Start: Mile 292.4 Holcomb Creek Trailside Camp
End: Mile 312.2 Deep Creek Trailside Camp
This morning I was up before 6am and hiking at 6:30. I knew I had to hike close to twenty miles today so I was motivated from the get-go.
I had camped in a forested area along Holcomb Creek. The first few miles today continued along this creek and I passed several large established camping areas.
Soon I had views north towards the San Gabriel Mountains which are east of Los Angeles. The PCT passes through this mountain range and I expect to be there in a few days. If you look closely you can even see the fog bank that is stretching up I-15 near the Cajon Pass.
After about six miles I crossed a bridge
and got to a junction with a short side trail that went to Splinters Cabin,
which had pit toilets (awesome!) and trash cans (nice!). I made deposit in each and lightened my load (Hahaha).
When I returned to the official PCT I was soon traveling down Deep Creek Canyon. There was a lot of water flowing down Deep Creek but the trail stayed several hundred fee above it for most of the afternoon.
I passed the 300 mile mark – another notch in the hiker belt.
And continued down Deep Creek for about fourteen miles. There were a lot of inviting swimming pools but unfortunately the trail was too far above the creek.
At about Mile 308 there is the Deep Creek Hot Springs. This is a popular destination for PCT hikers as well as local people. It is known as a “clothing optional” destination. As I approached the hot springs I saw the following sign, apparently placed by “Party Boy”.
Not one to party with strangers nor take my clothes off around strangers, I continued on down the trail. But I did snap a few photos.
I did hike down to the stream to collect drinking water above the hot springs as I was warned not to drink the water below the Springs (for obvious reasons).
Soon I passed over another bridge
and then continued for another few miles until I reached my camp site above the dam at the bottom of Deep Creek.
Sunset was nice
Thanks for following our PCT journey.
You are funny regarding “ lightening your load”! The Party Boy hosted hot springs sounds like you missed out on a great opportunity for some fun! Oh well…maybe next time! Keep on trekking, Bro!
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So sorry Donna cannot hike with you now, but hopefully she will be back with you in a few months. Watch out for rattlesnakes!
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Party On…..I mean, Hike On!
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Keep up the great work guyz.
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