Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge Path in San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Hike Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge Path San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Class 1 5.1 miles 1300 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Dec 8, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge Path GPX Track

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This is the southern approach to Deep Creek Hot Springs, the Bradford Ridge Path (not sure why it's "Path" instead of "Trail", but whatever), avoiding a long drive from the L.A. area to the Bowen Ranch Trailhead, which also includes a $5 day use fee or something. I didn't go to that trailhead, because it was shorter, looked more crowded, and also fairly boring. This southern approach was really nice, and although I'm sure it also gets popular, I went in the morning and was pretty much solo the whole time. The Bradford Ridge Path is really easy to follow and takes you through some pretty hills and down a steep section leading right to Deep Creek. At the trail junction, head right and you'll be at the hot springs. The Deep Creek Hot Springs are beautiful, and despite the tree swing, slackline, and uncountable pieces of trash left behind, it's really peaceful if you come early on a weekday to get the whole place to yourself. I found at least 6 pools with great temperatures and comfy sandy bottoms.

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Bradford Ridge Path weaves along the hills next to a canyon.
Bradford Ridge Path weaves along the hills next to a canyon.
Looking back the way I came.
Looking back the way I came.
You never quite go into the canyon/drainage, which makes for some nice views up and down, as well as of the trail as it winds around.
You never quite go into the canyon/drainage, which makes for some nice views up and down, as well as of the trail as it winds around.
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Looking back along Bradford Ridge Path.
Looking back along Bradford Ridge Path.
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Approaching the steep downhill section.
Approaching the steep downhill section.
Some switchback would have been nice - you can already see the erosion pretty badly in the sand. This section is really steep and on sandy footing.
Some switchback would have been nice - you can already see the erosion pretty badly in the sand. This section is really steep and on sandy footing.
Looking back up from the bottom of the steep section.
Looking back up from the bottom of the steep section.
Make a right at the junction and head toward Deep Creek Hot Springs.
Make a right at the junction and head toward Deep Creek Hot Springs.
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Deep Creek Hot Springs.
Deep Creek Hot Springs.
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I got to Deep Creek Hot Springs early enough that there were only a few other people.
I got to Deep Creek Hot Springs early enough that there were only a few other people.
There are quite a few pools, and also a slackline set up.
There are quite a few pools, and also a slackline set up.
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My favorite spot at Deep Creek Hot Springs.
My favorite spot at Deep Creek Hot Springs.
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Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!