Sometimes, you have to push yourself to see the full extent of your capabilities. And what’s a better way to do so than embarking on an arduous hike to Deep Creek Hot Springs? This gem of a natural attraction lies north of the Mojave River at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest.

There are three primary trails to reach Deep Creek Hot Springs. You should take the most challenging, the six-mile hiking route along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The landscape is home to rattlesnakes, rock outcroppings, and temperatures exceeding 100 degrees on most summer days.
Sina Foley/Alltrails
The PCT trailhead lies at Arrowhead Lake Road and runs eastward on a loose, decomposed terrain filled with debris, steadily reaching the Mojave River Forks Dam. For vegetation, you’ll find plenty, from California buckwheat to oak and pinyon woodlands.
Grace Scaglione/Alltrails
Deep Creek Hot Springs is comprised of three pools the size of large hot tubs that can accommodate up to 20 people. Each pool impresses with varying temperatures, typically floating between 96 to 102 degrees.
Aura C/Tripadvisor

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The three thermal springs nestle close to Deep Creek, providing both hot and cold water opportunities. You can soak in the natural hot pools, splash in the swimming holes of the creek, or lounge on the banks with a book in the summer.
Shari Campanaro/Alltrails
It’s safe to soak in the hot springs and creek, but the water is not for consumption. It contains an amoeba that can lead to a fatal disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, so make sure not to dunk your head or ingest the water. You can soak au naturel, too, but only 10 miles upstream from the hot springs.
Scott Schmitz/Alltrails
Wildlife abounds in the area from rainbow trout and Mojave chub in Deep Creek to black bears, deer, and mountain lions, as well as the endangered southwestern Arroyo toad.
Sina Foley/Alltrails

Deep Creek Hot Springs is open to the public from sunrise to sundown. There are a few regulations, including packing out all refuse, limiting fishing to two fish that are eight inches or larger, and the prohibition of camping and glass containers within a mile of Deep Creek. Have you taken this challenging hike to Deep Creek Hot Springs? Share your experience with us in the comment section.

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Deep Creek Hot Springs, Pacific Crest Nat'l Scenic Trl, Apple Valley, CA 92308, USA