This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. The village appeared in a Mexican Alta California land grant called Rancho Sespe or Rancho San Cayetano in 1833. Camping in the Sespe Wilderness is free and doesn't require a backcountry permit unless you plan on making fires, in which case you will need a fire permit. Past the palm trees, the trail arrives at the hot springs. road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as Coltrell, a corruption of Cottriel, is the former site of George Cottriels homestead. Couldnt make it in. It was passable but I had a light pack and 2 poles to aid my balance. We found a small spring around the 6.5 mile mark, but that was the only water source we were able to find aside from the major springs. (Next time will be adding another day to break it up). alder creek trail to sespe hot springs - opportunityzonehub.org KERR SPRINGS: The pictures pretty much tell the story. see pictures. Dough Flat Road out of Fillmore (aka Squaw Flat Rd) is closed due to reconstruction of a retaining wall. It is primarily within the southern Los Padres National Forest. On the way down I encountered three hikers . Below is an example of another slide found along this section of trail: Once along the Sespe river the trail is easy to follow for a while until it crosses to the south side of the river bed. OVERVIEW Sespe Hot Springs at its source produces water upwards of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Oak Flat lies not far past Bear Creek, but the highly recommended locations are located about 9 miles past the start of the trail, where the Willett Campground and Willett Hotsprings Campground are located. If you fall here it is very bad. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). The creek is not flowing but there are a few pools between Bear and PB if you know where to look. Drive to Fillmore, that lies at the junction of highway 126 and highway 23. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. 382: So, armed with Brennen's directions we headed out for six days of adventure on the Sespe. We had two reports come in this week showing substantial slides on different sides of the Sespe River Trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. There are actually several distinct springs that amazingly issue directly from the rock walls and flow into the creek. and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. You need to be able to find some of the trails due to the water washed out some of it. Change). Sespe was definitely more unique, much hotter (maybe 105) and lots of gnats that gave us lots of gnarly itchy bites. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Hiked to Willet two weekends in a row, water flowing through most parts of the Sesepe which was good to see. To learn more about gear visit the following: From the junction with the Alder Creek trail there is water found along the east fork of alder creek off and on until the junction with Alder creek then there is flowing water in alder creek until Shady Camp. May 1, 2022 - Dough Flat Rd is open to the trailhead. , Truly magical & a long haul so be prepared. Hall: Trail description: From Piedra Blanca Trailhead downstream to Oak Flat, the trail is easy to find and follow, but with some brushy and rutted sections. For more information, please visit. Picked up as much extra as I could fit in my pack. Got five blisters. Within the Los Padres, D13 covers the Mt Pinos Ranger District east of Hwy 33 and the Ojai District north and east of Sespe Creek. Non-native: PricklyPoppy: Argemone munita From there . Sespe Gorge Sespe Gorge - Christopher E 1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead Bankhead National Forest In recognition of the significant role that Mr . Sespe Creek is a stream, some 61 miles long in Ventura County. Thanks for all the information! how far is kharkiv from the russian border? (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Bighorn Peak is a very adventurous hike that is located between Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks. by siketflow in socalhiking. Sespe Hot Springs offers a difficult, but rewarding hike. So if you are planning a trip to that part of the Forest be sure to plan on an extra 8miles of road hiking/biking before you get to the trailhead. The Sespe River Trial proceeds down stream and is in excellent shape. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS Past the junction you will findShady Camp (2440 feet) at 17.5 miles. All in all, trail is in good shape, minus the abundance of swingin dongs at every other swimming hole. Replies. Off to the right (east and south) are Squaw Spring, Dough Flat, Pidgeon Flat, Cow Spring . We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. There was minimal water on the hike in, however. If there is no water there, continue downstream Anyone ever scout around here? Nahimutang ni sa estado sa California, sa habagatan-kasadpang bahin sa nasod, 3,800 km sa kasadpan sa Washington, D.C. Adunay 823,318 ka molupyo. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. CHAPTER 1 Introduction to the Southern Los Padres CHAPTER 2 About This Guide PART I SANTA BARBARA AND WESTERN MT. Upper Sespe River Trail. I'd planned to go on to Hot Spring Canyon but didn't want to ford the creek four more times in each direction, and I heard Hot Spring Canyon was washed out. 1. