This was my last trip of 2017 after moving to California five months ago. I make a habit of getting to know locals and Joseph, my Pueblo Indian connection was the first person from the day gig to reach out and show love to a transplanted nomad like myself. I'd been hearing about hot springs and looked up this one particular spot that's super remote and not easy to find. Joe and his best friend Reese have been coming here for years so they showed me the ropes. These really are snapshots because I was hustling trying to keep up. Its about an hourish drive into Apple Valley from Riverside, and another 45 minute hike in depending on pace or how much of the scenery you stop to enjoy. I am purposely just showing you a broad stroke to help preserve the mystery of the place. Its kind of a nudist spot too and if you're uptight about a lot of stuff in general it's probably not the place for you. It's a really intimate space where people want to connect with each other and not be tourists...and party. The last two pictures will testify how hard I went in and then out! Getting out was actually a quest, we lingered till after the sun went down and hiked out in darkness with just a small hand lantern lighting the cliff paths. I don't recommend that, either hike out early or plan to spend the night. I'll definitely be back to do a photoshoot here, and you'll see more of the actual hot spring pools. Or maybe not because honestly I feel selfish about this hidden gem already, and I want to keep it secluded, and as non-touristy as possible.
