Deep Creek Hot Springs California
Discover natural hot springs nestled along a scenic creek in California's high desert, offering a unique and rejuvenating outdoor experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful soak
Deep Creek Hot Springs California
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful soak
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover natural hot springs nestled along a scenic creek in California's high desert, offering a unique and rejuvenating outdoor experience.
"The hot springs were PERFECT! Nice & warm!"
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Recommended
Some access roads are bumpy and dusty. A sedan might struggle; SUVs or trucks are better.
💰 Cash for Parking
Bowen Ranch charges $5-$10 per person. Bring cash for the self-service envelope system.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Hot Spring Pools
Along Deep Creek
Immerse yourself in several pools with varying temperatures, offering a perfect soak in the high desert.
Scenic Creek Hike
Various trails
Trek through the high desert landscape, following Deep Creek to reach the secluded hot springs.
Pacific Crest Trail Access
Near the springs
Connect with a section of the famous PCT, offering a longer, more adventurous route to the springs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Hike and Fees
Understanding the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Recommended
Some access roads are bumpy and dusty. A sedan might struggle; SUVs or trucks are better.
💰 Cash for Parking
Bowen Ranch charges $5-$10 per person. Bring cash for the self-service envelope system.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike is exposed and can be strenuous, especially the uphill return. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trails can be steep and rocky. Proper footwear is essential for safety. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Recommended
Some access roads are bumpy and dusty. A sedan might struggle; SUVs or trucks are better.
💰 Cash for Parking
Bowen Ranch charges $5-$10 per person. Bring cash for the self-service envelope system.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike is exposed and can be strenuous, especially the uphill return. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trails can be steep and rocky. Proper footwear is essential for safety. +1
⚠️ Be Aware of Nudity
Nudity is common and accepted here. If uncomfortable, consider visiting on a weekday or bringing children's clothes.
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
This is a natural area with no trash cans. Leave no trace and take all your garbage with you.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download maps before you go to navigate the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Deep Creek Hot Springs offers a beautiful natural escape with therapeutic warm waters, but visitors should be prepared for a challenging hike, especially on the return. The prevalence of nudity and the need to pack out all trash are common considerations. While some find the access fees steep, others see them as a worthwhile trade-off for a shorter trail. The stunning scenery and relaxing soak are frequently praised, making it a memorable, albeit demanding, destination.
"Should have done my research before we went. We took the trail google maps provided and we were met with a $10/person charge to park and go on the trail. The one who provided the information when paying for parking said the trail only takes about 40 min down and an hour back. Took about an hour and twenty min to get down and close to two hours coming back up. When we got down to the water, we were met with SO MUCH trash on the creek side and a lot of nudity from the people swimming in the lake. Aside from all of that, it was gorgeous."
Raven Boshard
"Other reviewers make it sound like Bowen Ranch is gouging people. Com'on! It's five bucks to park for the day and shorten the hike by FOUR MILES! I spend $7 on a freaking Starbucks! Anyhow, parking was cheap and convenient.
The hike is two miles downhill on the way in... easy! The 900' elevation gain makes you work for it coming out. (And the chowderhead who said people over 55 shouldn't attempt it... I'm over 55 and will beat you whippersnappers back up the trail any day. It's called physical fitness, son!
The hot spring itself is excellent. I went on a weekday in January and there were a total of five of us soaking.
Cross the creek to access the hot spring. The top pool is probably 105°F. The water from there feeds the lower pools. The one I spent most of the time in was probably in the high 90s.
The trail is very exposed. Bring drinking water, especially in warm weather. Deep Creek Hot Spring was a great experience!"
