Deep Creek Hot Springs, Natural hot springs in San Bernardino National Forest, California.
Deep Creek Hot Springs are natural thermal pools located in the San Bernardino National Forest foothills, where warm waters emerge along a mountain stream. Multiple bathing areas form at different temperatures, ranging from 38 to 40 degrees Celsius (100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit), creating a series of accessible pools.
Indigenous peoples of the region relied on these thermal waters for generations, valuing them for their healing effects. As European settlement expanded into the San Bernardino Mountains, the site remained accessible and gradually became known to a wider population.
The springs draw visitors from around the world seeking a natural bathing experience, including many hikers traversing the Pacific Crest Trail through the region. Over time, the site has become a gathering place for people seeking freedom and a connection to the landscape.
Three different hiking routes reach the springs, including the Bowen Ranch Trail, Bradford Ridge Path, and Pacific Crest Trail, each demanding a good level of fitness. Visitors should prepare for desert conditions, carry ample water, and check trail conditions before heading out.
The pools support rare wildlife, including the endangered Southwestern Arroyo Toad, a small frog found nowhere else in such numbers. This amphibian depends on the specific stream conditions here, making the site crucial for its survival.
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