- Home
- Campaign Places
- Amargosa River
- Avawatz Mountains
- Castle Mountains
- Crater Mine
- Death Valley
- Deep & Holcomb Creeks
- Golden Valley
- Great Falls Basin
- Ibex Hills & Axe Head
- Indian Pass & Buzzard's Peak
- Joshua Tree
- Kingston Range
- Milpitas Wash
- Mojave Trails Nat'l Monument
- Palo Verde Mountains
- Sand to Snow Nat'l Monument
- Soda Mountains
- Surprise Canyon
- Table Mountain
- News
- Supporters
- What People Are Saying
- Maps
- Take Action
- About Us
Deep Creek; © Friends of the River
Size: Deep Creek approximately 20 miles , Holcomb Creek approximately 14.5 miles
Management Agency: US Forest Service, San Bernardino National Forest
Location: Flowing from the San Bernardino Mountains into the Mojave River near Hesperia. Access from highway 173 north of the Mojave River dam.
Maps: BLM Desert Access Guide Lake Arrowhead
Landscape and History
Deep Creek is a stunning tributary of the Mojave River with miles of deep pools and cascading waterfalls. The creek is flanked by a chaparral ecosystem and beautiful rocky hills. The well known hot pools are situated in fascinating rock outcroppings with incredible opportunities for viewing the surrounding geology. The stream was a major entry point to the San Bernardino Mountains for the Vanyume Serrano Indians who once traversed from the Mojave Desert to the mountains each summer to collect acorns. There are many archaeological sites.
Wildlife and Plants
Deep Creek is home to the endangered Southwestern Arroyo Toad and supports the greatest diversity of wildlife habitats of any drainage on the San Bernardino National Forest. Black bear, mountain lion, raccoon, ground squirrel, coyote, beaver, and bobcat visit the creek and numerous fish species are found in the water. The creek has earned the State designation of a Wild Trout Stream for its popularity amongst anglers. Rainbow and brown trout are primary game fish. Sparse creosote, chamise and California buckwheat at lower elevations and oak and pinyon woodland and scattered mixed conifer are just some of the vegetation in this healthy riparian habitat.
Activity Highlight
Hiking and swimming. The Pacific Crest Trail follows the river for more than 20 miles from the Mojave River Forks Dam. The hot springs are 6 miles in on a rough trail. Wear suitable footwear and enjoy a relaxing and wild setting.
For More Information
Steve Evans, Conservation Director, Friends of the River
sevans@friendsoftheriver.org | (916) 442 3155