Deep Creek Hot Springs
98–108°F
Pool temperatures
2.5mi
Hike, one way
Paid
Fees apply
Deep Creek Hot Springs is a group of natural, clothing-optional pools beside Deep Creek in a desert canyon on San Bernardino National Forest land near Apple Valley and Hesperia. The shortest route is a steep 2.5-mile hike from Bowen Ranch, where parking is paid. A Forest Service area closure running to June 2027 lists the springs as an affected site, so legal access should be confirmed before any visit.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Clothing optionalCommon here, not official policy
- Camping nearbyA trip report mentions a Deep Creek Hot Springs campground just past Bowen Ranch. A federal campground is listed about 5 miles away. Confirm current availability.
- Toilets & parking
- 5–6 pools
- SeasonSpring and fall are the recommended seasons. Forest roads in the area have winter closures, and high creek flow in spring can make the short route dangerous.
- FeesParking at private Bowen Ranch was reported at $10 per person in a 2024 guide. A National Forest Adventure Pass is listed for the wider forest. Fees and rules can change.
Best time to go. Spring and fall, per one regional guide. Avoid the short trail at high water.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
Check before you go
Forest Service lists Deep Creek Hot Springs as open. High Wind Warning in effect until Sat, 17 Oct 2026 03:00 UTC.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
USFS Forest Order 05-12-52-25-02, the Deep Creek Area Closure, is in effect from July 2, 2025 to June 7, 2027. It bans entry within 50 feet of Deep Creek between the Hooks Creek confluence and the Devil's Hole trailhead (Trail 2W01). It also closes Forest Road 2N26Y, Road 3N34C and Trail 2W22. Holders of a PCT long-distance permit are exempt for the PCT trail, road 3N34C and Splinters Cabin. The Forest Service lists Deep Creek Hot Springs among the affected sites. Two other directories say the springs are closed to the public until June 2027. Confirm with San Bernardino National Forest before visiting. The closure continues earlier closures (the 2024 order ran July 2, 2024 to June 8, 2025).
The creek can rise suddenly in spring, and an older directory entry warns of being swept away on the short trail. The climb back out is steep. The area has no services and is remote. Deep Creek is habitat for the endangered arroyo toad, so stay on trails and pack out trash.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Apple Valley. Then a 2.5-mile hike, one way.
- 1
From Interstate 15 in Hesperia, head east toward Rock Springs Road, then north to Bowen Ranch Road. Bowen Ranch Road ends at a private ranch with a paid parking lot and the trailhead.
- 2
The short route is a steep trail of about 2.5 miles one way, with roughly 1,000 feet of descent, down to the canyon. A longer free route follows the Pacific Crest Trail or Bradford Ridge Path, about 6 miles one way, from the Mojave River Forks Dam or Arrowhead Lake Road area.
- 3
Check current closure maps before choosing a route.
34.3400, −117.1730 · nearest town Apple Valley, CA
These coordinates are for the spring itself, not the parking area. Navigate to the trailhead named in the directions.
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Apple Valley, from campgrounds to cabins.
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