We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. There is substantial overgrown brush from Cow Camp to Alder Creek Camp. Sespe Hot Springs is a remote, backcountry spring that can only be accessed by foot or horseback. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . Highlights on the trail include two nearby hot springs and the scenery along Sespe Creek. Finding - and staying on the trail in the gorge is tough. 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. Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. 1190 E Ojai Ave The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. I recommend starting early and packing layers! River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. All trail campsites in the Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest A total of 29 Sespe Wilderness Camps are currently available. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. King City, CA 93930 The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. Sometimes the gate is locked and you have to walk an extra 5 miles to the trail head. - After leaving the Bucksnort the trail gets gradually worse but stays good until you get down to the McDonald Trail Junction. 1980 Old Mission Drive User fee: $5 per day/per vehicle, $30 per season/per vehicle; free campfire permit required. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. Head out on this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Overall, still a great trip! To get to dough flat hang right not straight. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. Each hot spring requires either a short walk or . Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Lol.. connected to the .gov website. The gate 2.4 miles away from the trailhead was closed which added 4.8 miles to the trip overall (we saw other reviews about this as well). (831) 667-2315 Open daily 9am - 4pm Get to know this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. 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. However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . #1 - Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs [CLOSED] Sespe Wilderness Length: 20.2 mi Est. If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. Couldnt make it in. The trail around the lake is easy and the scenery beautiful. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. Dough Flat Rd to the Alder Creek Trail is open, but there is a locked gate 5 miles south of the Dough Flat Trailhead which adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the trailhead. April 7, 2023 - Due to severe storm damage to Dough Flat Rd, there is a locked gate 5 miles below the trailhead. (831) 385-5434 ext. The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Prepare to get thigh high wet. Recorded time is mostly moving. I don't know why they send you that way. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! We did not progress past Alder Creek Camp. We didn't see one single person. 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. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! There is a long and steep sheer drop off before a major rockslide blocking the trail. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. The last track is via the moderately difficult Alder Creek Trail, which runs 7.5 miles . Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. 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. Explore Community. Trail was flagged in many places. Thereis no access to Willett Hot Springs or Sespe Hot Springs from this trail. 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. Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. (661) 245-3731 ext. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. 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. Other hikers reported overgrown brush from Alder to Shady Camp. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. that is a private gated community. We took a side trail for a bit and decided to turn around. If there is no water there, continue to hike downstream 0.8 miles until the trail leaves the drainage bottom. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Shop . Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. We saw some thacher high school students heading out to do trail work. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. Print/PDF map. I don't know why they send you that way. Highway 33 is closed from South Matilija springs Rd to 9 miles south of the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line until further notice. 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. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 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. Download the app. I recommend starting early and packing layers! The trail once at the bottom was tough to find and follow, making for extra slow progress as I was beelining and zigzaging all through it - Bless the trail angels that dotted it with rock cairns to make it easier to find. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District 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. Water was available in the main stem of Alder Creek and at Dripping Springs. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. United States government. King City, CA 93930 We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). At the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Frazier Park, CA 93225 We always manage to be able to walk around it. website belongs to an official government organization in the It is 7.5 miles one way to the hot springs. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Heading out the door? This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. All Ojai District campgrounds are closed. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. Home; Blog. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Trail is good for 3 miles after dough flat trailhead. Parking for the Alder Creek Trail is 5 miles at the gate below the trailhead. Forest Closure Order - 05-07-00-23-06- Public Safety. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. Disappears at time; you're better off hiking in the creek bed. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. Trail Creek boasts two large hot spring rock walled with cement pools. 0, Ojai Ranger District Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. The second trail called Johnson Ridge Trail is the second option at 9.5 miles one way. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. They are an eyesore. Open daily 9am - 4pm Recorded time is mostly moving. Many beautiful campsites along the gorge. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. Sespe Wilderness Length: 20.2 mi Est. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Started at Dough Flat Gate. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! Solvang, CA 93463 Griffiss International Sculpture Garden and Nature Trail. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. 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. Stream was 1 inch deep average at the bottom, stronger at Shady with pretty strong waterfalls just behind shady (it had rained for 3 days the previous days). It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Even so, it was pretty clear to see. Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. The gate 2.4 miles away from the trailhead was closed which added 4.8 miles to the trip overall (we saw other reviews about this as well). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Alder Creek. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. - Trail was wide open until the switchbacks down towards Alder, - Some serious brushing is needed heading down the switchbacks through Dripping Spring, https://christopherplord.blogspot.com/2018/11/dough-flat-to-sacred-cave-in-sespe.html. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? I don't know why they send you that way. The first trail called Sespe River Trail is the longest at 16.8 miles and winds it's way through Los Padres Forest and is considered a moderately difficult hike. 22. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. ) or https:// means you've safely This hot springs gets alot of foot traffic. LockA locked padlock Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. This is a tough trail! 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). Frazier Park, CA 93225 2 important notes: Running water in most of the gorge. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. 5.2 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. The shortest of the three is via Alder Creek Trail, a 7.5-mile trek through the wilderness that heads at Dough Flat in the Sespe Oil Fields. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. 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. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. ( 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. These hot springs have an elevation of 2,600 feet. Prepare to get thigh high wet. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Overall, still a great trip! There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. Alder Creek Camp - Ventura South Los Padres 2520 ft. Ventura County Ojai Ranger District Trail Camp Ant Camp South Los Padres 2700 ft. Ventura County Ojai Ranger District Trail Camp During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as The springs can be reached via the Sespe River Trail (16.8 miles each way); the Johnson Ridge Trail (9.5 miles each way); and the Alder Creek Trail (7.5 miles each way). At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Probably wouldn't recommend for inexperienced hikers, but otherwise it was no problem. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! 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. [6] See also [ edit] Sespe Creek Its about protecting what sustains us. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. The trail below Dripping Springs becomes narrow and sections of the tread have been destroyed from winter flooding. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Check the. Easy 4.1 (29) South Fork, Colorado. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. Getting to the springs involves going over eight river crossings, but the water might be shallow or dry during the hot summer months. Highlights: The Sespe Hot Springs - McDonald Cabin Loop is a very strenuous 27-mile backpack that vists the hottest natural spring in southern California, a sandstone cave with Chumash Indian pictographs, and an old miners cabin in the heart of the Sespe Wilderness area. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. Gardens, Parks. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. From Shady Camp to Sespe hotsprings involved 2 deep river crossings and several sketchy/washed out sections of trail along the hillside. Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. This is a narrow rough - The trail is passable but needs lots of work from the McDonald Junction out to Alder Creek Camp and beyond to the Sespe. We did have a map and knew it was about a half mile upstream from Alder Camp, so we knew to watch for it. TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. From Sespe Hot Springs trail to where Alder Ck trail leaves the Sespe River drainage (sign there says Alder Camp 4 miles): trail a little hard to follow in places, particularly at 1st creek crossing you come to, but there are small cairns and we found our way without too much difficulty - helps to have a map. It rained often and was chilly in March when I went through in the upper 40s . 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. There are three main trails you can take to get to Sespe Hot Springs. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow. Deep Creek Hot Springs . The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. 406 S Mildred Ave Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. Email:bigsurstation@gmail.com, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5309152, Forest Order 05-07-00-23-04Firearms Prohibition, List of roads restricted to non-motorized vehicle use, List of trailhead and hiking trail closures, Other trails in the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Forest Road Closures and Current Conditions by Ranger District, Forest Closure Order 05-07-00-23-06 - Public Safety, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center. This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. Turn left and follow the creek for 350 yards to Shady Camp, which normally has year-round water. 3505 Paradise Rd. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. 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