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. We have plenty of things to worry about while backpacking and a potentially schizophrenic man that harasses people shouldnt be one of them. We saw 7 snakes over the whole trip, none of them were rattlesnakes but other backpackers we saw said they did see multiple rattlesnakes. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Haven't been to Sespe Hot Springs before. The water temp was about 106 degrees in the pool we chose. There are regular gnats between willet and sespe and at sespe there are special buffalo gnats that bite so watch out! This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Along the . We also headed out to fix the slide that occurs on the side of the mountain coming out of the saddle and down into the Sespe. Using a pickmatix, we worked to open up the footing and widen it to ensure safe passage. Sespe River Trail To Sespe Hot Springs [CLOSED], https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lpnf/alerts-notices/?aid=77373, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=STELPRDB5181410&width=full. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. The pools were washed away, so my friend and I (mostly my friend) built one by scooping the shale and using the rocks to divert the cold river and the hot river for the perfect temperature. There was also water at both Oak Flat and Willet. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. We didn't hike up to Willet Hot Springs itself, but the creek just below it is dry. The Reyes Peak trail, Haddock camp, the California condor: these are powerful symbols of transition for me. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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 Blog Home Uncategorized dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs. This broad sandy site under some Cottonwoods has several different fire rings to choose from. Native: Rose Snapdragon: Antirrhinum multiflorum: Tall hairy stems that often fall over and run horizontal. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. Best Season - Fall to Spring. There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. Lovely hike in with fall foliage, and the hot springs are hard to match in California. We couldn't find the hot spring, but maybe we just needed to look more closely at the map. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails Reply Delete. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. I found what I feel is a safe alternate (use at your own risk). Usually rangers leave shovels by fire pits but I didnt see any along the way. The trail is pretty open all the way to willet but past that you get a lot of leg scratchers. Sespe Hot Springs can be gloriously . North of Tar Creek and west of Dough Flat Rd is in the Condor Sactuary where public entry is not allowed. Anybody been to Dough Flats Trailhead lately? Island View Trail 2/21 Size 26 X 21 1025. Squaw Flat Road EASY 2.0 mi. The trail in from Dough Flat should be good for that possible resupply although the trailhead is 3 miles further away in winter. It can be seen on the USGS 1:24K topographic map Devils Heart Peak, CA . Water along the entire stretch of the Sespe from Piedra Blanca to Alder Creek. A GPS unit or/and a dog will help a lot. Top. SHORT TERM CLOSURE: This area is temporarily closed until March 14, 2023 due to extreme winter weather. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. No sign of Pan btw. We made sure to keep our packs under our vestibules to make sure nothing could be stolen at night. . Trail Quest: Sespe River Trail | Songs of the Wilderness Expect to get knee to thigh deep depending on height. The trail I hiked was the Johnston Ridge trail out of Mutau. Not technically but the sun beating down on you all day definitely takes its toll. The first section of Condor Trail from Lake Piru to the Piedra Blanca Trailhead covers about 32 miles. Went to the first 2 creek crossings to find both completely dry.. He followed us up there in his robe and stood there for awhile as we were setting up. The trail continuing west looked like it was in reasonably good shape, but a little overgrown. . Spent a few nights on Thanksgiving weekend. Bighorn Peak stands at 8441 feet above sea level and offers great views of the Inland Empire, towards Santiago Peak, and the High Desert, although, not as great views as Telegraph and Cucamonga Peaks offer. Sespe Creek starts in the mountains near, At about 14.75 miles from Dough Flat, and 9.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca, Sespe River Trail arrives at the junction for, This article originally appeared section A of the March 29th, 2013 edition of the, Trail Quest: Gene Marshall-Piedra BlancaTrail, Los Padres National Forest (current conditions), USGS Online Current and Historical Topo Maps, USGS Topo Maps for Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties, Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers. From the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within mile. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp.Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. Lots of trash on this trail, especially at Willet, Night hiked in ,only got wet thru half the water crossings,roughly 10.Only 3 we're knee high.Camped at the Palm trees at Sespie Hot Springs,was real windy but hot springs were enjoyable..Trail was good.Over all was great trip. This section of trail was worked a few years back but remained narrow and scary. I never saw or felt anything bite me. The road is a combination of dirt, gravel and pavement. 5.2 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs. Sespe Creek is one of two National Wild and Scenic Rivers in our local area, the other is the Sisquoc River in the San Rafael Wilderness. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. At these levels, on a 6'3" guy, the first river crossing at Bear Creek was thigh deep and moving quickly. 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). We showed up in Fillmore on Sat, and drove up Squaw Flat road. Camping this area is hot during the day and cold at night through the am. Sespe Hot Spring: 34.594545, -118.998812. Beautiful hike!! Post by Kim_S Sun Mar 01, 2009 5:22 pm. A very tough hike. Totally worth it. If you visit on the weekend, it's probably very busy at Willet. I walked around the palms to make sure he wasnt being threatening and within 2 mins of being near them, he dropped his purple robe to the ground and was just standing there. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Rincon Creek. There were a few groups that either got to Bear creek and stayed put or decided to turn around and return to the car not willing to risk the river. Re: Best route to Sespe Hot Springs. Vegetation still very green with lots of wild flowers., From Piedra Blanca Trailhead downstream to Oak Flat, the trail is easy to find and follow, but with some brushy and rutted sections. Tough spot for stock near Kerr Spring because of narrow trail and big step. No blowdowns across the trail. Sespe Creek flowing well, but crossings are easy to do. Captioned photos with more detail at http://tinyurl.com/yy32hc7v. Here, the canyon opens up and reveals a more spartan and rocky terrain evocative of the Palm Springs area. Fish Canyon to Fish Canyon Narrows and Cienaga Campground, The Pianobox Prospect via Fish Canyon Trail, Devil's Gateway Via Agua Blanca Creek and Pothole Trail, Pronghorn OHV Trail from Hungry Valley Road, Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail [CLOSED], Punchbowls via Santa Paula and Last Chance Trail [CLOSED], Sespe Hot Springs via Johnston Ridge Trail [CLOSED]. The trail below Dripping Springs becomes narrow and sections of the tread have been destroyed from winter flooding. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. 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 third trail called Alder Creek Trail is the shortest . Started at Dough Flat Gate. Alder Creek Indian Cave and Sespe Hot springs Hike from Dough Flat To ALder Creek cave and camp 8 miles first day. He tried to get me to skinny dip with him (I'm a guy). Add 2.5 miles or so to the hike because the access road may be closed getting to the trailhead. This is a top spot in my book enjoy! The Mosquito Flat trailhead is at 10,000 and you have to go over Mono Pass at 12,000. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. The creek is now flowing in all areas and the crossings will require you to get wet either taking off your shoes or walking through water. I drove to the Dough Flat trailhead in a 1974 Pinto operated sanely at a speed appropriate to the road and the modest capabilities of that vehicle. At about 13.75 miles from Dough Flat and 10.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead, the trail arrives at Hartman Camp. Sespe Wilderness - California Trail Map. At Bear Creek and below, the water was over the stepping stones and I had to ford the creek. Kim_S Moderator Posts: 5102 Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2007 11:49 pm Location: San Diego. I would definitely go back. Route 89 Johnston Ridge 20W12 and Sespe Hot Springs. Naglangkob kin og 5,719 ka kilometro kwadrado. This route passes by the disappointing Willet Hot Springa rubber cistern in the ground that's filled with algaeas it follows the Sespe Creek. Published by at June 13, 2022. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. The south facing slope is sparsely vegetated and I never found myself on an uncomfortable slope. At Willet, there was a moving creek with much cleaner water. Not too many people use this trail except some hunters. Sespe River is extremely low, very stagnant, & even with water filtering tasted like death. So, for a resplendent escape from the sprawl and bustle of the Los Angeles area, grab your backpack and bathing suit and hit the trail to explore these four incredible hot springs in Southern CaliforniaMother Nature's best day spas. I recently hiked from Piru (Pothole Tr) to Piedra Blanca. Lots of snakes, bugs and poison oak but the hot springs are worth it! Be very cautious en route to trailhead. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District The views are worth the price of admission. Sespe Creek Canyon Trail is a 12.6 mile trail in California. Gregg from Santa Barbara thanks for the coconut water and checking on me at Willetts (was in a bad way on Sunday) thank you :) mh, Amazing but Im confused this says 15 miles when its actually more like a full 40 mile hike (in and out), For the love of solitude and hiking, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE YOUR EXTRA FOOD TO THE GUY LIVING IN THE WILDERNESS, PAN UPDATE I am covered in bites all over my arms, neck, and body which had been covered by my loose-fitting button-down shirt. Tar Creek forms part of the southern border of the Sespe Condor Sactuary and Dough Flat Rd forms part of its eastern boundary. