Apple Valley, California
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs sits in a rugged canyon along Deep Creek in the San Bernardino National Forest, about two hours northeast of Los Angeles.
About this place
Deep Creek Hot Springs sits in a rugged canyon along Deep Creek in the San Bernardino National Forest, about two hours northeast of Los Angeles. It's one of Southern California's most famous clothing-optional hot springs, drawing hundreds of visitors on busy weekends. The springs themselves are a series of natural pools where mineral water emerges at around 100-110°F and mixes with the cold creek water. Pool temperatures vary dramatically — you can adjust where you sit to find your comfort zone, or move between scalding and tepid pools. Clothing-optional use has been the cultural norm here for decades, though it's technically public land with no official designation. Access requires a 2.5-mile hike down a steep, rocky trail with about 900 feet of elevation loss. The trailhead is at Bowen Ranch, a private inholding where you pay a day-use fee (roughly $10 per person in recent years). The trail is demanding: loose rock, full sun exposure, minimal shade. Many people underestimate it. The hike out — 900 feet uphill in desert heat — is genuinely strenuous. Bring far more water than you think you need. The springs attract a broad cross-section: LA weekenders, hardcore hot spring enthusiasts, naturists, and curious first-timers. Expect crowds on weekends and a party atmosphere on holiday weekends. Midweek visits are quieter.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
The crowd skews heavily toward LA-area day-trippers in their 20s-40s, plus dedicated hot spring regulars and naturist travelers. Weekends draw large groups, some rowdy. Midweek you'll find older soakers and people seeking solitude. Families are uncommon due to the difficult hike and party reputation. Solo visitors and couples are the norm.
How to find it
From Interstate 15, exit at Hesperia and head east through Apple Valley toward the mountains. The route winds through Mojave desert before reaching Bowen Ranch, the private trailhead access point. You'll pay a day-use fee at the ranch gate. Park there and follow the marked trail downhill to the canyon. GPS coordinates help, but signage exists. The trail is obvious but steep.
Things to watch out for
Summer temperatures in the canyon regularly exceed 100°F — heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks. Carry at least a gallon of water per person. The hike out is much harder than the hike in. Flash flood danger exists during monsoon season (July-September). Weekends can feel crowded and rowdy; go midweek for a mellower experience. No facilities, no cell service.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Pack out all trash — this is a wilderness area with serious litter problems. Respect others' space in the pools. Photography is common but ask before including people in shots. The hike out is harder than the hike in — pace yourself and carry more water than you think you need. Don't soap up in the pools. If you're drinking alcohol, keep it low-key. Rangers patrol occasionally and cite for littering, vandalism, and glass containers.
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