouble, like not getting in.I would suggest you drive up Saturday morning instead.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
LB, thanks for the detailed trip report. Its good to see trip reports like this....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Virtually all of the people who have had problems with Mike arrive or depart the Ranch outside of the open hours. Just make sure to arrive after 7am and depart before 9pm if you are not staying overnight at the Ranch.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
BT a good place for nude hiking is out by DEAnza Springs nude resort east of San Diego. They actually encourage nude hiking in the adjacent mountains. Also, if you like the desert, you can hike nude for miles out in the Glamis Dunes.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I was wondering if anyone has driven the Freedom Trail lately? What condition is it in? Passable by 2 wheel drive vehicles or only 4wd?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Quoteneogeo There is a Facebook group for the hot springs - not the "main" group, Celtfire's group page, but another one (I think there are at least three ...). On this group page, someone has been posting that Bowen Ranch is going to be closing to all parking for the springs "soon" - by the end of the year, early next year. When asked for more details, this person gives none.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Quotemtfrost81 any updates or new info on Scenic recently? We will be there next week and I was wondering if you can visit... Yes, go to their blogspot below where you can sign up for available spots. Definitely plan ahead. Do not just drop in to the springs without following the procedure outlined below. http://scenichotsprings.blogspot.com/by Paul P. - U.S.A. Hot Springs
Quoteneogeo Red Rock next to Stinson Beach in Marin Oh yeah I forgot about that one..I was there a few years ago!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Jay and Joe, I appreciate that info about RWB. Its been a while since I've been up that way, but I'll check it out when I'm there..... Oh, and if you guys know of other CO beaches that I didn't list, feel free to let me know thanks!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
We'll be hitting several nude beaches along the California Coast next month. Stops will include, Bates, More Mesa, Gaviota, Guadalupe, Pirates Cove, Laguna Creek, Red White and Blue, Bonny Doon, Panther, San Gregorio, Baker, Marshals, Muir, RCA, and Limantour to name a few.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
That's great! I've been up to that beach a few times and have walked it. I always thought it would be a perfect nude beach. Now there are 3 nude beaches up in the Santa Barbara area- Bates, More Mesa and Gaviota!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Not good...details are vague so hard to tell if it was an accident or suicide....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Quoteawpangle my favorite day hike so far is San Gorgonio. Awpangle, we have always wanted to hike San Gorgonio and are going to hike it sometime in Fall when things cool down. Do you think free-hiking is possible for all or part of the trail to the peak?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
birdbrain, obviously you are an experienced hiker/camper. So I probably don't need to tell you to take plenty of water, sunscreen, sufficient food etc. There is a water source at the springsvia a little pipe by the Crab Cooker. I don't know for sure the quality of the water, but I'm sure regulars like Neogeo or Wizard could tell you if its potable (although hot!!).by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
For the math-challenged (no insult intended), the round trip hike from Bowen Ranch to DCHS and back is roughly 4 miles.Did I get this right??by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
It never ceases to amaze me how some people don't have a clue about hiking in heat. You would think it would be obvious...don't wear black, drink plenty of water...be in relatively good shape, i.e. be able to walk up steep trails etc.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I've got a property near Van Duzen and am monitoring conditions carefully. I don't think the fire will continue down toward the lake. Firefighters are awesome!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Gld the trash situation is looking better. Thanks Sam for hauling out stuff. I don't think there is any official policy for crapping in the National Forest, but the usual recommendation is to go at leat 200 feet from a water source , dig a hole 6 inches deep, and go for it. Even better would be to pack out your own crap, but people rarely do this. The problem at Deep Creek is it's difficult tby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I usually bring some super strong black contractors bags. They work great, but I have to be careful not to overfill .I can only handle so much weight!!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Mike used to provide trash bags. Don't know if he still does.....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California