alder creek trail to sespe hot springs

We took a side trail for a bit and decided to turn around. miles to the first trail junction, and then turn left toward Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. April 7, 2023 - Due to severe storm damage to Dough Flat Rd, there is a locked gate 5 miles below the trailhead. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. On average, the soaking pools are about 105 degrees. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Ojai, CA 93023 We didn't see one single person. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. They are an eyesore. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. . Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. The road is a combination of dirt, gravel and pavement. Sespe River Trail (20W13): This trail is approximately 15 to 17 miles one-way and over 30 miles round trip to the hot springs. 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. Could use a trim!! Running stream about 1.5 mile in in (looks like this one could dry soon). To get to dough flat hang right not straight. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. , When Dough Flat Road is dry, you can drive a 2WD vehicle on the road. Solvang, CA 93463 This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Choose your timing wisely based on the time of year and weather and be aware of heat and flash flood potential. Prepare to get thigh high wet. An official website of the 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. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Official websites use .gov A .gov There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I would definitely go back. 2 important notes: Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. ) or https:// means you've safely We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. United States. The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. User fee: $5 per day/per vehicle, $30 per season/per vehicle; free campfire permit required. connected to the .gov website. December 15 - April 30. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. I can see why they call it Dough Flats. and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 This, obviously, is to help the California Condors recover from the brink of extinction. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Camped at Alder Ck right where the trail first drops into Alder Ck (hiking east) - didn't go down to Shady Camp. 29. Alder Lake Loop. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Thank you for taking the time to visit Hike Los Padres. 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. (661) 245-3731 ext. Located northeast of Los Angeles, due north from the eastern edge of Lake Arrowhead, . We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). King City, CA 93930 It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. I would definitely go back. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District Started at Dough Flat Gate. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs. Prepare to get thigh high wet. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. The rock formations once you pass Cow Springs were amazing. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. 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. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Explore Community. This hike is very difficult. The beginning of the trail, through the Cow Springs Campsite and the Stone Corral, is easy to follow. The decent down into the Alder drainage could use some brushing. Last year, in 2016, a group of Thacher students and I brushed and cleared as much as possible from Alder Camp to the trail junction with the Sespe Trail. This work held up well when we camp through it this year, which was nice to see. However, you have to do some inventing of the trail at times in the stretch from the McDonald Camp sign to Alder Camp. You are basically walking in the creekbed. Piedra Blanca Trailhead in the Rose Valley Recreation Area (Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hotsprings) is currently closed. 2 important notes: 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. 406 S Mildred Ave Check the. 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]. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. The drive to Dough Flat is possible only in the driest weather and the hike down the gorge to Tar Creek Camp requires swimming skills. Cow Spring had some water flowing and the camp showed little signs of use. 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. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. 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. Alder creek camp and shady camp were clean and both will make nice places to spend the night.. ( I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Probably wouldn't recommend for inexperienced hikers, but otherwise it was no problem. Alder Lake in the Catskills of New York is an awesome lake to fish, hike, relax and camp. Piedra Blanca to Sespe Hot Springs. Official websites use .gov A .gov Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. See . Solvang, CA 93463 Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoff. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 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. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. 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. Directions: The drive takes about 1 hours from Bakersfield . The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. 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. Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. 3505 Paradise Rd. Saved. TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. 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. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. We didn't see one single person. Trail was in great condition and easy to follow. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. From the Shady Camp turnoff, it is Pinos Ranger District The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. 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 Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. What Are the Most Dangerous National Parks? Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. This hot springs gets alot of foot traffic. This trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River Trail/Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hot Springs. 3505 Paradise Rd. We didn't see one single person. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. A lot of rock cairns guide you here. There is vegetation overgrowth in parts of the trail, on the descent to the gorge and in the gorge itself, slowing the pace quite a bit. 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. - The trail is passable but needs lots of work from the McDonald Junction out to Alder Creek Camp and beyond to the Sespe. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). Many beautiful campsites along the gorge. on official, secure websites. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. 3. Long sleeves, pants, and a hat are highly recommended tto charge through the brush. December 15th April 30th. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. Plan on moving slowly and uncomfortably if you intend to make it to Alder Creek Camp. 