Deep Creek Hot Springs, California

Report by Coccozella Two hours drive from Los Angeles is one of my favorite places on the planet. Naturally hot water oozes from a cliff along the Deep Creek and over the years people have subtly altered some of the rock arrangements so that the hot water pools at various levels as it makes its way down to the river. Part of the San Bernardino Recreation area, it is not officially sanctioned for nude use but the tradition goes back a long way. It seems to be tolerated in part because the official trial to the springs takes probably 3-4 hours to walk and you don't exactly get crowds of the regular public. There is a much shorter route to get there and this is used by the regulars. Holiday weekends will find one or two hundred people making their way in, of which most are nude but many are not. It is a fantastic place to be in and explore. At the bottom of a desert river gorge the cool waters of the small river meanders by. There are many trails up and down the river to all kinds of interesting private nooks and cranies amoungst the eroded boulders.

Directions: There are many ways to get there and this is the most accessible. East of Los Angeles get on I-70 and head north. Exit at Bear Valley Road and head east about 10-11 miles to a stop-signed intersection with "Central Rd". Turn right (south). Drive until you get to Octillo and turn left to the east. The dirt road will hit "Bowen Ranch Rd" after about a mile or two. Turn right, south, and continue on the winding dirt road for more than 6 miles. Take it easy! At the Bowen Ranch they will charge you about $5 to park and will provide a map to find the trail. You need this map to find your way the first time! It is about a 45-minute hike, mostly gently downhill, nothing too trecherous though it could be a bit challenging if you are not in reasonable shape. You will have to cross the river to get to the hot springs. Either jump the rocks downstream or wade across where you see most people hanging out. Leave well before the sun goes down... it is a long and tiring walk back and it gets cold quickly out in the desert. Environment:I have only been there in the winter, when it is mostly quite pleasant. I have heard it can get very hot in the summer. There are absolutely no facilities. Bring food and lots of water. Be very, very careful moving around in the hot pools. There's always someone who slips and falls, including me! Rocks against a bare butt is not pleasant. If you fall off one of those cliffs while clambering about you are a long way away from medical help. Facilities: None at all. Take out what you bring in. Do not make fires or cut down trees. History/Status: Nudity seems to be tolerated for now. The area is under heavy debate concerning endangered wildlife and improper use may make it very difficult to visit in the future. A fire ravaged through the area a couple of years ago and the ecology is still recovering. Parking: The Bowen Ranch provides parking. There are alternatives you can find out about at the provided links. Accommodation: Nothing nearby. People do camp, though I believe it is illegal.

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Links: A Deep Creek Home Page Adrenaline Adventures Report Total Escape Report Please suggest a link - erik (AT) edenism.com - regarding this location. This location is situated about at the red dot. Click to zoom in and out of the map. Map by MAPQUEST. Weather Report Year-Round Climate Year-Round Climate (Metric)

Please send us - erik (AT) edenism.com - updated information and pictures if you have it - we depend on you!

Please visit our favorite nudist website on the planet! -Erik

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