Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. 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 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. A very tough hike. We always manage to be able to walk around it. This is a tough trail! Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track next to the cliffs.:), River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. 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. There is much worth saving in this southern California wilderness: sheer gorges, cool pools, hot springs, parched badlands, barren chaparral, chalky sandstone with bizarre outcroppings, aboriginal petroglyphs, pine-spattered peaks, and a variety of wildlife, including bears and bobcats. From Shady Camp to Sespe hotsprings involved 2 deep river crossings and several sketchy/washed out sections of trail along the hillside. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. No fee to park. Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. Could use a trim!! We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Heading out the door? The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Overall, still a great trip! We did not progress past Alder Creek Camp. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. 406 S Mildred Ave 2.5 mi to Trailhead. 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. TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. LockA locked padlock A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. If you stay to the left, the after 0.6 miles. There are three main trails you can take to get to Sespe Hot Springs. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. This adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the Dough Flat TH to the Alder Creek Trail. Started at Dough Flat Gate. To any trail crew leader reading this I would be more than happy to join on a return trip to replace the said signs. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Dripping Springs was barely dripping but had water in the pools at its base. trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Prepare to get thigh high wet. 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. and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. (831) 667-2315 Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. 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. The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. Santa Maria, CA 93454 There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. The Sespe River Trail (20W13) begins at the turnoff to Shady, where the main trail leaves Alder Creek. They are spaced every 1/4mile from the Dough Flat Trailhead to just past Cow Springs. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. (661) 245-3731 ext. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Directions: The drive takes about 1 hours from Bakersfield . 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. If you stay to the left, the trail will go down Alder Creek Trail to Alder Creek Camp after .6 miles. Sespe Hot Springs - Los Padres Forest, California | Geothermal Natural Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. All About the Blog; . The water in the creek was low enough to walk the creek to the confluence right before Alder camp. Choose your timing wisely based on the time of year and weather and be aware of heat and flash flood potential. April 7, 2023 - Due to severe storm damage to Dough Flat Rd, there is a locked gate 5 miles below the trailhead. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Piedra Blanca Trailhead in the Rose Valley Recreation Area (Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hotsprings) is currently closed. 2 important notes: It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs. All trail campsites in the Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest A total of 29 Sespe Wilderness Camps are currently available. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. If there is no water there, continue downstream LockA locked padlock United States government. 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. The last track is via the moderately difficult Alder Creek Trail, which runs 7.5 miles . 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. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. There are also many camping areas along the way, making this trail ideal for multi-day trips. Dough Flat Rd is open to a locked gate 5miles below the Dough Flat Trailhead. I recommend starting early and packing layers! 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). Trail Creek Hot Springs - ULTIMATE HOT SPRINGS GUIDE Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. The second trail called Johnson Ridge Trail is the second option at 9.5 miles one way. You can catch the Sespe River Trail from Ojai and the other two trails from Maricopa. From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow. Vegetation is overtaking the trail in sections. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. Located northeast of Los Angeles, due north from the eastern edge of Lake Arrowhead, . 3. Even so, it was pretty clear to see. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. 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). Frazier Park, CA 93225 Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. Squaw and Cow springs were dry., From doughflat trailhead to junction with McDonald cabin the trail is in good condition and easy to follow. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. 2. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. 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. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. Brush is encroaching heavily in many spots beyond Stone Corral and below dripping Springs with at least one downed tree that would make stock passing difficult. you continue to the parking area at Dough Flat. Photos (13) Directions. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 Follow the stream for It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. A lot of rock cairns guide you here. Best Hiking Trails in Los Padres National Forest - Gaia GPS Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. ) or https:// means you've safely 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Griffiss International Sculpture Garden and Nature Trail. The Ojai Ranger Station is currently closed to in-person visitation, but phone calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Piedra Blanca to Sespe Hot Springs. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. King City, CA 93930 In the summer months, water is normally very low Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. 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. Overgrown trail that is easy to lose and requires backtracking., Trail is in good shape with several small water crossings up until Cow Camp. Recorded time is mostly moving. From this point on to shady camp the trail is sporadic. The Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. Explore Community. I would definitely go back. 9 Hot Springs in California You Need to Visit ASAP This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. I don't know why they send you that way. