No swimsuit? No problem!
A visit to a clothing-optional spring in Apple Valley:
"Do you have a problem with public nudity?"
That's what a buddy asked before giving me directions to Deep Creek Hot Springs near Apple Valley, a clothing-optional oasis about a two-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles.
Nudity? I was raised Catholic, I said. What do you think?
Natural hot springs are rare in Southern California, mainly because of the lack of searing underground volcanic rock to heat subterranean water. So, I was willing to overcome my hang-ups and insecurities to soak in one of SoCal's few natural hot tubs.
Most natural hot springs in the state are tucked away in remote canyons or deep forests and call for some serious backcountry orienting and hiking to uncover. Deep Creek Hot Springs is no exception. It's wedged in a canyon in the arid foothills of Round Mountain, about 10 miles south of Apple Valley.
More about this carefree (and clothes-free) getaway in the full story here.
Photo: Hugo Martin / Los Angeles Times
