West Shore Parking
Parking lot
850 Willow Creek Rd, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Creek/ Hot SpringsCA
Lake Arrowhead And Deep Creek Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Aztec Falls: Restricted Deep Creek Corridor. Check named access, current restrictions and separate overnight services before visiting.
Swimming temporarily closed
Do not plan a swim while this recorded closure remains in effect. Check the managing authority for reopening; other park activities may have different rules.
Order 05-12-52-25-02 runs July 2, 2025 through June 7, 2027 unless changed. The archive stops at Aztec Falls and does not establish two lawful current entrances. Do not use old swimming directions in the closed corridor. The restriction covers forest land within 50 feet of Deep Creek from the Hooks Creek confluence to the 2W01/Devil's Hole Trailhead intersection, plus specified roads, Trail 2W22 and Splinters Cabin trailhead/picnic area. The agency map controls the precise scope. Valid PCT long-distance permits permit specified trail/road passage under the order, not general sightseeing or swimming in closed creek land. Do not bypass barriers or infer free access from a trail map. The associated-site list mentions Deep Creek Hot Springs but is not a riverwide boundary. Confirm its actual approach with Mountaintop Ranger District at 909-382-2790; do not invent a blanket spring closure or an open swimming alternative.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Creek/ Hot Springs
Swimming status
Swimming temporarily closed
Fee
A recreation pass or fee does not override the Aztec Falls closure; no alternative open swimming entrance is established.
Best season
Use the named destination's current schedule and conditions
Nearby towns
San Bernadrino, Lake Arrowhead, Hesperia
Water body
Deep Creek
Status summarizes our reviewed record, not today's opening or safety. Check current rules, swimming boundaries and notices before visiting.
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
San Bernadrino, Lake Arrowhead, Hesperia
Access location not verified
HESPERIA, CA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
About the archived record
Historic locator information preserved separately from current visitor instructions.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
A dated order controls Aztec access
Order 05-12-52-25-02 runs July 2, 2025 through June 7, 2027 unless changed. The archive stops at Aztec Falls and does not establish two lawful current entrances. Do not use old swimming directions in the closed corridor.
Read the boundary and Exhibit A
The restriction covers forest land within 50 feet of Deep Creek from the Hooks Creek confluence to the 2W01/Devil's Hole Trailhead intersection, plus specified roads, Trail 2W22 and Splinters Cabin trailhead/picnic area. The agency map controls the precise scope.
A PCT exception is limited passage
Valid PCT long-distance permits permit specified trail/road passage under the order, not general sightseeing or swimming in closed creek land. Do not bypass barriers or infer free access from a trail map.
Hot springs are a separate route question
The associated-site list mentions Deep Creek Hot Springs but is not a riverwide boundary. Confirm its actual approach with Mountaintop Ranger District at 909-382-2790; do not invent a blanket spring closure or an open swimming alternative.
Read the named visitor information
Getting There
The restriction covers forest land within 50 feet of Deep Creek from the Hooks Creek confluence to the 2W01/Devil's Hole Trailhead intersection, plus specified roads, Trail 2W22 and Splinters Cabin trailhead/picnic area. The agency map controls the precise scope.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The restriction covers forest land within 50 feet of Deep Creek from the Hooks Creek confluence to the 2W01/Devil's Hole Trailhead intersection, plus specified roads, Trail 2W22 and Splinters Cabin trailhead/picnic area. The agency map controls the precise scope.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Order 05-12-52-25-02 runs July 2, 2025 through June 7, 2027 unless changed. The archive stops at Aztec Falls and does not establish two lawful current entrances. Do not use old swimming directions in the closed corridor. The restriction covers forest land within 50 feet of Deep Creek from the Hooks Creek confluence to the 2W01/Devil's Hole Trailhead intersection, plus specified roads, Trail 2W22 and Splinters Cabin trailhead/picnic area. The agency map controls the precise scope. Valid PCT long-distance permits permit specified trail/road passage under the order, not general sightseeing or swimming in closed creek land. Do not bypass barriers or infer free access from a trail map. The associated-site list mentions Deep Creek Hot Springs but is not a riverwide boundary. Confirm its actual approach with Mountaintop Ranger District at 909-382-2790; do not invent a blanket spring closure or an open swimming alternative. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
MPH Parking Lot
Parking lot
5 (2)
730 Rhine Rd, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Cedar Parking
Parking lot
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Will Abell Memorial Trail at Arrowhead Ridge
Hiking area
4.6 (270)
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Pinnacles Trailhead
Hiking area
4.6 (39)
CA-173, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Dogwood Family Campground
Campground
4.7 (632)
26898 Rim of the World Hwy, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92378
Forest's campsites have fire pits, bathrooms, some RV hookups & hiking trails. Reserve in advance.
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
North Shore Campground
Campground
4.3 (89)
29102 Hospital Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92402
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Restrooms
Public bathroom
3 (3)
Cedar Glen, CA 92321
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Arrowhead And Deep Creek Swimming Spots
Can I follow the old Aztec directions?
No. The active bounded order restricts the corridor and named access routes; the preserved archive is also incomplete.
What dates does the order cover?
July 2, 2025 through June 7, 2027 unless changed. Check the latest agency notice before future travel.
What creek section is restricted?
Forest land within 50 feet between Hooks Creek confluence and the 2W01/Devil's Hole intersection, with additional named access restrictions. Use Exhibit A.
Does a PCT permit authorize swimming?
No. The order's limited passage exception is not general water-entry permission.
Are all hot-springs routes closed?
That is not established by the associated-site label. The actual order boundary controls; confirm a separate route instead of inferring reopening or closure.
Who should I ask about the exact approach?
Mountaintop Ranger District is listed at 909-382-2790. Ask about current rules and the map, not bypass routes.
Highlights
A dated order controls Aztec access
Read the boundary and Exhibit A
A PCT exception is limited passage
Hot springs are a separate route question
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump or dive into unknown water, use uninspected swings or slides, or enter high/rising flow
- Manager permission is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use lawful permitted viewpoints; no saved exact-site gallery collection approved.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use permitted routes, pack out litter and protect banks. Follow current fire and land-use restrictions.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Use the named destination's current schedule and conditions; no generic summer safety guarantee.
Difficulty Level
Trail or overlook difficulty is separate from verified water entry; confirm intended route and mobility requirements.
Fee
A recreation pass or fee does not override the Aztec Falls closure; no alternative open swimming entrance is established.
Facilities
Splinters Cabin Trailhead and Picnic Area are closed under the named order. No currently usable toilet, water or swimming service is established for this historical entrance.
Activities
No swimming or sightseeing visit in the closed corridor. The limited PCT permit exemption concerns specified trail and road passage only.
Phone
909-382-2790
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No current camping entrance or permission is established by the archived Aztec Falls directions. Do not camp within the closed corridor.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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