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. Alder Creek Trail (20W11) Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoff From the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within mile. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. on official, secure websites. Frazier Park, CA 93225 Sharing Our Trails - A Guide To Trail Etiquette, Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) There is a rockslide blocking the trail between Alder Creek Camp and Cotrell Camp. Walk peacefully and swiftly by it.. Also one big beehive in one of the camps - but there are many camps to choose from. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. East Fork Alder Creek was dry. 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. Alder Creek Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews of Alder Creek Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Alder Creek resource. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! that is a private gated community. 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. Hot Springs Trails in Southern California | USA Today connected to the .gov website. There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Dripping springs had water flowing but had considerable poison oak and a somewhat dangerous looking traverse to access. Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. Head out on this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near South Fork, Colorado. that is a private gated community. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. Many Trails listed may be unmaintained, always plan ahead, check weather report, know your risks and level of ability. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. A very tough hike. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. Copper City Brewing Company. North-facing Lol.. Solvang, CA 93463 Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. The trail is moderately difficult hike. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. Home; Blog. Its about nourishment and learning. I had to turn back about 6 miles in, as there was a very long narrow ledge with a steep drop I didnt think my pup and I would be able to make. Cow Spring is the first camp along the way, serious lack of shade can make this a hot camp during the summer and sometimes there is no water at the spring. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. Overall, still a great trip! This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. We saw some thacher high school students heading out to do trail work. Los Padres National Forest - Dough Flat Trailhead - Alder Creek Trail Trail is severely comprimised and travel is not recommended at this time. This is a tough trail! 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. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. 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. User fee: $5 per day/per vehicle, $30 per season/per vehicle; free campfire permit required. - 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. Santa Maria, CA 93454 Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Gate closed Saturday afternoon added 2.5ish miles to our hike to the hot springs (14.4 in) but gate was open when we returned Sunday- downloading this map recommended for places where trail easy to lose by river, hot springs really hot with two good size pools and a really nice palm oasis camp spot for many tents. Highway 33 is closed from South Matilija springs Rd to 9 miles south of the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line until further notice. website belongs to an official government organization in the This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. Overview. If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. Sespe Hot Springs - McDonald Cabin Loop Camped at Alder Ck right where the trail first drops into Alder Ck (hiking east) - didn't go down to Shady Camp. Gardens, Parks. At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. The beginning of the trail, through the Cow Springs Campsite and the Stone Corral, is easy to follow. The decent down into the Alder drainage could use some brushing. Last year, in 2016, a group of Thacher students and I brushed and cleared as much as possible from Alder Camp to the trail junction with the Sespe Trail. This work held up well when we camp through it this year, which was nice to see. However, you have to do some inventing of the trail at times in the stretch from the McDonald Camp sign to Alder Camp. You are basically walking in the creekbed. There is substantial overgrown brush from Cow Camp to Alder Creek Camp. Olympic National Park: Hike Mountains to Sea on These 6 Perfect Trails, Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs - AllTrails.com Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. 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. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. Plan on moving slowly and uncomfortably if you intend to make it to Alder Creek Camp. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. 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. 1980 Old Mission Drive 2023 Best Backpacking Trails in Sespe Wilderness | AllTrails 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. Long sleeves, pants, and a hat are highly recommended tto charge through the brush. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs Hard 4.2 (34) Sespe Wilderness Photos (130) Directions Print/PDF map Length 23.2 miElevation gain 4,419 ftRoute type Out & back Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. The Alder Creek Trail (20W11) starts from the Dough Flat trailhead, 2.5 miles north is the first trail junction. Share sensitive information only ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Overall, still a great trip! There were at least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly lost in East Fork Alder Creek. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. Deep Creek Hot Springs . Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. Los Padres National Forest - Alder Creek - 20W11 - US Forest Service 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. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. one mile from Alder Camp. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. 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. Dough Flat Trailhead via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS To get to dough flat hang right not straight. These hot springs have an elevation of 2,600 feet. 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 Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. The whole section of the national forest is ruggedly beautiful but brutally exposed to the sun on southward facing slopes. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. Road from Fillmore to Dough Flat Trailhead passable by sedan, but not advisable. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. 3505 Paradise Rd. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District Alder creek camp and shady camp were clean and both will make nice places to spend the night.. Recorded time is mostly moving. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. 3505 Paradise Rd. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. The water was flowing at the bottom of Alder Creek to Shady.