Bowen Ranch Day Use Area

I recently spoke to Mike that has owned the Bowen Creek Ranch camping grounds and day use area for 30 years. His entrance is to the left through the fence posts. The adjoining property was purchased a couple years ago and he lost access to his original trail head and access road . The people next door are removing his signs daily and using his original entrance as their ownZ please stay left at the gate. The weather was incredible although the sight of the razor wire fencing on the other Bowen Ranch Camgrounds property just ruins the peace and beauty. The advertised fire pits in a high risk area and raves behind the razor wire is frightening as well as being open until midnight for day use. My hike in was beautiful once I got past the ugly wire. There was a lot of broken glass beer bottles very noticeable along the lower trails. I arrived to this beautiful sight and there were only two people there. They advised me to cross at the reeds as it is shallow. I then climbed up to the lower pool with a temp of about 100’. The pool above it was around 90-95 more of a nice bathtub feel. As it got later people trickled in. I shared s pool with a young man and his sweet small dog. Great conversation As the day progressed more arrived some with beautiful dogs. Then the 3 guys with large glass growlers of beer just sitting on the rocks drinking. Hope they carried out what they packed in. Creek water is extremely cold. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Knowing there is access from lake arrowhead as well is nice. Hiking out was a bit tough on a person not used to the higher elevations. Being there as a single woman was a bit uncomfortable after all the men drinking and staring arrived. Carry bear spray or a good set of hiking poles. Great defenders if you can’t bring a gun or your dogs along. Again this place is beautiful and I hope if you see trash you will pick it up and carry it out when you go. Even if it’s not yours. Many thanks and stay left at the gate if you have respect for local business owners and don’t condone glass on the trails. Not to mention who knows what kind of narcotics many of these are using.