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
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Difficulty Rating: Moderate Plus - plan for an arduous hike back up from the hot springs with some steep incline.
- It will take about 45 minutes to get down to the springs, but 75 minutes to hike back up the hill to the campground.
- WARNING! This is not an easy hike back!
- Terrain: The trail has sections that are very narrow with steep drop-offs. There are two very steep sections. Some areas have loose sandy soil. Stream crossing may be up to 1-2 feet deep. The return hike is uphill with average slope of 8%. The area is home to rattlesnakes. Be careful around rock outcroppings.
- Registration: Open to nonmembers and guest
- Fee $10 per person, payable at the trailhead parking lot
- This is a popular, clothing optional, skinny-dipping spot on U.S. Forest Service land, expect nudity.
- Important details/additional information CLICK HERE
Meeting Location*: 8 AM meet in the outer parking lot in front of Arizona tile next to the Palm Desert Costco, Map Click Here. We will caravan out to the trailhead (N34° 21.882' W117° 09.832'). Please arrive at least 10- 15 minutes early to give yourself time to meet with your fellow hikers and arrange carpooling. * Costco is at the corner of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. If you are coming on I-10, take the Monterey Avenue exit and turn south on Monterey Avenue. Costco will be on your right as you go down the hill from the interchange. The first light is at Dinah Shore Drive. Turn right onto Dinah Shore Drive and then turn right again at the next light into the Costco parking lot. Arizona Tile is in the west end of the building immediately west of Costco in the back of the parking lot. If you are coming from Palm Springs or Cathedral City, to can take Dinah Shore Drive all the way to the left turn into the Costco parking lot. That left turn is at the third light after you cross Bob Hope Drive. Here's a link to the exact meeting place: Map click here
Meeting Location in Apple Valley: NW corner of Bear Valley Rd and Central Rd at the vacant Apple Valley Plaza parking lot (34°28'13.9"N 117°10'22.8"W.) at 9:40am
Expected Time Of Return: 6:30 PM or later. Option to stop at Johns Place in Yucca Valley for dinner.
Stream conditions: Click here
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.
Bring: Ten Essentials (click here), plenty of water (3 liters recommended), lunch and snacks. Hat, sunscreen and layered clothing are recommended; something to sit on (a towel is good), water shoes for crossing the river and the slippery hot tubs, 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 is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share.
Photos: Please ask before taking photos of people. Click here to see photos from some of our prior trips to Deep Creek.
General Notes from USFS website (click here).
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 submerge your head.
Hike Leader: Scott: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org (click here)
