Bradford Trail down to the Hot Springs
Hey everybody, I decided before it gets to hot I would do a recon to the hot springs on the Bradford Trail. From the mountain communities surrounding Lake Arrowhead, this is the main way to get to Deep Creek Hot Springs. Perhaps this is the main way for most people who don’t live in the desert. From Lake Arrowhead, travel northwest on Highway 173. About 4-5 miles beyond the outskirts of Lake Arrowhead, the highway will turn into a dirt road. Continue about 2 miles down the dirt road to the Kinley Creek bridge and Bradford Ridge Trail.The Bradford Ridge Trail is small and poorly maintained but easy to travel on. Not a good trail for mountain biking because of all the overhanging brush and very loose dirt. Lots of hike-a-bike.
Pacific Crest Trail to Deep Creek Hot Springs
The picture of the left is the last hill down to the Pacific Crest Trail leading into the Hot Springs. From this point the scenery is fantastic.
Make sure to bring plenty of water, not so much for the ride down but the ride and hike out. Bradford trail back to the 173 will test your patients. There is no shade covering almost the whole route so drink up!
Overall view of Deep Creek Hot Springs
Great view of the ponds at Deep Creek Hot Springs. Deep Creek is one of the popular Southern California hot springs due to its proximity to LA & San Bernardino.
Man Made Hot Tub
Once you reach the canyon you can spot a grassy ledge where the source of the hot mineral waters flow from. The first pool of hot springs can be reached just below this meadow. This is the main hot pool which is extremely hot, you don’t want to stay in too long cuz it will definitely cook your legs for the ride out.
Poison Oak - Nasty Stuff!
CALIFORNIA POISON OAK: It can make your best campout or day hike turn into a total nightmare. You really gotta know what this stuff looks like in both colors & stay away from it. Spring is bright green, late summer is starting to turn red & slightly brownish-orangish. This is some really nasty stuff..
The first hot pool is the best!
This is a very challenging ride so please do not take it lightly. Take extra energy bars that you know you can digest during extreme heat conditions. Please make sure to have a good first aid kits including some Benadryl Spray, this works pretty good on the itching if you cannot get the proper treatment immediately if you get tangled up in poison oaks. Last but not least “Extra Tubes and CO2″ – Always good rule of thumb when your going into no mans land.
If you need more info, Drop us a line at Big Ring MTB or call us at 909-534-8869, we will be happy to help.
Check our ride schedule or give us a call to book your private guided tour.
See you on the trails!
Regards,
Dewey Aguilera,
Big Ring MTB Crew
Big Ring MTB Crew
Gas Sucks - Big Ring MTB Crew
