Check the. Dripping Springs was barely dripping but had water in the pools at its base. Trail use and trail camps are on a first-come, first-serve basis, no reservations. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. If there is no water there, continue downstream Skip to main content . The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. The road is a combination of dirt, gravel and pavement. Frazier Park, CA 93225 River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. This hot springs gets alot of foot traffic. Started at Dough Flat Gate. . Fish Canyon to Fish Canyon Narrows and Cienaga Campground, Punchbowls via Santa Paula and Last Chance Trail, The Pianobox Prospect via Fish Canyon Trail, Devil's Gateway Via Agua Blanca Creek and Pothole Trail, Pronghorn OHV Trail from Hungry Valley Road, Sespe Hot Springs via Johnston Ridge Trail, Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail [CLOSED]. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. Alder Creek Trail. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Located along Sespe Creek, about two hours from Los Angeles, California, Sespe Hot Springs is one of several natural hot springs in the Los Padres National Forest. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Santa Maria, CA 93454 Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! United States government. A new Forest order is now in place that keeps severely compromised roads, trails, campgrounds, and day-use sites closed to the public while Forest engineers, partner groups, volunteers, and contractors work on repairs as funding becomes available. Pinos Ranger District This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. Trail was in great condition and easy to follow. Alder Lake in the Catskills of New York is an awesome lake to fish, hike, relax and camp. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? I chose to pee in the woods over it. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. We did not progress past Alder Creek Camp. Water was available in the main stem of Alder Creek and at Dripping Springs. Frazier Park, CA 93225 The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Go left toward Alder Creek. We didn't see one single person. Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. 2 important notes: Road from Fillmore to Dough Flat Trailhead passable by sedan, but not advisable. Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! I would definitely go back. , The trail from Dough Flats to Cow Springs is well defined, cared for and overall easy to follow. As i traveled north on the trail it began to show a lack of use, and became harder to follow. There were a couple of minor tree blowdowns, a self made trail around water in the original trail and the brush began to become harder to navigate through. An example is a 34.56364, -118.90896. Once you reach the top and begin to switch back down to Alder Creek, pushing through the brush becomes more common place. On this day it was raining as we approach Dripping spring. When I arrived the ground was wet and slippery. The trail width has become narrow and downsloped, both toward the spring and falling off to the creek. The trail to the spring also looked had blowdowns across the trail. I decided based on the conditions it would be unsafe to continue to Alder Creek Camp. On a dry day it maybe possible to continue north with extreme care to avoid the sharp drop off and fall into the creek below., Alder Creek from Dough Flats to mile 5.56. Highway 33 is closed from South Matilija springs Rd to 9 miles south of the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line until further notice. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Email:bigsurstation@gmail.com, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=81861, Forest Road Closures and Current Conditions by Ranger District, Forest Closure Order 05-07-00-23-06 - Public Safety, Pine Ridge Trail Sykes Hot Springs Trail Information, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center, 4/15/23 - Trailhead parking area is closed. This adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the Dough Flat TH to the Alder Creek Trail. There are three ways to access the springs on different trails. Top Hot Springs | Sitemap, Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa T or C, New Mexico, 10 Beautiful Hot Springs in British Columbia, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort Nakusp, BC, Canada, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools Canterbury, New Zealand, Waitangi Soda Springs Rotorua, New Zealand, Pitt River Hot Springs Alvin, BC, Canada. At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I recommend starting early and packing layers! Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. The drive to Dough Flat is possible only in the driest weather and the hike down the gorge to Tar Creek Camp requires swimming skills. MAPS:Overview of Sespe/Ojai District Trails ($1.07), USGS quadrangle Devils Heart Peak, and Los Padres National Forest Map ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). Ojai, CA 93023 Get updates on conditions, surveys and more Los Padres Forest Association - 11-21-2015, Los Padres Forest Association - 07-27-2019, Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. 2023Outdoor Project. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. From the Shady Camp turnoff, it is Pinos Ranger District: 1-(661) 245-3731, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. One Study Got it Wrong. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back., Dough Flat Gate was unlocked when we returned. 406 S Mildred Ave These hot springs have an elevation of 2,600 feet. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. Was able to place more cairns and fixed a few that had fallen down. (831) 667-2315 you continue to the parking area at Dough Flat. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Many Trails listed may be unmaintained, always plan ahead, check weather report, know your risks and level of ability. Shop . TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. 1980 Old Mission Drive All trail campsites in the Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest A total of 29 Sespe Wilderness Camps are currently available. The gate was surprisingly unlocked today! There are three possible access points for reaching the springs, but all require either a ridiculously difficult day hike or a strenuous multi-day trip. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . Official websites use .gov A .gov ( At the Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. Its about protecting what sustains us. Maybe an experienced individual could have found a way, but my group did not want to take the risk given the slope and apparent loose ground. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Good shape to Cow Camp; overgrown in many places between Cow Camp and Shady Camp. 0, Ojai Ranger District We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. The trail almost entirely follows the Sespe River. Official websites use .gov A .gov In the summer months, water is normally very low Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. Explore Community. Also, once you get up out of the alder drainage and head into the Sespe, there is a very large slide that makes the trail difficult to navigate while on the side of the mountain. The trail to the right is the Bucksnort Trail (19W18), which ends at Ant Camp at the junction with the Agua BlancaTrail (19W10). Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. It is 7.5 miles one way to the hot springs. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. There was water in Alder Ck. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. Beyond Alder Creek to Shady was the same story. Turn left and follow the creek for 350 yards to Shady Camp, which normally has year-round water. The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. Prepare to get thigh high wet. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. CONTACT: Ojai Ranger District, 1190 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023; (805) 646-4348. There is vegetation overgrowth in parts of the trail, on the descent to the gorge and in the gorge itself, slowing the pace quite a bit. The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Solvang, CA 93463 The trail is moderately difficult hike. Toggle navigation. Long sleeves, pants, and a hat are highly recommended tto charge through the brush. Be very cautious in route to trailhead. Santa Maria, CA 93454 There is substantial overgrown brush from Cow Camp to Alder Creek Camp. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. This trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River Trail/Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hot Springs. All About the Blog; . Take I-5 north to CA 126 west; turn north in Fillmore on A Street-Goodenough Road for 141/2 jolting miles (high clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended). The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Trail Creek boasts two large hot spring rock walled with cement pools. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Each hot spring requires either a short walk or . Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. East Fork Alder Creek was dry. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. Home; Blog. Follow the stream for I don't know why they send you that way. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. In Alder Ck drainage: several cairns, and if you lose them you can find the trail again - just continue upstream; really, there is nowhere else to go. 1190 E Ojai Ave After another 1.5 miles of misery (lots more bushwhacking, we were covered in pollen from head to toe) beyond Alder camp, a very narrow trail goes along the mountainside. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Overview. Mt. The Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. (831) 385-5434 ext. Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Unlike most waterways in the United States, Sespe Creek still flows undammed and crystal clear through one of the nations largest roadless areas, the 220,000-acre Sespe Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest. 2 important notes: We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. After that, while the trail is overgrown in places, particularly on north facing slopes, it is pretty easy to follow all the way out to Dough Flat. Dripping springs had water flowing but had considerable poison oak and a somewhat dangerous looking traverse to access. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Heading out the door? The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. ( Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. This closure adds 2 1/2 miles of additional hiking from where you park at the gate to the trailhead. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. , It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. There is along the Sespe River Trail. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. It is rated moderately difficult to hike. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. The road is narrow and arduous; high-clearance vehicle recommended even though we were able to get 3 sedans up there a little bit worse for wear. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! King City, CA 93930 Sespe River Trail can be accessed several different ways, the two most common are from the trailhead at Piedra Blanca and the trailhead at Dough Flat via Alder Creek Trail. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Maybe an experienced individual could have found a way, but my group did not want to take the risk given the slope and apparent loose ground. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. We chose to hike from Piedra Blanca (Rose Valley). Directions: The drive takes about 1 hours from Bakersfield . Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Johnson Ridge Trail - Begins from the trailhead at Mutau Flat, extends for 9.5 miles, and is rated as difficult. - Back in December the CREW worked the first part of the trail from Dough Flat out to the Bucksnort Junction. Thank you for taking the time to visit Hike Los Padres. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. The last 2 miles to Alder camp and are extremely overgrown, you will be doing some brutal bushwhacking along a trail that is basically one long rut. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. Finding - and staying on the trail in the gorge is tough. trail will go to Alder Creek and youll reach Alder Camp Gate to Dough Flat unlocked. This is a tough trail! We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. But trail is obvious. United States government. 2. Recorded time is mostly moving. Its about nourishment and learning. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. I would stay one day at the bottom to make more cairns and make the existing ones a little taller if I had the leisure. Road crews and resources from other national forests in California have been assisting with road clearing and maintenance projects to reopen additional areas once they have been repaired. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District The water in the creek was low enough to walk the creek to the confluence right before Alder camp. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. The next trail junction is 2.7 miles further. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. #1 - Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs [CLOSED] Sespe Wilderness Length: 20.2 mi Est. Getting to the springs involves going over eight river crossings, but the water might be shallow or dry during the hot summer months. