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A strenuous Bradford Ridge hike rewards you with mineral hot pools and creek swims in San Bernardino National Forest. Expect a steep 2-mile descent, 1,000 ft elevation change, and a long day back to Los Angeles.
A strenuous Bradford Ridge hike rewards you with mineral hot pools and creek swims in San Bernardino National Forest. Expect a steep 2-mile descent, 1,000 ft elevation change, and a long day back to Los Angeles.
A hot wind moves through piñon and scrub as the Bradford Ridge trailcrest opens above the canyon. From the rim the canyon drops away in folded sandstone and chaparral, and the trail heads down—a two-mile descent that gives you 1,000 feet of elevation change in short, rocky steps. Deep Creek, a cold mountain artery, threads the canyon floor; its flow carves pools where mineral-heated water collects and invites you to soak.
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Operated by SoCal Hiking Club · Twin Peaks, CA
A hot wind moves through piñon and scrub as the Bradford Ridge trailcrest opens above the canyon. From the rim the canyon drops away in folded sandstone and chaparral, and the trail heads down—a two-mile descent that gives you 1,000 feet of elevation change in short, rocky steps. Deep Creek, a cold mountain artery, threads the canyon floor; its flow carves pools where mineral-heated water collects and invites you to soak.
The area sits within the San Bernardino National Forest, a landscape shaped by Pleistocene uplift and periodic fire. The springs have drawn people for generations—Native Serrano communities used local springs seasonally, and in the 20th century a mix of locals and weekenders turned Deep Creek into a well-known soak. Today the site balances wilderness use with informal etiquette: leave no trace, respect other visitors, and watch footing on riverbed boulders.
Expect scrub oak, chaparral, and steep sections that can be slippery after rain. Wildlife—deer, raptors, and occasional bighorn sign—shares the canyon. The hike in rewards with multiple soaking pools and stretches for a swim in the cool creek between hot springs.
Practical guidance: plan for a long day (7–13 hours from Los Angeles with transport), bring footwear with excellent traction, and consider trekking poles for the ascent. Hydrate well before the climb out; temperatures vary widely between the rim and canyon floor. Pack out everything you bring and give space to other bathers—privacy is limited at popular pools. Lastly, check fire restrictions and road access before you go.
The descent to the springs is roughly 2 miles with about 1,000 feet of elevation loss; the return is steeper and requires more effort.
There is no formal permit system for day visits to the springs, but access and parking can be restricted during certain times—check Forest Service notices and local road conditions.
The hot springs are thermal and suitable for bathing, but avoid ingesting water; be aware that natural pools are not treated and can carry bacteria—use common-sense hygiene and avoid soaking with open wounds.
This tour typically allows participants aged 16–60 and is strenuous; children under 16 or those unable to handle steep, uneven trail sections are not recommended.
SoCal Hiking Club operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A hot wind moves through piñon and scrub as the Bradford Ridge trailcrest opens above the canyon. From the rim the canyon drops away in folded sandstone and chaparral, and the trail heads down—a two-mile descent that gives you 1,000 feet of elevation change in short, rocky steps. Deep Creek, a cold mountain artery, threads the canyon floor; its flow carves pools where mineral-heated water collects and invites you to soak.
A hot wind moves through piñon and scrub as the Bradford Ridge trailcrest opens above the canyon. From the rim the canyon drops away in folded sandstone and chaparral, and the trail heads down—a two-mile descent that gives you 1,000 feet of elevation change in short, rocky steps. Deep Creek, a cold mountain artery, threads the canyon floor; its flow carves pools where mineral-heated water collects and invites you to soak.
The area sits within the San Bernardino National Forest, a landscape shaped by Pleistocene uplift and periodic fire. The springs have drawn people for generations—Native Serrano communities used local springs seasonally, and in the 20th century a mix of locals and weekenders turned Deep Creek into a well-known soak. Today the site balances wilderness use with informal etiquette: leave no trace, respect other visitors, and watch footing on riverbed boulders.
Expect scrub oak, chaparral, and steep sections that can be slippery after rain. Wildlife—deer, raptors, and occasional bighorn sign—shares the canyon. The hike in rewards with multiple soaking pools and stretches for a swim in the cool creek between hot springs.
Practical guidance: plan for a long day (7–13 hours from Los Angeles with transport), bring footwear with excellent traction, and consider trekking poles for the ascent. Hydrate well before the climb out; temperatures vary widely between the rim and canyon floor. Pack out everything you bring and give space to other bathers—privacy is limited at popular pools. Lastly, check fire restrictions and road access before you go.