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. The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. If there is no water there, continue downstream Finding - and staying on the trail in the gorge is tough. Even so, it was pretty clear to see. Sespe Hot Springs - Los Padres Forest, California | Geothermal Natural Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. 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. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! 3. Manyof the areas that were closed for public health and safety concerns following powerful winter storms that inflicted significant damage across the Forest have reopened. This hike is very difficult. California's Sespe Wilderness - Backpacker Alder Creek Trail. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. Thereis no access to Willett Hot Springs or Sespe Hot Springs from this trail. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. 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. has water year-round. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). Want to report conditions for this trail? Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. We did not progress past Alder Creek 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. Enjoy this 2.4-mile loop trail near Livingston Manor, New York. Copper City Brewing Company. This is a tough trail!
The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. (
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Choose your timing wisely based on the time of year and weather and be aware of heat and flash flood potential. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. - That portion of the trail is fantastic. - After leaving the Bucksnort the trail gets gradually worse but stays good until you get down to the McDonald Trail Junction. Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. Disappears at time; you're better off hiking in the creek bed. Mt. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. that is a private gated community. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. Trail was flagged in many places. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District
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 There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. Easy 4.1 (29) South Fork, Colorado. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS 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. LockA locked padlock
Go Visit ALDER LAKE: CATSKILLS NEW YORK - Adventures of Abby Girl Pinos Ranger District
I would definitely go back. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Highway 33 is closed from South Matilija springs Rd to 9 miles south of the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line until further notice. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. connected to the .gov website. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. Getting to the springs involves going over eight river crossings, but the water might be shallow or dry during the hot summer months. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District
Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. (831) 385-5434 ext. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs - AllTrails.com Recorded time is mostly moving. 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. 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. 12 Natural (Free!) Hot Springs in Southern California + Roadtrip Map 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 [6] See also [ edit] Sespe Creek 1980 Old Mission Drive
United States government. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. All About the Blog; . Also, once you get up out of the alder drainage and head into the Sespe, there is a very large slide that makes the trail difficult to navigate while on the side of the mountain. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. Sometimes the gate is locked and you have to walk an extra 5 miles to the trail head. There were at least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly lost in East Fork Alder Creek. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District
Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. The Alder Creek Trail (20W11) starts from the Dough Flat trailhead, 2.5 miles north is the first trail junction. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. 406 S Mildred Ave
There are three possible access points for reaching the springs, but all require either a ridiculously difficult day hike or a strenuous multi-day trip. The Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail to Cow Spring is in pretty good shape, but horribly overgrown and deteriorating once you get a bit past it. Prepare to get thigh high wet. Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. Share sensitive information only
Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Beyond Alder Creek to Shady was the same story. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Start hiking at the Piedra Blanca trailhead and walk four miles along the river to the first campground, Bear Creek. 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). It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. Mud covered and rocky. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District
Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. We didn't see one single person. Started at Dough Flat Gate. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. 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. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Warning, One big beehive at hip height in the rock face right by the trail 2/3rd of the descent - the trail goes about 4 feet from the hive, with no real options going wider. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? 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. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. There are three main trails you can take to get to Sespe Hot Springs. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. 2 important notes: A lot of rock cairns guide you here. United States. , The trail from Dough Flats to Cow Springs is well defined, cared for and overall easy to follow. As i traveled north on the trail it began to show a lack of use, and became harder to follow. There were a couple of minor tree blowdowns, a self made trail around water in the original trail and the brush began to become harder to navigate through. An example is a 34.56364, -118.90896. Once you reach the top and begin to switch back down to Alder Creek, pushing through the brush becomes more common place. On this day it was raining as we approach Dripping spring. When I arrived the ground was wet and slippery. The trail width has become narrow and downsloped, both toward the spring and falling off to the creek. The trail to the spring also looked had blowdowns across the trail. I decided based on the conditions it would be unsafe to continue to Alder Creek Camp. On a dry day it maybe possible to continue north with extreme care to avoid the sharp drop off and fall into the creek below., Alder Creek from Dough Flats to mile 5.56. Sespe Hot Springs - Complete Hike & Soak Guide Ojai, CA 93023
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Directions: The drive takes about 1 hours from Bakersfield . trail will go to Alder Creek and youll reach Alder 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). There is substantial overgrown brush from Cow Camp to Alder Creek Camp. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. This is a tough trail! The trail almost entirely follows the Sespe River. Other hikers reported overgrown brush from Alder to Shady Camp. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center
Pinos Ranger District
We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. 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). Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. Check the. LockA locked padlock
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 a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Trail Quest: Sespe River Trail | Songs of the Wilderness December 15 - April 30. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. ) or https:// means you've safely
Couldnt make it in. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. 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. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Overview. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail.