The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. Frazier Park, CA 93225 Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. LockA locked padlock Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Start hiking at the Piedra Blanca trailhead and walk four miles along the river to the first campground, Bear Creek. 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. This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. 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). Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. Cow Spring had some water flowing and the camp showed little signs of use. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. (831) 385-5434 ext. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. They are an eyesore. 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 trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. If there is no water there, continue downstream Alder Creek Trail. This is a tough trail! 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center I made it to shady and I can tell it's a well loved place. 1190 E Ojai Ave The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). An official website of the Deep Creek Hot Springs . 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Gate to Dough Flat unlocked. Gardens, Parks. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Water trickle at dripping spring in the descent to the gorge. one mile from Alder Camp. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Santa Maria, CA 93454 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). We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. 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). after 0.6 miles. Heading out the door? Add 2.5 miles or so to the hike because the access road may be closed getting to the trailhead. connected to the .gov website. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. If you stay to the left, the Prepare to get thigh high wet. Sespe Wilderness Length: 20.2 mi Est. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. 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. Open daily 9am - 4pm 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. 0, Ojai Ranger District 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. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Brush is encroaching heavily in many spots beyond Stone Corral and below dripping Springs with at least one downed tree that would make stock passing difficult. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. 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). A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. All About the Blog; . There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. 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. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! 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. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track next to the cliffs.:), River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Just wasnt worth the risk to me. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! This, obviously, is to help the California Condors recover from the brink of extinction. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. The second trail called Johnson Ridge Trail is the second option at 9.5 miles one way. WHERE: The Alder Creek trailhead is only 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles, but allow 21/2 hours driving time for traffic and bumpy back roads. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. 3. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. December 15 - April 30. Want to report conditions for this trail? Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. There is a rockslide blocking the trail between Alder Creek Camp and Cotrell Camp. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . 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]. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Hiked Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Alder Creek and continued on down Alder Creek to the Sespe. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. The trail from Cow Springs to Alder Creek was extremely overgrown in some parts with downed tress. has water year-round. This is a narrow rough The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. 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. The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. 2. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. 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. You can catch the Sespe River Trail from Ojai and the other two trails from Maricopa. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. A very tough hike. Alder Creek. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. 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. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. 5.2 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. If you stay to the left, the trail will go down Alder Creek Trail to Alder Creek Camp after .6 miles. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. 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. Breweries. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! Mud covered and rocky. All Ojai District campgrounds are closed. Shop . Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Turn left and follow the creek for 350 yards to Shady Camp, which normally has year-round water. 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. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Running stream about 1.5 mile in in (looks like this one could dry soon). 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. Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. This closure adds 2 1/2 miles of additional hiking from where you park at the gate to the trailhead. that is a private gated community. For information, please call (805) 968-6640 or (805) 724-0079. 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. 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. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. Disappears at time; you're better off hiking in the creek bed. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. About 20 minutes later you reach another parking lot, the Dough Flat trailhead and also the Alder Creek trailhead. Follow the stream for We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. 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. 2 important notes: Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. Couldnt make it in. Good shape to Cow Camp; overgrown in many places between Cow Camp and Shady Camp. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Stay. 1980 Old Mission Drive 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. . 3505 Paradise Rd. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. We always manage to be able to walk around it. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. One Study Got it Wrong. The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails. The first trail called Sespe River Trail is the longest at 16.8 miles and winds it's way through Los Padres Forest and is considered a moderately difficult hike. Print/PDF map. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. Alder Creek Camp - Ventura South Los Padres National Forest Camp Type: Trail Camp Topo Map Link: Devils Heart Peak Elevation: 2520 feet Wilderness Area: Sespe County: Ventura County Ranger District: Ojai Ranger District Longitude: -118.9370167566395 Latitude: 34.57888102028576 Water Sources: Alder Creek (seasonal) Length of Stay: 14 Days Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . 2 important notes: From the Shady Camp turnoff, it is 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Directions: The drive takes about 1 hours from Bakersfield . Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. There are three ways to access the springs on different trails. The trail to the right is the Bucksnort Trail (19W18), which ends at Ant Camp at the junction with the Agua BlancaTrail (19W10). Trail was in great condition and easy to follow. 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. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. 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. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. A few of the springs are flowing on the way to Alder. Mud covered and rocky. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. A very tough hike. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. 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. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. 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 Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. (661) 245-3731 ext. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. 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. you continue to the parking area at Dough Flat. Other hikers reported overgrown brush from Alder to Shady Camp. 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 Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. 3. Edit Add a Report Be the first to rate this hike! There were at least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly lost in East Fork Alder Creek. The hill section down to alder creek trail needs some love. We did have a map and knew it was about a half mile upstream from Alder Camp, so we knew to watch for it. Go To Hocking Hills, Ohio, The Best Spots To Go Stargazing In Joshua Tree National Park. It is overgrown and there is a slide just past Alder Creek Camp before Cotrtrell Flats Camp. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. 2. Its about nourishment and learning. A lot of rock cairns guide you here. website belongs to an official government organization in the 1190 E Ojai Ave We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. - After leaving the Bucksnort the trail gets gradually worse but stays good until you get down to the McDonald Trail Junction. Trail was flagged in many places. I would definitely go back. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. At the We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. 3505 Paradise Rd. The last track is via the moderately difficult Alder Creek Trail, which runs 7.5 miles . road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Couldnt make it in. 406 S Mildred Ave In the summer it is too hot and there may not be water in the river for parts of the year as well. In the summer months, water is normally very low 2023Outdoor Project. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). 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. Download the app. ( As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! 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. Located northeast of Los Angeles, due north from the eastern edge of Lake Arrowhead, . Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. ) or https:// means you've safely It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. 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. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Be very cautious in route to trailhead. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris.
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