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]. 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 whole section of the national forest is ruggedly beautiful but brutally exposed to the sun on southward facing slopes. This, obviously, is to help the California Condors recover from the brink of extinction. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. one mile from Alder Camp. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Having said that, the 4 of us passed safely, with full packs on. Its about protecting what sustains us. California Sespe Wilderness . Los Padres National Forest - Alder Creek - 20W11 - US Forest Service Probably wouldn't recommend for inexperienced hikers, but otherwise it was no problem. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Trail is good for 3 miles after dough flat trailhead. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). 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. Alder Creek Trail. miles to the first trail junction, and then turn left toward A lot of rock cairns guide you here. 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. An official website of the
We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. Deep Creek Hot Springs . Length 2.6 miElevation gain 78 ftRoute type Out & back. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. 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. This is a narrow rough This adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the Dough Flat TH to the Alder Creek Trail. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. 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. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. Long sleeves, pants, and a hat are highly recommended tto charge through the brush. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Santa Maria, CA 93454
There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. Official websites use .gov A .gov
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . Open daily 9am - 4pm
However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails. Backpacking Sespe Hot Springs - NorCal Hiker 2. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. Heading out the door? Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! The second trail called Johnson Ridge Trail is the second option at 9.5 miles one way. Road crews and resources from other national forests in California have been assisting with road clearing and maintenance projects to reopen additional areas once they have been repaired. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. 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. Best Hiking Trails in Los Padres National Forest - Gaia GPS [6] See also [ edit] Sespe Creek Beyond Alder Creek to Shady was the same story. Piedra Blanca Trailhead in the Rose Valley Recreation Area (Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hotsprings) is currently closed. 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 The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. California's Sespe Wilderness - Backpacker Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. United States government. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Ojai Ranger District project to install carsonite Condor Sanctuary signs along the west boundary of the Alder Creek Trail. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. Olympic National Park: Hike Mountains to Sea on These 6 Perfect Trails, Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? The water in the creek was low enough to walk the creek to the confluence right before Alder camp. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. - Trail was wide open until the switchbacks down towards Alder, - Some serious brushing is needed heading down the switchbacks through Dripping Spring, https://christopherplord.blogspot.com/2018/11/dough-flat-to-sacred-cave-in-sespe.html. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Just wasnt worth the risk to me. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District
This is a tough trail! Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. Los Padres National Forest - Recreation - US Forest Service Solvang, CA 93463
Lol.. Solvang, CA 93463
Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Overview. Squaw and Cow springs were dry., From doughflat trailhead to junction with McDonald cabin the trail is in good condition and easy to follow. If there is no water there, continue downstream The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. connected to the .gov website. Hiked Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Alder Creek and continued on down Alder Creek to the Sespe. After final Sespe River crossing, at "Alder Camp 4 miles" sign: as it climbs out of Sespe River, trail is narrow, and washed out in a couple short spots, requiring caution to proceed safely - soil is loose, tread is mostly gone, and there is a pretty steep drop-off. 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. Hot Springs Trails in Southern California | USA Today 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center
Other hikers reported overgrown brush from Alder to Shady Camp. 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. All About the Blog; . FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. All Ojai District campgrounds are closed. Bucksnort junction sign needs replacing as does the junction sign at the East Fork with the northern leg. I would definitely go back. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Mt. Hiking in Sespe Wilderness Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Santa Barbara, CA 93105
I would definitely go back. Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. From here, you enter the Sespe Wilderness and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail There are three ways to access the springs on different trails. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. Road from Fillmore to Dough Flat Trailhead passable by sedan, but not advisable. For information, please call (805) 968-6640 or (805) 724-0079. If you stay to the left, the 1616 N. Carlotti Dr.
3505 Paradise Rd. We've covered hot springs as far north as Mammoth Lakes and as far south as the border with Mexico. Sespe Wilderness Camps - Los Padres National Forest The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. 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. Piedra Blanca Trailhead via Rose Valley Road and NFD6N31 a.burt7123 2 years ago . Start hiking at the Piedra Blanca trailhead and walk four miles along the river to the first campground, Bear Creek. It is 7.5 miles one way to the hot springs. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. 0, Ojai Ranger District
I made it to shady and I can tell it's a well loved place. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr.
The Ojai Ranger Station is currently closed to in-person visitation, but phone calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. 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. Go To Hocking Hills, Ohio, The Best Spots To Go Stargazing In Joshua Tree National Park. A very tough hike. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. Overall, still a great trip! The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. 12 Natural (Free!) Hot Springs in Southern California + Roadtrip Map There were at least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly lost in East Fork Alder Creek. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. King City, CA 93930
To any trail crew leader reading this I would be more than happy to join on a return trip to replace the said signs. There was water in Alder Ck. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. 1190 E Ojai Ave
Trail was flagged in many places. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. 1980 Old Mission Drive
Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Gardens, Parks. Location: From McCall, Idaho is 50 miles or about an hour to drive to the hot springs. [5] Willett Hot Springs are also located in the Sespe Wilderness area. Head out on this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near South Fork, Colorado. ) or https:// means you've safely
- The trail is passable but needs lots of work from the McDonald Junction out to Alder Creek Camp and beyond to the Sespe. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. 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. There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. After another 1.5 miles of misery (lots more bushwhacking, we were covered in pollen from head to toe) beyond Alder camp, a very narrow trail goes along the mountainside. There are three rugged trails leading to the springs. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920
Forest Closure Order - 05-07-00-23-06- Public Safety. Alder Creek. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. I don't know why they send you that way. They are spaced every 1/4mile from the Dough Flat Trailhead to just past Cow Springs. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District
and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. Ojai, CA 93023
Couldnt make it in. Prepare to get thigh-high wet. Sespe Hot Springs - Los Padres Forest, California | Geothermal Natural Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. 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. 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 Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. You can catch the Sespe River Trail from Ojai and the other two trails from Maricopa. Ticks and snakes are out and about. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. The last track is via the moderately difficult Alder Creek Trail, which runs 7.5 miles . 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. About 20 minutes later you reach another parking lot, the Dough Flat trailhead and also the Alder Creek trailhead. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. This is a tough trail! Santa Maria, CA 93454
406 S Mildred Ave
The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. 1980 Old Mission Drive
Started at Dough Flat Gate. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest All rights reserved. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Hike - California | Gaia GPS ) or https:// means you've safely
Running water in most of the gorge. A very tough hike. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Dough Flat Trailhead via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. 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. , This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 2 important notes: 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. Get updates on conditions, surveys and more Los Padres Forest Association - 11-21-2015, Los Padres Forest Association - 07-27-2019, Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura. From Shady Camp to Sespe hotsprings involved 2 deep river crossings and several sketchy/washed out sections of trail along the hillside. We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. A few reports from the Alder Creek Trail: Not much shade, full sun exposure on most of trail, Dripping Spring Water Report: June 9, 2014. This hot springs gets alot of foot traffic. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. Pinos Ranger District: 1-(661) 245-3731, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Alder Creek Trail: 29 Reviews, Map - Colorado | AllTrails It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Follow the stream for Frazier Park, CA 93225
Dripping springs had water flowing but had considerable poison oak and a somewhat dangerous looking traverse to access. 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). Recorded time is mostly moving. Los Padres National Forest - Dough Flat Trailhead - Alder Creek Trail A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Go Visit ALDER LAKE: CATSKILLS NEW YORK - Adventures of Abby Girl Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Alder Creek Camp - Ventura South 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). From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow.