Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. At the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. 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. Recorded time is mostly moving. Get to know this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Water was available in the main stem of Alder Creek and at Dripping Springs. Santa Maria, CA 93454 The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Pinos Ranger District: 1-(661) 245-3731, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. 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). Gardens, Parks. Mt. Solvang, CA 93463 Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Add 2.5 miles or so to the hike because the access road may be closed getting to the trailhead. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. 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). At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. Stay. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. 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]. Skip to main content . Couldnt make it in. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. 2 important notes: Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. Its about protecting what sustains us. Johnson Ridge Trail - Begins from the trailhead at Mutau Flat, extends for 9.5 miles, and is rated as difficult. 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). This is a tough trail! We had to zigzag across the creek many times. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. United States government. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. 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. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. All trail campsites in the Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest A total of 29 Sespe Wilderness Camps are currently available. ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). It too 3 hours to go from Cow Springs to Alder Creek. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Explore Community. I made it to shady and I can tell it's a well loved place. 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]. (831) 667-2315 We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. Sespe Hot Springs is a remote, backcountry spring that can only be accessed by foot or horseback. The rock formations once you pass Cow Springs were amazing. (831) 667-2315 Location: From McCall, Idaho is 50 miles or about an hour to drive to the hot springs. 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 Ojai Ranger Station is currently closed to in-person visitation, but phone calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. I would definitely go back. Sespe River Trail is 16.8 miles each way and is rated as moderately complex. It is rated moderately difficult to hike. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. No fee to park. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. To any trail crew leader reading this I would be more than happy to join on a return trip to replace the said signs. has water year-round. Overview. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. It rained often and was chilly in March when I went through in the upper 40s . Rose Valley Lake Upper and Lower Day Use Areas. A very tough hike. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Hiked Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Alder Creek and continued on down Alder Creek to the Sespe. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This is a tough trail! The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. Pinos Ranger District trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. one mile from Alder Camp. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. 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. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoff. This hot springs gets alot of foot traffic. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. 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. Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. A very tough hike. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). - The trail is passable but needs lots of work from the McDonald Junction out to Alder Creek Camp and beyond to the Sespe. There was water in Alder Ck. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. We didn't see one single person. LockA locked padlock The We've covered hot springs as far north as Mammoth Lakes and as far south as the border with Mexico. after 0.6 miles. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! Alder Creek Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews of Alder Creek Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Alder Creek resource. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. In the summer months, water is normally very low Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. User fee: $5 per day/per vehicle, $30 per season/per vehicle; free campfire permit required. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. Couldnt make it in. 2 important notes: Prepare to get thigh high wet. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. Highlights on the trail include two nearby hot springs and the scenery along Sespe Creek. 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. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Ojai, CA 93023 Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! From the Shady Camp turnoff, it is Follow the stream for After that, while the trail is overgrown in places, particularly on north facing slopes, it is pretty easy to follow all the way out to Dough Flat. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Shop . Long sleeves, pants, and a hat are highly recommended tto charge through the brush. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District Want to report conditions for this trail? Edit Add a Report Be the first to rate this hike! No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. 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. A lot of rock cairns guide you here. 2. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? 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. 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. Was able to place more cairns and fixed a few that had fallen down. 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). . Heading out the door? ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. The next trail junction is 2.7 miles further. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. Thank you for taking the time to visit Hike Los Padres. . from the junction with the MacDonald trail, the trail through the Alder Creekbed is hard to navigate. Forest Closure Order - 05-07-00-23-06- Public Safety. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. We saw some thacher high school students heading out to do trail work. Want to report conditions for this trail? FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Alder Creek Trail (20W11) WILDERNESS Length: 7.5 Difficulty: moderate trailhead to Cow Spring, difficult to Shady Camp turnoff Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. The trail to Cow Spring is in pretty good shape, but horribly overgrown and deteriorating once you get a bit past it. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. An official website of the This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District 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. Copper City Brewing Company. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! We always manage to be able to walk around it. This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. The trail to the right is the Bucksnort Trail (19W18), which ends at Ant Camp at the junction with the Agua BlancaTrail (19W10). Sharing Our Trails - A Guide To Trail Etiquette, Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) 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 Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! I would definitely go back. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Road from Fillmore to Dough Flat Trailhead passable by sedan, but not advisable. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. 2023Outdoor Project. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. About 20 minutes later you reach another parking lot, the Dough Flat trailhead and also the Alder Creek trailhead. 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. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. Thereis no access to Willett Hot Springs or Sespe Hot Springs from this trail. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. It is overgrown and there is a slide just past Alder Creek Camp before Cotrtrell Flats Camp. There is along the Sespe River Trail. Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. The water was flowing at the bottom of Alder Creek to Shady. United States. Santa Maria, CA 93454 This closure adds 2 1/2 miles of additional hiking from where you park at the gate to the trailhead. Having said that, the 4 of us passed safely, with full packs on. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 406 S Mildred Ave Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. Directions: From McCall, Idaho Take Deinhard Ln to ID-55 S/S 3rd St 6 min (2.8 mi) Turn right onto ID-55 S/S 3rd St Continue to follow ID-55 S. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. Photos (13) Directions. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. Plan on moving slowly and uncomfortably if you intend to make it to Alder Creek Camp. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. Many beautiful campsites along the gorge. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. Alder Lake in the Catskills of New York is an awesome lake to fish, hike, relax and camp. April 7, 2023 - Due to severe storm damage to Dough Flat Rd, there is a locked gate 5 miles below the trailhead. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. Ojai, CA 93023 Print/PDF map. 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). I don't know why they send you that way. 1980 Old Mission Drive Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. 22. 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. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). Trail is good for 3 miles after dough flat trailhead. Go To Hocking Hills, Ohio, The Best Spots To Go Stargazing In Joshua Tree National Park. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs. 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. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. We chose to hike from Piedra Blanca (Rose Valley). 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. you continue to the parking area at Dough Flat. Dough Flat Trailhead via Alder Creek Trail, Cow Spring via Alder Creek Trail and Sespe River Trail, Condor Lookout via Squaw Flat Road and Alder Creek Trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as I chose to pee in the woods over it. Overall, still a great trip! Walk peacefully and swiftly by it.. Also one big beehive in one of the camps - but there are many camps to choose from. 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. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. There is a long and steep sheer drop off before a major rockslide blocking the trail. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. that is a private gated community. way. The trail from Cow Springs to Alder Creek was extremely overgrown in some parts with downed tress. 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 Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. We didn't see one single person. Breweries. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. This hike is very difficult. Trail was flagged in many places. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. At the Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Alder Creek Trail. If there is no water there, continue downstream 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). 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. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. Trail was in great condition and easy to follow. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. Check the. 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. However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. A very tough hike. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful . December 15th April 30th. On average, the soaking pools are about 105 degrees. Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) A few of the springs are flowing on the way to Alder. LockA locked padlock We always manage to be able to walk around it. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District 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 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. 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. All Ojai District campgrounds are closed. Ticks and snakes are out and about. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Frazier Park, CA 93225 Its about nourishment and learning. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Mud covered and rocky. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. When Dough Flat Road is dry, you can drive a 2WD vehicle on the road.