While tourism in the hi desert is beginning to dwindle for the summer, Joshua Tree National Park tends to make comfortable room for locals and die-hard climbers again. But what about some other spots down the highway that we forget or may have never been?
Deep Creek Hot Springs is a remote paradise hidden just outside of Apple Valley, an oasis that must be seen to be believed. But it’s a paradise that must be earned, after a challenging four miles drive up into the mountains, then a dynamic two-and-a-half-mile hike down into the slow moving creek, topped by an even more difficult hike on a non-stop incline on your way back. But once you’re submerged in the cooling waters of the creek, swimming with fish, frogs, and turtles, it’s worth every weary step to and from.
With gentle rapids and waterfalls trickling from the natural hot springs built into the mountain, the temperature of the water stays churning and balanced. The area is clothing optional, so don’t be surprised to see regulars jumping naked into the creek from the hot springs overlooking the picturesque scene. It is recommended to bring plenty of water for the day and protein-rich snacks for the hike back; because of both its idyllic nature and challenging way back to your car, Deep Creek Hot Springs is a difficult place to leave.
Luckily, Sawtooth Canyon Campground is a perfect place to rest for an overnighter. Located between Lucerne Valley and Barstow about 15 minutes after the 247 hangs a drastic turn to slightly higher elevation, the Sawtooth Campground is a hidden gem for local adventurers and travelers seeking more solitude and silence than our oversaturated national park can offer these days. Sawtooth Canyon contains the best of both modes of camping styles; nestled in a horseshow of wild BLM land with no host and free to camp, yet complete with amenities like bathrooms, shade structures, grill-topped fire pits, and picnic tables at its thirteen spacious campsites.
Also referred to as “New Jack City” by climbers, the “tooth-like” rock formations shoot upwards towards the sky from its grassy hillsides, distinguishing it from the more popular rounded boulder formations in Joshua Tree. The towering structures are a dark red, almost black granite texture made from an unusual form of metamorphic rock of volcanic origin, igniting the imagination into more severe, even sinister associations.
Some things to remember if you plan on making a night of it in Sawtooth Canyon: the ground is craggy and often rock solid, making it difficult or even impossible to dig your tent stakes into. Plan on utilizing the plentiful rock around your site to hold your tent to the ground. Our tent blew away twice due to high afternoon winds, but by nightfall the air was calm, quiet, and accommodating. Another tip to take with you: as tempting as it is to find your own site off the beaten path, you will be fined if you’re not camping at one of the fourteen designated sites if a ranger happens by. But when we were there last week, we nearly had the whole place to ourselves, making it an attractive alternative to our more well-tread destinations. And for the last bit of advice for Sawtooth Canyon, all you must do is refer to its historical name “Traer Agua,” which translates to “bring water.”
