day-hiking to deep creek hot springs?

[girlscout]

does anyone know (chai?) if this is a good time of year to day-hike down to deep creek hot springs? what are the temps and conditions up there? since most of my day will be spent driving, i think i'd want to take the short trail down from bowen ranch rather than the 6 miles in/out on the pct.

[chai guy]

I've been there all times of the year. You should be advised that the area does sometimes receive snow in the winter and early spring months so be prepared for that possibility.

Personally, I prefer this time of year or Spring time as the Summer is too hot for me.

The trail from Bowen Ranch is short (less than 2 miles) but is incredibly (sometimes dangerously) steep.


I would avoid the weekend as it is generally very crowded, Holiday weekends are a night mare.

Also, the area is regularly patrolled by Rangers and camping is illegal, and yes they do ticket.

(yeah, I know I camped there while hiking the PCT, but I figured I could just talk my way out of it by telling the Ranger I'd move 50ft. to the other side of the Trail where I believed by PCT permit would be valid, but the Ranger's didn't show up that weekend.)

[girlscout]

cool! thanks for the info... yeah, i was thinking spring, but then thought maybe it might be less crowded this time of year... we'll see... do you have any links with detailed directions to bowen ranch & the trailhead?

[chai guy]

http://www.deepcreekvolunteers.com/directions.htm#Simplest_Route

[girlscout]

thanks chai

hey, are you in oc now? or still living up by tahoe? if you're in oc, i'll let you know when/if i plan a trip to deep creek, in case you want to join in...

[chai guy]

I'm in the OC, give me shout when you head up there. I may join you (depending on my work schedule).

Thanks!