alder creek trail to sespe hot springs
-Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. The trail around the lake is easy and the scenery beautiful. Lol.. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Get to know this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Official websites use .gov A .gov One Study Got it Wrong. 1190 E Ojai Ave Warning, One big beehive at hip height in the rock face right by the trail 2/3rd of the descent - the trail goes about 4 feet from the hive, with no real options going wider. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We didn't see one single person. 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. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! This closure adds 2 1/2 miles of additional hiking from where you park at the gate to the trailhead. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. 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. Open daily 9am - 4pm The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. Other hikers reported overgrown brush from Alder to Shady Camp. 2023Outdoor Project. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. 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. The Sespe River Trail (20W13) begins at the turnoff to Shady, where the main trail leaves Alder Creek. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Directions: The drive takes about 1 hours from Bakersfield . The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, Leave No Trace Backpacking Principles: http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles, Map showing recreational areas. turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat LockA locked padlock Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. The gate was surprisingly unlocked today! North-facing Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. This adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the Dough Flat TH to the Alder Creek Trail. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. Saved. 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. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. Shop . Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 2. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. 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. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Alder Creek Trail (20W11) WILDERNESS Length: 7.5 Difficulty: moderate trailhead to Cow Spring, difficult to Shady Camp turnoff Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). December 15 - April 30. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. connected to the .gov website. We always manage to be able to walk around it. All About the Blog; . We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Length 2.6 miElevation gain 78 ftRoute type Out & back. We always manage to be able to walk around it. An official website of the Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. Dripping Springs was barely dripping but had water in the pools at its base. 2 important notes: 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! 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. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. The trail almost entirely follows the Sespe River. 29. This hike is very difficult. Start hiking at the Piedra Blanca trailhead and walk four miles along the river to the first campground, Bear Creek. 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. . from the junction with the MacDonald trail, the trail through the Alder Creekbed is hard to navigate. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. I would definitely go back. Sespe Hot Springs is a remote, backcountry spring that can only be accessed by foot or horseback. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. Ojai Ranger District project to install carsonite Condor Sanctuary signs along the west boundary of the Alder Creek Trail. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. 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. Pinos Ranger District: 1-(661) 245-3731, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow. 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center I would definitely go back. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. #1 - Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs [CLOSED] Sespe Wilderness Length: 20.2 mi Est. Breweries. 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. 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. We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. 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). -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. There is a rockslide blocking the trail between Alder Creek Camp and Cotrell Camp. Finding - and staying on the trail in the gorge is tough. Highway 33 is closed from South Matilija springs Rd to 9 miles south of the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line until further notice. Be very cautious in route to trailhead. on official, secure websites. 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. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Toggle navigation. 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). 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. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Its about nourishment and learning. 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center What Are the Most Dangerous National Parks? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful . - 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. Choose between the moderate, 16.8-mile Sespe River Trail; the 7.5-mile Alder Creek Trail; and the difficult, 9.5-mile Johnson Ridge Trail. Trail was in great condition and easy to follow. 0, Ojai Ranger District United States. A very tough hike. Piedra Blanca to Sespe Hot Springs. Just wasnt worth the risk to me. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Skip to main content . We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. 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. Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. We saw some thacher high school students heading out to do trail work. Want to report conditions for this trail? Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. way. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. 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. Trail Creek boasts two large hot spring rock walled with cement pools. It is 7.5 miles one way to the hot springs. one mile from Alder Camp. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Manyof the areas that were closed for public health and safety concerns following powerful winter storms that inflicted significant damage across the Forest have reopened. This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. Couldnt make it in. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Pinos Ranger District Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Alder Lake in the Catskills of New York is an awesome lake to fish, hike, relax and camp. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. - That portion of the trail is fantastic. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. [5] Willett Hot Springs are also located in the Sespe Wilderness area. 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. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. Cow Springs is the first camp along the Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. 0, Ojai Ranger District As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! The last track is via the moderately difficult Alder Creek Trail, which runs 7.5 miles . We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Getting to the springs involves going over eight river crossings, but the water might be shallow or dry during the hot summer months. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. 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 406 S Mildred Ave after 0.6 miles. 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. There were at least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly lost in East Fork Alder Creek. Follow the stream for We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. 150 yards and youll reach Shady Camp, which normally The trail from Cow Springs to Alder Creek was extremely overgrown in some parts with downed tress. Trail is severely comprimised and travel is not recommended at this time. This is a tough trail! 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. 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. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. In the summer months, water is normally very low Recorded time is mostly moving. Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. Santa Maria, CA 93454 At the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. Mt. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. ( Share sensitive information only (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Top Hot Springs | Sitemap, 14 Natural Springs Close to Tampa, Florida, Backcountry camping in Los Padres National Forest, 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. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. All rights reserved. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. , We took a side trail for a bit and decided to turn around. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. This is a narrow rough The trail to Cow Spring is in pretty good shape, but horribly overgrown and deteriorating once you get a bit past it. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Stay. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. It rained often and was chilly in March when I went through in the upper 40s . - Back in December the CREW worked the first part of the trail from Dough Flat out to the Bucksnort Junction. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! It is overgrown and there is a slide just past Alder Creek Camp before Cotrtrell Flats Camp.