D. Scott Amberg
"Hot springs are nice. The whole story: travel in a SUV or at least a talller car than a sedan because there’s a lot of dust and bumpy terrace roads. We went on a normal sedan car but had to go really slow and it bumped some littler rocks. Make sure you go early you don’t wanna hike back in the dark, you will get lost. Its Difficult to arrive, save your google map because there is no signal here. Must put Bowen ranch on google maps, because there will be 2 different places when arriving. First you will find one that says hot springs and the other will say bowen ranch. We parked in the first one. It’s self service so you will pay $5 in a little envelope and put it inside a closed box and there you can grab a really crappy map that you wont understand much but it helps a little. When you park make sure you know were you are since the trails are many and difficult yo find. We finally found the “boat trail” which had an abandoned boat. That trail lead to the bowen ranch parking. From there you can actually start the hike. So it is easier going down the mountain to the hot springs but the trail has a lot of narrow paths kinda dangerous when you get close to the hot springs. Finally arrived 1 hour later. First you will find the really cold river. Pasa that to get the hot springs, there are around 7 pools (that I could see) with different temperatures and sizes each one. Be aware there are nudists people here. Must be ok with this or you will feel very uncomfortable. There were around 45 people in the different pools so you won’t have to”privacy” in any them. The pools are slippery and a little dirty from the algae but really nice to rest for a while. Some are deep but in most you can sit on the sides. We encountered all kinds of people. There are no restrooms here. When going back is harder since we took one and a half hour at a normal pace to ho back to our car. Make sure to follow the arrows and remember the paths you took many people gets lost. It was a nice experience but would not do it again."
Aileen Arango
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most straightforward access is often via Bowen Ranch, which has a parking fee ($5-$10 per person) but significantly shortens the hike. Other access points like Bradford Ridge Path exist but can be more challenging. Always download offline maps as cell service is unreliable. +1
While some visitors have managed with sedans, a higher-clearance vehicle like an SUV or truck is recommended due to bumpy, dusty, and potentially rocky access roads.
The hike length varies by access point. From Bowen Ranch, it's about a 1-hour hike down and 1.5-2 hours back up. Other trails can be longer and more strenuous. +1
Yes, parking is available at designated access points like Bowen Ranch. There's typically a fee per person, payable via a self-service envelope system.
Yes, Deep Creek Hot Springs is accessible from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), offering a longer and more adventurous route for thru-hikers or experienced backpackers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the springs themselves are natural, access points like Bowen Ranch charge a fee, typically $5-$10 per person, for parking and trail access. This fee helps maintain the area. +1
No, advance booking is generally not required. Access is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, especially at paid access points like Bowen Ranch. +1
As a natural area, there are no official operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to avoid getting lost on the trails.
The main considerations are the hiking difficulty and the common presence of nudity. Be prepared for the hike and be aware of the natural environment. +1
This depends on your comfort level. Nudity is common, and the hike can be challenging. If bringing children, be prepared for both aspects. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hot springs have varying temperatures. The top pool is around 105°F, with lower pools being cooler, often in the high 90s.
There are several pools, with some sources mentioning around 5 to 7 visible pools of different sizes and temperatures.
While the hot springs are warm, Deep Creek itself can be cold and fast-flowing. Exercise caution when crossing the creek to access the springs.
No, there are no facilities like restrooms at Deep Creek Hot Springs. Visitors must be prepared to go without.
Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy shoes. For the springs, swimwear is optional as nudity is common. Consider bringing a towel and water shoes for the pools.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic desert landscape, the winding creek, and the steamy hot spring pools. The hike itself offers beautiful vistas. +1
Given the common nudity, it's crucial to be respectful. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals or groups.
A versatile camera that can handle varied lighting conditions is ideal. Consider a waterproof bag for your gear, especially near the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Deep Creek Hot Springs
Other trails, such as the Bradford Ridge Path, are also mentioned, but these can be more difficult and less maintained. Regardless of the chosen path, navigation can be tricky due to limited cell service. Downloading offline maps is highly recommended. The terrain can be steep, rocky, and exposed, so hikers should be aware of their surroundings and physical limitations.
Many visitors emphasize that the hike is more challenging than it appears on some apps. The elevation gain on the way back is a significant factor. While some reviewers find the hike manageable with good physical fitness, others express surprise at its difficulty. It's crucial to research the specific trail you plan to take and be honest about your fitness level before embarking on this adventure.
Understanding the Hot Springs Environment
A significant aspect of the Deep Creek experience is the prevalence of nudity. It's a common practice for visitors to be nude in the springs and often on the trails leading to them. This is a key piece of information for many visitors, and it's important to be prepared for this aspect, especially if you are planning to visit with children or are uncomfortable with public nudity. Some suggest bringing separate clothing for children if you plan to visit as a family.
Furthermore, Deep Creek Hot Springs is a Leave No Trace area. This means there are no facilities, including restrooms, and visitors are expected to pack out everything they pack in. Trash is a recurring issue mentioned in reviews, so being a responsible visitor and helping to keep the area clean is paramount. The natural beauty is a significant draw, and preserving it is a shared responsibility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit