We’ve been dreaming about going to a hot springs since the last time we went to Arizona Hot Springs. Finally, weather permitting, we headed into the unknown to make our tracks. Afer 2 1/2 hours, 100 miles from Los Angeles, we finally arrived to Bowen Ranch. The last 30 minutes of the ride was on dirt roads; which was an adventure in itself, but the car pulled through.
Bowen Ranch has an owner who charges a $5 fee to us the trail to get to the hotsprings; if we were to stay the night it would be $10 (per person). We parked the car and couldn’t bear feeling excited of what was yet to come.
After the 1st mile downhill, the trail met up with a 4X4 road, which we strolled on for about a minute before turning right back onto the trail that would lead us deep down into the canyon. It took us about 30 minutes to get down to the river; which we then proceeded to have to change and swim across the freezing river to get the hotsprings. Breathing hard and freezing we put our toes into the hot springs and it was too hot for us to just go in right away (though some people did). We eased our way in to 103 degree water. It was well worth it, because soaking in a hot pool for 2-3 hours in the open air was the most refreshing feeling of all. We knew that crossing the cold water was awaiting us, but kept our minds on what a great place we decided to come to.
The way up was a bit harder, took us 1 hour 15 minutes; we stopped a few times to take some pictures and catch our breath.
– Ani