Does anyone know where you can park to hike into Deep Creek hotsprings for free?
I think there may be several alternative routs actually.
One 5 or 6 miles up the river.
Thanks!
I think there may be several alternative routs actually.
One 5 or 6 miles up the river.
Thanks!
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Los Angeles
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Sun, October 21, 2007 - 10:22 PMIf you can't find it online, take a look at "The Pacific Crest Trail, Vol. I", by Wilderness Press.
The PCT goes past the hot springs, and there are comments about what's near the trail.
I think if you head upriver, you can find a trail junction that leads you towards Lake Arrowhead.
OTOH, it's been 16 years since I was there, and things could be much different by now.
I think it's shorter to hike out downriver. -
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Mon, October 22, 2007 - 12:39 AMThere is a shortcut, but its easy to get lost. Get a topographical regional map before going and travel by daylight. Be prepared to camp over night instead of taking the main trail if you want to avoid parking at the ranch. The secret way should be legal, since I dont think the ranch owns the springs itself. However, its a lot easier to follow the road to the hotsprings than the back trails. -
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Tue, October 23, 2007 - 8:57 AMOh yes! it is really easy to get lost there.
My Girlfriend sprained her ankle and it got dark on us while we were hiking the road out.
We took a wrong turn and went up an old fire road.
Things didn't feel right after 1/2 hr or so walking in the dark so we turned around and went back down to the ravine.
Thank God our friends friends finally caught up to us with flashlights an hour later or we would have been so screwed.
We were facing the very real prospect of a night out in damp clothes and in light rainfall with no cover.
Normally It is a very dry forboeding climate there, and it is extreemly easy to get lost in the endless rocky hills that all look the same.
This was a very humbling eye openining experiance for both of us.
When we saw our friends come with light!
Well we just gave them the biggest hugs possible.
Thanks for the info!
Be prepared people, and be careful! -
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Wed, October 24, 2007 - 12:25 AMIt's easy to get lost (especially at night) and spending the night unprepared has proven fatal:
www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp
Also, it's illegal to camp at Deep Creek and tickets are frequently given for over-night camping. -
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Wed, October 24, 2007 - 2:45 AMDeep creek isnt THAT cold compared to places of much higher elevation like Big Bear. It actually gets pretty hot.
If you do camp, dont camp super close to the springs. Find a nice hidden spot off the beaten path and stay hidden. Its totally possible to avoid the rangers. Of course, you do run the risk of getting a ticket.
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Wed, October 24, 2007 - 5:38 PMGoogle Maps shows Squint Ranch Road ends near the spring, but that part of Squint Ranch Road is not in my old PCT Guide book. It would take a few interesting connections to get out to the end of that road.
The PCT Guide book says the PCT goes 6.8 miles (roughly southeast) from the spring, to where it crosses Bacon Flats Road (3N20). The map segments show that this road leads about 4 miles (roughly southwest) to civilization in the Lake Arrowhead area and ends at 173 perhaps a mile from Mountains Community Hospital. The hospital is shown on the map segment, but the most direct connection between Bacon Flats Road and 173 is not shown.
If you are interested in referencing the PCT Guide book, you could look for map sections C11 and C12 (at least that's what they are called in my old 4th edition from 1989 - they may have redesignated them by now).
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Sat, November 24, 2007 - 11:09 AMhere is a map to detour the ranch. wanr.earthbiz.net/DCHSaccess.jpg You need 4x4/suv to get there though. And it is a little confusing when you take the route 1 and then 2 and end up on the 3N59A you come along a parking area. The first one is NOT the one you want. keep going, when you reach the right one you will see it. look for the sign from here www.deepcreekvolunteers.com/dire...s.htm
There is also another route described at the bottom of that page, but have never taken it. -
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Sat, November 24, 2007 - 11:49 AMWe used to park by the dam and hike in, apx 4 miles. Not a good idea on the weekends as the lot is used by people going to a popular swimming hole. The graffitti ends at the swimming hole to give you an idea of who uses it. We always had good luck as far as our vehicles go although they were pretty bombed out to begin with.
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Re: Deep Creek secret Entrance
Sat, January 12, 2008 - 10:41 AMI have been going around the ranch for years now ...., with good ground clearance it is not bad...
When you get to the B Ranch, go right, instead of going in to the ranch gate, following the fence line for a bit. If you see anyone here... just keep going (they want you to pay to use your land). From there, if you were to visualize driving around the ranch property line.... it is one big square shape. After going past the gate the road will fork...and you want to stay left (on the way in). It is best explored during the daylight for the first time. Some parts of the road can look more intimidating than they really are. I will usually keep going until i get to a flat clearing that serves as parking.(usually a few other cars already there). It is important to not leave valuable items visible,... your in the desert, and strange things happen!..this does not mean you should set the alarm. (It won't help)
once you have found the parking area, the springs are only a mile, or so away (almost all downhill)
Happy trails!
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