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. We always manage to be able to walk around it. This is the perfect time to hike this trail. Not for people with acrophobia or vertigo. From Shady Camp to the high point of the trail at (34.5781, -118.9624) there are signs of recent brush clearing work. I approached the slide and decided it was too dangerous to cross. All but one creek crossing were completely dry. The second river crossing was waist deep but moving slowly. From uphill side, Slide @ (34.5798, -118.9647). Is it too low in elevation for deer? This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. We moved down from him to chill a bit before finding a spot to camp, away from him, in case it was Pan. (LogOut/ way. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It is folded and and it is held in place with a large rock. Be aware and give them space and youre fine. 5. 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 was a little hard to spot when crossing over some of the dried-out creek beds, but a trail crew was heading in as we left and I suspect they will make the route a bit easier to follow. They grow in marshes and around hot springs in other parts of the county as well. Water levels were still good everywhere and plenty of greenery all around. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Park in one of the parking spaces distributed around the trailhead loop at Dough Flat (elevation 2825ft). This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 13 h 26 min to complete. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. It was admittedly a long-shot for most of the prospective volunteers a three-day mid-week sojourn via Dough Flat, that trailhead I last visited during last fall . The river is considered one of the best trout fishing streams in Ventura County. From the Piedra Blanca trailhead this same intersection is about 13.75 miles, which is why some people will choose Squaw Flat Road and the overgrown trail through Alder Creek drainage in order to save a few miles. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Preview trail Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. First is Oak Flat Camp (2600 feet) (7.4 miles from trailhead). Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. This can be done without a shovel. Starting from the parking lot at Piedra Blanca, the trail quickly drop down to the river crossing, after the crossing Lion Creek and Sespe Creek is the Gene Marshall Piedra Blanca trail junction. Cross the riverbed and head down-stream (east) on the old road. Hiked from Piedra Blanca Trailhead down past Bear Creek. Instead of starting at Dough Flat, I wanted to start at the Piedra Blanca trailhead (Lions Camp)and then camp at Willett Hot Spring, then Sespe Hot Springs, then in the Sespe Narrows, and finally camp at the Tar Creek / Sespe confluence. After originating above 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in the Sierra Madre Mountains in the northwest corner of the Ojai Ranger District, about 75 percent of the Sespe Creek subwatershed is characterized by numerous rugged slopes and canyon walls of the southern Pine Mountains. Recorded time is mostly moving. 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. one mile from Alder Camp. Backpacking Sespe Hot Springs - NorCal Hiker There were fewer built-out pools at the hot springs than previous trips, so we dug out a spot to enjoy for most of our stay. There was stagnant water at Bear Creek, although I recommend pushing on to Kerr Springs for cleaner water (still not moving). From the trailhead at Dough Flat its about 7.5 miles along Alder Creek Trail to Sespe River Trail. -Make sure to have an adventure parking pass (order online or pickup from big5/7-11) more details below. Pratt Trail 4/22 1162. Great hike experience. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails Following along the Sespe Creek Trail, there are several more campsites accessible a day's walk from the trailhead. kind of a pain to get to. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Update 1-11: all entry roads are closed due to rains. 341: . Sespe River Trail - Los Padres National Forest Length 37.3 kmElevation gain 1,347 mRoute type Out & back 5 miles to the Piedra Blanca trailhead. Volunteers have also been busy working on the far southern side of the Sespe with trail days focused on the Agua Blanca, an upcoming reroute of the Pothole Trail and scouting for future projects working from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs. Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs [CLOSED], Bear Creek via Sespe River Trail [CLOSED], Gridley Trail, Nordhoff Ridge and Pratt Trail Loop [CLOSED], Nordhoff Ridge to Chief and Nordhoff Peaks [CLOSED], Lion Canyon Trail to Hines Peak [CLOSED], Nordhoff Ridge via the Lion Canyon Trail [CLOSED], Chief Peak Rd to Nordhoff Ridge and Howard T. [CLOSED]. I saw it along the entire trail. Made it out last weekend to sespe hot springs on a 2 day backpacking trip. In wetter years many of the crossings can be more challenging and so its best to check with the Forest Service regarding current conditions. Sometimes the gate is locked and you have to walk an extra 5 miles to the trail head. