Deep Creek Hot Springs is a popular, clothing optional, skinny-dipping spot on U.S. Forest Service land. It's got (1) hot springs, (2) a cold creek, (3) beach-like areas and rocks to hang out on.
- Trail Length: 4 miles RT
- Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000 feet
- Trailhead Elevation: 4400 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate Plus -plan for an arduous hike back up from the hot springs.
- Terrain: The trail is very narrow with steep drop-offs in some sections. There are two very steep sections. Some areas have loose sandy soil. Stream crossing may be up to 1-3 feet deep. The return hike is uphill with average slope of 8%
Meeting Location: 8 AM at PetsMart Ramon/Crossley, Palm Springs Map click here We will caravan to the trailhead with a stop half way.
Expected Time Of Return: 6:30 PM or later.
Registration for this hike is required to acknowledge waiver electronically.
Road conditions to trailhead: Deep Creek is about 100 miles (2.5 hours) from Palm Springs and the last 6 miles of driving is on a washboard dirt road where you should have a high clearance vehicle. We will park at Bowen Ranch which is private property. Parking costs $10 per person (bring exact change). GPS coordinates for the Bowen Ranch House are: 34.363631, -117.162044 or N34 21.507 W117 09.871. Click here for driving directions.
Getting to the hot springs themselves requires wading across a cold creek.
Bring: Ten Essentials (click here), water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch and snacks. Hat, sunscreen and layered clothing are recommended; something to sit on (a towel is good enough), water shoes for the sometimes slippery hot tubs, gas money for carpooling and $10 cash for access fee. Hiking poles may be helpful. Sturdy hiking footwear and adequate drinking water are required. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE).
Carpooling . You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels. We'll send a cancellation email out.
Photos: Please ask before taking photos of people. Click here to see photos from some of our prior trips to Deep Creek.
GOPS Naked Policy: Click here. Hiking Requirements: Click here.
General Notes from USFS website:
Do not drink the water!
The Hot Springs pools of Deep Creek contain a rare and sometimes fatal disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The disease is apparently contained in contaminated soil and transmitted to the Hot Springs pools as the warm water flows through and over the soil. It is advisable not to submerse your head.
Due to the large number of visitors to the Hot Springs, human and organic pollution are increasing in the Deep Creek drainage. The highest Fecal Coliform counts are found in the Hot Springs area.
Suggestions for visiting the Deep Creek Hot Springs
Please help make everyone's visit to the springs safe and enjoyable by respecting the privacy of others, packing out everything you pack in, and watching your footing on the boulders. With your help, we can make Deep Creek a clean and safe place to visit. Here are a few tips for your visit:
- Bring plenty of drinking water
- Wear adequate footwear
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Be careful on the trail, loose decomposed granite, debris and uneven terrain
- The area is home rattlesnakes and be careful around rock outcroppings
While the trail may seem short in distance, the drop in elevation is approximately 950 feet from the Forest Service trailhead, plan for an arduous hike from the hot springs.
Contacts:
Scott: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org (click here); or
Ed: Webmaster-PS@GreatOutdoors.org (click here)
