Deep Creek Hot Springs
- Free
- 2.5 mi hike
Natural hot pools along Deep Creek in the San Bernardino National Forest, reached by a 2.5-mile, roughly 950-foot descent via the Bowen Ranch route or a 6-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Overnight camping and campfires are banned, and visitors must pack out all trash. The Forest Service warns the pools can carry a rare, sometimes fatal amoeba, so do not drink the water or put your head under.
- Price
- Free
- Nearest town
- Apple Valley
- Hike (one way)
- 2.5 mi
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Season |
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|---|
Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Free public access |
On site
| Lodging | No |
|---|---|
| Land manager | USFS |
Not stated by the land manager: swimwear, ages, dogs.
Soak responsibly
- Pack out everything, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use WAG bags where required.
- No soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the pools; rinse away from the water.
- Check permits and closures with USFS before you go.
- Keep groups small and give others space. Respect posted dog and camping rules.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
352 mg/L
Lightly mineralized · Sodium–sulfate (sodium sulfate water)
- pH
- 8.1
- Fluoride
- 6.8 mg/L
- Boron
- 0.40 mg/L
Lab analysis of the source water at a USGS sampling site (0.2 mi from Deep Creek Hot Springs), sampled 1992 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
What's here
- pools beside Deep Creek
- Pacific Crest Trail follows the creek
- no camping or campfires
- amoeba warning: keep your head above water
- no restrooms, trash service or potable water
- endangered arroyo toad habitat
Getting there
| Elevation | 3,790 ft |
|---|---|
| Road |
|
| Hike | 2.5 mi one way, about 950 ft of climbing |
| Trail |
|
| Parking |
|
Things to do near Apple Valley
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Mountain reservoir near Hesperia with hiking, swimming and boating.
Campgrounds
Trailheads
- The Pinnacles3.9 mi
- Metate Trailhead4.3 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
A long-running adults-only day spa in Temescal Valley with 19 pools and water features, led by 104°F Mineral Baths fed by a geothermal source. Admission covers Club Mud, saunas, steam rooms, a hot and cold plunge circuit and daily classes. Reservations are required and there is no re-entry.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
A mid-century hotel on Palm Drive, operating since 1950, built around a courtyard of natural hot mineral pools. It sells pool day passes for 9am-8pm and runs a cafe, bar and spa on site. The hotel's day-pass page and its FAQ disagree on price and minimum age, so confirm before visiting.
Mi Kasa Hot Springs
A small adults-only (21+), clothing-optional hotel with a natural hot springs pool, an indoor jacuzzi at about 103F and an outdoor jacuzzi at about 100F. Day passes and private tub rentals run 9am to 10pm with single entry. Leashed pets are welcome but may not enter the water.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs: 44 mi · Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel: 46 mi · Mi Kasa Hot Springs: 46 mi
Sources (3)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.