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. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Johnson Ridge Trail - Begins from the trailhead at Mutau Flat, extends for 9.5 miles, and is rated as difficult. It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. (831) 385-5434 ext. Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. Recorded time is mostly moving. At the I made it to shady and I can tell it's a well loved place. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. website belongs to an official government organization in the The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. To any trail crew leader reading this I would be more than happy to join on a return trip to replace the said signs. 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). Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. It is rated moderately difficult to hike. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. If there is no water there, continue to hike downstream 0.8 miles until the trail leaves the drainage bottom. Ojai Ranger District project to install carsonite Condor Sanctuary signs along the west boundary of the Alder Creek Trail. 2. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. 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. This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Just wasnt worth the risk to me. 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). No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. 150 yards and youll reach Shady Camp, which normally Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . that is a private gated community. 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. Olympic National Park: Hike Mountains to Sea on These 6 Perfect Trails, Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. The trail around the lake is easy and the scenery beautiful. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Turn left and follow the creek for 350 yards to Shady Camp, which normally has year-round water. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. From Shady Camp to Sespe hotsprings involved 2 deep river crossings and several sketchy/washed out sections of trail along the hillside. A few of the springs are flowing on the way to Alder. 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). Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Home; Blog. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. 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. Beyond Alder Creek to Shady was the same story. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! Santa Barbara, CA 93105 22. Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. - Back in December the CREW worked the first part of the trail from Dough Flat out to the Bucksnort Junction. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Vegetation is overtaking the trail in sections. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. Mud covered and rocky. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. The water was flowing at the bottom of Alder Creek to Shady. An official website of the The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. 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. About 20 minutes later you reach another parking lot, the Dough Flat trailhead and also the Alder Creek trailhead. 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). This is a tough trail! We've covered hot springs as far north as Mammoth Lakes and as far south as the border with Mexico. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. The trail once at the bottom was tough to find and follow, making for extra slow progress as I was beelining and zigzaging all through it - Bless the trail angels that dotted it with rock cairns to make it easier to find. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. Easy 4.1 (29) South Fork, Colorado. For information, please call (805) 968-6640 or (805) 724-0079. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. 5.2 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs. Couldnt make it in. I chose to pee in the woods over it. The next trail junction is 2.7 miles further. There is along the Sespe River Trail. Toggle navigation. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful . 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. 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). (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. It too 3 hours to go from Cow Springs to Alder Creek. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. after 0.6 miles. The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. Bucksnort junction sign needs replacing as does the junction sign at the East Fork with the northern leg. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. Deep Creek Hot Springs . Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. 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 left toward Alder Creek. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. Mud covered and rocky. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! Open daily 9am - 4pm Having said that, the 4 of us passed safely, with full packs on. There are three main trails you can take to get to Sespe Hot Springs. Sharing Our Trails - A Guide To Trail Etiquette, Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) 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. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. The trail to the right is the Bucksnort Trail (19W18), which ends at Ant Camp at the junction with the Agua BlancaTrail (19W10). 2023Outdoor Project. The trail from Cow Springs to Alder Creek was extremely overgrown in some parts with downed tress. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. The hill section down to alder creek trail needs some love. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. Share sensitive information only The gate was surprisingly unlocked today! Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. These hot springs have an elevation of 2,600 feet. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. Rose Valley Lake Upper and Lower Day Use Areas. From the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within mile. I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. I recommend starting early and packing layers! 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. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Trail was flagged in many places. Griffiss International Sculpture Garden and Nature Trail. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. This adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the Dough Flat TH to the Alder Creek Trail. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. Photos (13) Directions. (831) 667-2315 The Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. 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 Follow the stream for This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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. A very tough hike. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. This closure adds 2 1/2 miles of additional hiking from where you park at the gate to the trailhead. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana.

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