Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Running water in most of the gorge. The Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. But trail is obvious. Overgrown trail that is easy to lose and requires backtracking., Trail is in good shape with several small water crossings up until Cow Camp. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. 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. Was able to place more cairns and fixed a few that had fallen down. If you stay to the left, the on official, secure websites. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. Gardens, Parks. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. Location: From McCall, Idaho is 50 miles or about an hour to drive to the hot springs. Heading out the door? A very tough hike. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail 2.5 mi to Trailhead. We didn't see one single person. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. - The trail is passable but needs lots of work from the McDonald Junction out to Alder Creek Camp and beyond to the Sespe. 3. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. The water in the creek was low enough to walk the creek to the confluence right before Alder camp. From here, you enter the Sespe Wilderness and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. Its about protecting what sustains us. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. Trail use and trail camps are on a first-come, first-serve basis, no reservations. The trail around the lake is easy and the scenery beautiful. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. 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). Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. United States government. 2023Outdoor Project. King City, CA 93930 We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Check the. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Firearms Prohibition Forest Order: Effective February15, 2023 throughDecember 31, 2024, Sespe Condor Sanctuary Occupancy and Use Restrictions, ForestOrder05-07-55-21-15 Expires 9-20-2023. and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. A very tough hike. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. Head out on this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. 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. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Prepare to get thigh high wet. ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. Cow Springs is the first camp along the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. ) or https:// means you've safely Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! King City, CA 93930 Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. Piedra Blanca Trailhead via Rose Valley Road and NFD6N31 a.burt7123 2 years ago . Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. 2 important notes: Couldnt make it in. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. 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. 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 trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. 0, Ojai Ranger District We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. 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. 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 This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Squaw and Cow springs were dry., From doughflat trailhead to junction with McDonald cabin the trail is in good condition and easy to follow. This closure adds 2 1/2 miles of additional hiking from where you park at the gate to the trailhead. Share sensitive information only We didn't see one single person. There is along the Sespe River Trail. TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. Could use a trim!! You can catch the Sespe River Trail from Ojai and the other two trails from Maricopa. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. The Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. Santa Maria, CA 93454 2. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 LockA locked padlock The second trail called Johnson Ridge Trail is the second option at 9.5 miles one way. 22. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. Be very cautious in route to trailhead. The trail to Cow Spring is in pretty good shape, but horribly overgrown and deteriorating once you get a bit past it. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. Recorded time is mostly moving. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. Pinos Ranger District A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. on official, secure websites. Prepare to get thigh high wet. Piedra Blanca Trailhead in the Rose Valley Recreation Area (Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hotsprings) is currently closed. There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. - After leaving the Bucksnort the trail gets gradually worse but stays good until you get down to the McDonald Trail Junction. Prepare to get thigh high wet. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. The hill section down to alder creek trail needs some love. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. 2 important notes: Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. Deep Creek Hot Springs . There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. One Study Got it Wrong. Breweries. 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. Parking for the Alder Creek Trail is 5 miles at the gate below the trailhead. I don't know why they send you that way. A few reports from the Alder Creek Trail: Not much shade, full sun exposure on most of trail, Dripping Spring Water Report: June 9, 2014. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Ticks and snakes are out and about. Overall, still a great trip! 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 ( 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful . Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We've covered hot springs as far north as Mammoth Lakes and as far south as the border with Mexico. Toggle navigation. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). - That portion of the trail is fantastic. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. 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. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Edit Add a Report Be the first to rate this hike! I would definitely go back. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Gate to Dough Flat unlocked. They are spaced every 1/4mile from the Dough Flat Trailhead to just past Cow Springs. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! 1190 E Ojai Ave -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. 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. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. On average, the soaking pools are about 105 degrees. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. Home; Blog. . Started at Dough Flat Gate. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Camped at Alder Ck right where the trail first drops into Alder Ck (hiking east) - didn't go down to Shady Camp. Road from Fillmore to Dough Flat Trailhead passable by sedan, but not advisable. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. These hot springs have an elevation of 2,600 feet. connected to the .gov website. Dough Flat Rd is open to a locked gate 5miles below the Dough Flat Trailhead. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. 5.2 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs. Mud covered and rocky. Started at Dough Flat Gate. There are three main trails you can take to get to Sespe Hot Springs. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. Due to the Hwy 33 closure by Caltrans due to winter storm damage, there is no vehicle access to the Matilija or Sespe Wildernessat this time. The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. 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. 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. All rights reserved. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! Frazier Park, CA 93225 Alder Creek. It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Running stream about 1.5 mile in in (looks like this one could dry soon). - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. Trail was in great condition and easy to follow. The Alder Creek Trail (20W11) starts from the Dough Flat trailhead, 2.5 miles north is the first trail junction. Sharing Our Trails - A Guide To Trail Etiquette, Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) 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. 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). (831) 667-2315 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. Head out on this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near South Fork, Colorado. 3. (831) 385-5434 ext. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). Mud covered and rocky. 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. An official website of the 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. Olympic National Park: Hike Mountains to Sea on These 6 Perfect Trails, Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? All Ojai District campgrounds are closed. Alder Creek Trail. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Get to know this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Vegetation is overtaking the trail in sections. 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.