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Buckhorn Road 1/22 1163. -Sunblock, shade is not common and probably every 3 miles so make sure you bring a hat and sunscreen. There are parts of the trail that are frozen, parts that are dry and parts that are VERY MUDDY. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. It used to have an annual Steethead Trout run but dam construction and drought years have ended these runs. dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs Home; Categories. I recommend starting early and packing layers! Sespe River Trail - Los Padres National Forest Trail Distance 18.73 Miles From Highway 33, travel east on Rose Valley Road to Piedra Blanca Trailhead. There was much debate surrounding how to get there after we found out the gate accessing the eastern approach via dough flats is closed (and even if open otherwise apparently unpassable unless one has a robust 4wd vehicle), so the discussion congregated upon weather to do that approach (13 mi each way) or from the west . Day 2 headed back after a nice dip in the am and found a nice spot with beach like sand about 4 miles back from springs and a nice 6ft deep spot in the cold spring to beat the heat. These springs also issue forth from a rock wall, but the water is in a temperature range more conducive to soaking. I said hello and he said hi and proceeded to stare into my soul with his creepy empty eyes. Parks & Nature Reserves - Sembawang Hot Spring Park . Beware, the next week its going to warm up and the frozen parts will become muddy too. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. River crossings are knee deep to Bear Creek Camp. Water crossings are about ankle to waist high. . Instead of starting at Dough Flat, I wanted to start at the Piedra Blanca trailhead (Lions Camp)and then camp at Willett Hot Spring, then Sespe Hot Springs, then in the Sespe Narrows, and finally camp at the Tar Creek / Sespe confluence. Bummer, this trail is closed. Sespe Creek receives most of its rainfall between January and April, and furnishes 40% of the water flowing in the Santa Clara River. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. (LogOut/ There is one place where the trail tread has been destroyed for about 10 feet and another 20 to 30 feet of uneven rocks and debris that have fallen onto the trail tread on the uphill (north east) portion of the trail. Sespe Creek is one of two National Wild and Scenic Rivers in our local area, the other is the Sisquoc River in the San Rafael Wilderness. No fee to park. . Sespe Creek flowing well, but crossings are easy to do . Crossings were not too hard but did require your feet to get wet. An adventure pass is required to park or camp in this part of the National Forest. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Borracho Spring. 3. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Sespe Fire Brake 3/21 Size 26 X 21 1027. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. Take 23 north through town (it changes name to Goodenough Rd) and follow it to the very end. Dry January has meant creek levels are down again, though you still cant dry cross. shake down cruises out of Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs and Alder Sespe; snow shoe trips in the Sierra Nevada; dashes through the Grand Canyon; hundred mile sections of the PCT in the Cascades; loops in Big Bend: I am proud to say I . Then in good shape, with the above mentioned gillies, from Bear to Willet. The hot springs were quite awesome, lots of pools to choose from, the water was flowing well so most don't have that much algae buildup. 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. Welcome to Sespe he said. I also camped in the sand below Willet hot spring (did not go in the hot spring). This is a tough trail! 24 Jun . Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs Option Two: The junction of Tar Creek with the Sespe is a broad gravel flat and you should cross the river to begin your progress downstream along Sespe . Follow the stream for Plenty of big horn sheep up at the hot springs. There are several well marked turnoffs along Rose Valley Road leading to nearby Rose Valley and Middle Lion Campgrounds. 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). Someone has left a large tarp in the middle of the camp. What needs to be done now is several pools need to be dug out along the creek to allow the hot water to cool. dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs - dura-fog.com after 0.6 miles. Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. Hot Springs Trail 3/22 1166. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Many Trails listed may be unmaintained, always plan ahead, check weather report, know your risks and level of ability. Ocean View Trail 3/22 1161. We attempted to cross, but the hillside is not stable and we turned around at the beginning where there is a bit of exposure (if one were to slide off the trail as they would go over a 15ft cliff).