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. A few of the springs are flowing on the way to Alder. Probably wouldn't recommend for inexperienced hikers, but otherwise it was no problem. Highlights on the trail include two nearby hot springs and the scenery along Sespe Creek. Ojai, CA 93023 Copper City Brewing Company. These are all completely undeveloped and free to visit, which makes it especially important to leave no trace and do your part to keep them clean. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. If you stay to the left, the that is a private gated community. Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. For information, please call (805) 968-6640 or (805) 724-0079. Parking for the Alder Creek Trail is 5 miles at the gate below the trailhead. Trail to Cow Springs was in decent shape. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. 1980 Old Mission Drive Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The hill section down to alder creek trail needs some love. They are spaced every 1/4mile from the Dough Flat Trailhead to just past Cow Springs. Running stream about 1.5 mile in in (looks like this one could dry soon). King City, CA 93930 - That portion of the trail is fantastic. This is a tough trail! A very tough hike. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Couldnt make it in. It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. The last track is via the moderately difficult Alder Creek Trail, which runs 7.5 miles . Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. way. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District Overall, still a great trip! Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Mud covered and rocky. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Alder Creek. I don't know why they send you that way. This is a narrow rough road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as you continue to the parking area at Dough Flat. Overall, still a great trip! We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center website belongs to an official government organization in the Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. SESPE WILDERNESS - More information on the Sespe Wilderness: www.wilderness.net, Maps: Tom Harrison - Sespe Wilderness Map or 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps (Devils Heart Peak). 2.5 mi to Trailhead. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! Alder creek camp and shady camp were clean and both will make nice places to spend the night.. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District A very tough hike. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. The trail below Dripping Springs becomes narrow and sections of the tread have been destroyed from winter flooding. and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. Download the app. The whole section of the national forest is ruggedly beautiful but brutally exposed to the sun on southward facing slopes. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. A very tough hike. Stay. On average, the soaking pools are about 105 degrees. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. We always manage to be able to walk around it. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. Bucksnort junction sign needs replacing as does the junction sign at the East Fork with the northern leg. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Maybe an experienced individual could have found a way, but my group did not want to take the risk given the slope and apparent loose ground. Overall, still a great trip! Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. on official, secure websites. WHERE: The Alder Creek trailhead is only 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles, but allow 21/2 hours driving time for traffic and bumpy back roads. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. No fee to park. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Fish Canyon to Fish Canyon Narrows and Cienaga Campground, Punchbowls via Santa Paula and Last Chance Trail, The Pianobox Prospect via Fish Canyon Trail, Devil's Gateway Via Agua Blanca Creek and Pothole Trail, Pronghorn OHV Trail from Hungry Valley Road, Sespe Hot Springs via Johnston Ridge Trail, Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail [CLOSED]. Cow Spring had some water flowing and the camp showed little signs of use. trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. I recommend starting early and packing layers! A vigorous grassroots campaign to Keep the Sespe Wild led to the creeks wild and scenic designation in 1992, and the slogan is now a victory banner on Ventura County car bumpers. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. From the Dough Flat trailhead to the junction with the Sespe River trail the Alder creek trail is clear and in good shape with no issues. Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. Camped at Alder Ck right where the trail first drops into Alder Ck (hiking east) - didn't go down to Shady Camp. ) or https:// means you've safely Squaw and Cow springs were dry., From doughflat trailhead to junction with McDonald cabin the trail is in good condition and easy to follow. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. We saw some thacher high school students heading out to do trail work. Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Hike north 2.5 Start hiking at the Piedra Blanca trailhead and walk four miles along the river to the first campground, Bear Creek. Sespe Hot Springs is a remote, backcountry spring that can only be accessed by foot or horseback. We hiked east from the jnctn of the trail to Sespe Hot Springs and the Sespe River trail, out to Dough Flat (started at Piedra Blanca). To get to dough flat hang right not straight. 3505 Paradise Rd. Fish Canyon to Fish Canyon Narrows and Cienaga Campground, Punchbowls via Santa Paula and Last Chance Trail, The Pianobox Prospect via Fish Canyon Trail, Devil's Gateway Via Agua Blanca Creek and Pothole Trail, Pronghorn OHV Trail from Hungry Valley Road, Sespe Hot Springs via Johnston Ridge Trail, Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail [CLOSED]. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. After final Sespe River crossing, at "Alder Camp 4 miles" sign: as it climbs out of Sespe River, trail is narrow, and washed out in a couple short spots, requiring caution to proceed safely - soil is loose, tread is mostly gone, and there is a pretty steep drop-off. Walk peacefully and swiftly by it.. Also one big beehive in one of the camps - but there are many camps to choose from. The water was flowing at the bottom of Alder Creek to Shady. It too 3 hours to go from Cow Springs to Alder Creek. until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. based on 6 tracks & routes | #236 hike out of 473 in Sespe Condor Sanctuary | EASY smartphoneSave Hike fullscreen Driving Directions file_download GPX/KML 2.8 mi Distance 1 hrs 17 min Time terrain 1,060 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a easy one way trail in Sespe Condor Sanctuary. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep.

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