Deep Creek Hot Springs
Almost every weekend in San Diego we were able to go somewhere. Deep Creek Hot Springs we ended up going to twice! But first some amazing flower fields on our way there. You could pay to go in and walk closer but the view from the road was just as good. I noticed several artist set up painting all the beautiful colors.
Both of our experiences here at Deep Creek were really enjoyable, relaxing. As we are learning is to be expected, most west coast hot springs usually have their fair share of nudists. This one is actually maintained by some. Thankfully here there were very few people at all and those that were present very "normal" and modest. It is strange to say but I felt comfortable around those that were there... most of them. Certainly has to do with how you act just as much as how they do as well. It seems the rude and disturbing people we found were the ones that were there to watch chicks, pointing out the obvious and being loud. If you can carry on a conversation with a nudist as if they were clothed then you're set.
As a side note, and for most of you that don't know me, partial nudity was apart of the day-to-day life of where I grew up in Indonesia. Bare chests are normal and body imperfections were not something to be ashamed of. Men go about in just a simple gourd and string to cover the most private parts and women a grass skirt. It was freeing to see so many here enjoy nature unashamed unclothed.
To get to Deep Creek Hot Springs you can either park at a ranch (and pay $5 per person to park on his private property) or drive a Jeep and park for free on the park land. We only had the option of parking at the ranch and the owner was very nice. He seemed quite concerned with the upkeep of the hot springs and so we took a trash bag he offered down and Anson gathered all sorts of discarded things along the way.
The fence dividing the ranch parking and the park path.
The path marker where you can park for free, about 1/3 of the way to the creek.
At the top of the ridge that you walk along you have a good view of the area. The hot springs are in the top center, the rocky corner with a few bright green trees.
The upper pool, and the hottest, as the source is just behind me in the photo.
There are all kinds of rocks to climb around on. Both trips we set out a towel and read for a while with intervals of hot spring soaking. We found an awesome perch over the lower pools along the creek. I didn't bring my camera on the second trip but I caught on my phone a man slack-lining over the creek. Several others tried it since he offered but I don't think any made it across.
And a photo back at home of my little water color illustrations of found things there. Made with deep creek water.