alder creek trail to sespe hot springs

Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. Mud covered and rocky. We always manage to be able to walk around it. 0, Ojai Ranger District The gate was surprisingly unlocked today! Located northeast of Los Angeles, due north from the eastern edge of Lake Arrowhead, . -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. United States. 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. 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 Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. We didn't see one single person. Running water in most of the gorge. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. To any trail crew leader reading this I would be more than happy to join on a return trip to replace the said signs. TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. Add 2.5 miles or so to the hike because the access road may be closed getting to the trailhead. that is a private gated community. 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). 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. This, obviously, is to help the California Condors recover from the brink of extinction. Water was available in the main stem of Alder Creek and at Dripping Springs. Thereis no access to Willett Hot Springs or Sespe Hot Springs from this trail. Solvang, CA 93463 Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. April 7, 2023 - Due to severe storm damage to Dough Flat Rd, there is a locked gate 5 miles below the trailhead. Start hiking at the Piedra Blanca trailhead and walk four miles along the river to the first campground, Bear Creek. However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . 2.5 mi to Trailhead. No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. An official website of the Ticks and snakes are out and about. This is a narrow rough Started at Dough Flat Gate. Couldnt make it in. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. When Dough Flat Road is dry, you can drive a 2WD vehicle on the road. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. The next trail junction is 2.7 miles further. There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. You can catch the Sespe River Trail from Ojai and the other two trails from Maricopa. Official websites use .gov A .gov LockA locked padlock From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow. Get to know this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. I would definitely go back. The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. connected to the .gov website. The Ojai Ranger Station is currently closed to in-person visitation, but phone calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Dough Flat Rd is open to a locked gate 5miles below the Dough Flat Trailhead. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. We did not progress past Alder Creek Camp. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District 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. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. I recommend starting early and packing layers! Prepare to get thigh high wet. 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). Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. 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. Running stream about 1.5 mile in in (looks like this one could dry soon). Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. At the 2023Outdoor Project. If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. From the Shady Camp turnoff, it is We had to zigzag across the creek many times. 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. This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. 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 to complete. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Piedra Blanca Trailhead via Rose Valley Road and NFD6N31 a.burt7123 2 years ago . The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Walk peacefully and swiftly by it.. Also one big beehive in one of the camps - but there are many camps to choose from. It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. If you stay to the left, 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. United States government. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. There are three rugged trails leading to the springs. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Mt. 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]. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Dripping Springs was barely dripping but had water in the pools at its base. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) has water year-round. Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. 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). Location: From McCall, Idaho is 50 miles or about an hour to drive to the hot springs. Recorded time is mostly moving. 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). Was able to place more cairns and fixed a few that had fallen down. Having said that, the 4 of us passed safely, with full packs on. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. 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. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. - Back in December the CREW worked the first part of the trail from Dough Flat out to the Bucksnort Junction. Even so, it was pretty clear to see. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. Forest Closure Order - 05-07-00-23-06- Public Safety. There is a rockslide blocking the trail between Alder Creek Camp and Cotrell Camp. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Started at Dough Flat Gate. 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. 22. Follow the stream for 3. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. ( Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. The trail to Cow Spring is in pretty good shape, but horribly overgrown and deteriorating once you get a bit past it. LockA locked padlock Could use a trim!! I recommend starting early and packing layers! trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. The Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. website belongs to an official government organization in the Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Camped at Alder Ck right where the trail first drops into Alder Ck (hiking east) - didn't go down to Shady Camp. after 0.6 miles. Many beautiful campsites along the gorge. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. 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). From Shady Camp to Sespe hotsprings involved 2 deep river crossings and several sketchy/washed out sections of trail along the hillside. Official websites use .gov A .gov Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center Photos (13) Directions. The Alder Creek Trail (20W11) starts from the Dough Flat trailhead, 2.5 miles north is the first trail junction. Sespe River Trail is 16.8 miles each way and is rated as moderately complex. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. The hill section down to alder creek trail needs some love. Trail is severely comprimised and travel is not recommended at this time. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Want to report conditions for this trail? 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. 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. The LPFA partnered with Southern California Edison to install a new trailhead sign at Dough Flat, cleanup the trailhead, install regulation signs (no campfires, no target shooting), painted the outhouse and cleared the short trail up to the condor observatory. Good fun and great work by over 25 SCE volunteers. Here are some photos: Trail from Dough Flat to the east fork of Alder Creek is easy to follow however would benefit from some maintenance. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. , 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. We chose to hike from Piedra Blanca (Rose Valley). A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. #1 - Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs [CLOSED] Sespe Wilderness Length: 20.2 mi Est. United States government. 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. 29. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. For information, please call (805) 968-6640 or (805) 724-0079. 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. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. on official, secure websites. 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. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Prepare to get thigh high wet. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. Sharing Our Trails - A Guide To Trail Etiquette, Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) We had to zigzag across the creek many times. The Sespe River Trail (20W13) begins at the turnoff to Shady, where the main trail leaves Alder Creek. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. 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. An official website of the 406 S Mildred Ave Pinos Ranger District: 1-(661) 245-3731, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. Solvang, CA 93463 This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. One Study Got it Wrong. Couldnt make it in. See . Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. CONTACT: Ojai Ranger District, 1190 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023; (805) 646-4348. United States . Shop . There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. Couldnt make it in. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. 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]. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. (661) 245-3731 ext. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. About 20 minutes later you reach another parking lot, the Dough Flat trailhead and also the Alder Creek trailhead. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. Choose your timing wisely based on the time of year and weather and be aware of heat and flash flood potential. 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. In the summer months, water is normally very low 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. 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). 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 Mud covered and rocky. Hiked Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Alder Creek and continued on down Alder Creek to the Sespe. I would definitely go back. (831) 667-2315 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. 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. No fee to park. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. Highlights on the trail include two nearby hot springs and the scenery along Sespe Creek. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. I chose to pee in the woods over it. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. This is a tough trail! The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Recorded time is mostly moving. 2. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! But trail is obvious. Many Trails listed may be unmaintained, always plan ahead, check weather report, know your risks and level of ability. From the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within mile. Skip to main content . Each hot spring requires either a short walk or . - After leaving the Bucksnort the trail gets gradually worse but stays good until you get down to the McDonald Trail Junction. There are three ways to access the springs on different trails. Overgrown and deteriorating between Cow Springs and Alder Creek Camp. ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). website belongs to an official government organization in the It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. trail will go to Alder Creek and youll reach Alder Camp I don't know why they send you that way. Go To Hocking Hills, Ohio, The Best Spots To Go Stargazing In Joshua Tree National Park. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. ) or https:// means you've safely All Ojai District campgrounds are closed. Gardens, Parks. Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. one mile from Alder Camp. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. There was water in Alder Ck. 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.