Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoff. Be prepared to get wet because there are several (I mean several - didnt count them but around 10 each way Id guess) crossings. Went only from Piedra Blanca Trailhead downstream to Oak Flat, with camp at Bear Creek, check of Kerr Spring and other off-trail hikes. The Mosquito Flat trailhead is at 10,000 and you have to go over Mono Pass at 12,000. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. I happen to enjoy hot springs without clothes also, and typically only around friends, but this was a very different vibe. 2. Along the way there are several forks off to the right, but all are marked as private. I know that the map says there's a bigger difference, but it's really about the same. Alder Creek Indian Cave and Sespe Hot springs Hike from Dough Flat To ALder Creek cave and camp 8 miles first day. In addition to the Forest Service and USGS maps of the area, a good resource for the trails in the Sespe Wilderness is Tom Harrisons Sespe Wilderness Trail Map. Sespe Creek has some great swimming holes, but a 16 mile trek to the hot springs might be a bit much when it's 100 degrees outside. Trail in great shape; flowers are popping (esp. Condor Trail follows Sespe River Trail from Alder Creek Trail to Gene Marshal-Piedra Blanca Trail. All rights reserved. Devils Gate 2/21 Size 25 X 30 1030. Super unfortunate hes out there disturbing such a beautiful area. If anyone wants more info, you can message me on IG @trailrunningdrummer. Tips: North of Tar Creek and west of Dough Flat Rd is in the Condor Sactuary where public entry is not allowed. Park in one of the parking spaces distributed around the trailhead loop at Dough Flat (elevation 2825ft). Continuing along Sespe River Trail, about half-mile west of the Johnson Ridge Trail intersection, Sespe River Trail arrives at Coltrell Flat. This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. The water temp was about 106 degrees in the pool we chose. This year the water along Sespe Creek is low and so all of the crossings are fairly easy to cross. In the summer months, water is normally very low I used permethrin on my clothes and bug spray on my legs and did not find any ticks luckily, but there were a lot of small biting gnats once we got to the Sespe Hot Springs. SESPE SADDLE: The trail heading from Alder Creek to the Sespe, just as you head West and crest at the Saddle the trail wraps around to the north with some pretty dramatic exposure. Sespe Middle Narrows 2/22 1158. And, since it's a parking lot/trailhead it is not a "public street" and prohibited under the general prohibition. Posted on May 31, 2022 by May 31, 2022 by Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. The trailhead at Dough Flat is reached from Fillmore by way of Goodenough Road and unpaved Squaw Flat Road. Lots of dug out pool choices at Sespe, lower pools are cooler than the upper, naturally. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock When my friends who left later than us, got back to service, they said they ran into the sheriffs and found out they didnt find him. Be advised, Willet is super popular and not much area to camp once you're at the spring. Sespe Hot Springs - Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest; Sykes Hot Springs - Ventana Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest . has water year-round. We got word this past weekend that the closure is 8miles before you get to Dough Flat. I hung around to make sure they werent feeling threatened and heard them all chatting and the women laughing, so I felt ok leaving. I hiked from Piedra Blanca to Sycamore Flat. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. 5. Dough Flat Trailhead via Alder Creek Trail DIFFICULT 19.8 mi. This trail is called the Sespe River Trail, and it is the most-traveled trail due to its campsites and water sources. Dry January has meant creek levels are down again, though you still cant dry cross. . turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Alter Creek Trail (Dough Flat to Sespe) Schwierigkeit mittel. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. Bit of a dense brush challenge but doable. We made sure to keep our packs under our vestibules to make sure nothing could be stolen at night. Sespe River Trail - Length 16.8 miles one way. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Did it as a 2 night backpacking route. Camps appeared to all be in good shape. Just wondering if Pan is still out there? Did this over 3 days Friday - Sunday. Just two hours from Los Angeles, the Sespe Hot Springs feel worlds away. you continue to the parking area at Dough Flat. The 24-acre site the city has acquired is adjacent to the 12-acr. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Not for people with acrophobia or vertigo. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. Replacing my previous review with updated conditions. Cross the riverbed and head down-stream (east) on the old road. The trail will take about 5-7 hours of hiking round trip, as the elevation gain is moderate. This is a narrow rough Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Trail from the last crossing of the Sespe River to Shady Campsite in mostly good but one section by the river badly overgrown and a landslide on the uphill making things dicey. At the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Unfortunately the rain has done little to tamp down the biting gnats, though they are only an issue at the canyon of sespe hot springs. 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. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. Sespe was flowing well with crossings knee to thigh deep. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The views are worth the price of admission. I found what I feel is a safe alternate (use at your own risk). See picture below: From the aforementioned high point of the trail down to where the trail meets the Sespe river there are a number of small slides that pose a challenge to navigation. The rangers really need to do something about him. Open daily 9am - 4pm Published by at June 13, 2022. It rained often and was chilly in March when I went through in the upper 40s . I've been here many many times over the years and never had this happen to me before. Replies. These folks were a bit disappointed to not make the hot springs. san rafael swell recreation area camping / southern style hash browns in oven / southern style hash browns in oven We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Tar Creek forms part of the southern border of the Sespe Condor Sactuary and Dough Flat Rd forms part of its eastern boundary. Found some at Bear Creek and Willet., No water in the creek. 406 S Mildred Ave Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. This is also the most difficult hike. Its about nourishment and learning. Ocean View Trail 3/22 1161. This route passes by the disappointing Willet Hot Springa rubber cistern in the ground that's filled with algaeas it follows the Sespe Creek. In the other vehicle(s) continue along the only open road for 5.5mi and 20min to the Dough Flat trailhead at 34 o 31.34'N 118 o 53.73'W. The spring is in great condition - new robust plumbing giving a good flow, which means totally clear water in the tub, not the usual green liquid. 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. Shady camp is in good condition and shows signs of light use. PACK YOUR TRASH AND DAM SOCKS OUT!!. This means that UNLESS there is a specific ordinance prohibiting the discharge/carry of a weapon in the PARKING LOT at that specific trailhead, the discharge/carry of a weapon is not illegal. For more information, please visit. Take 23 north through town (it changes name to Goodenough Rd) and follow it to the very end. 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. Day 1 made it all the way to Sespe hot springs which was rough. Because of the distances involved, a visit to the hot springs is best done as part of a backpacking trip. But if you want to go the shortest route, the Ojai Ranger District suggests starting your hike at the Dough Flat Trailhead, north of the town of Fillmore. At Willet, there was a moving creek with much cleaner water. , Want to report conditions for this trail? This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I recommend starting early and packing layers! We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. There are no downed objects or other navigation hazards. We hung out all day Sunday and didnt see him around at all. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. The trailhead at Dough Flat is reached from Fillmore by way of Goodenough Road and unpaved Squaw Flat Road. Left Panel: View west . peter w busch why is it important to serve your family dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs. We provide tools and tips to discover Follow the ridge down to the river. Overall beautiful and the water is clean. Sespe Trail 3/21 Size 19 X 24 1026. Too hot to dip, and no built out pools. There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. Home; Categories. An adventure pass is required to park or camp in this part of the National Forest. dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs +1 (760) 205-9936. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Thank you to the Ventura county sheriffs for trying to take care of this bizarre situation! I had read the 2/28 LPFA report of the dangerous section of trail that has slid just west of the saddle between Alder and Sespe. Dogs are not a good idea at these flows. (LogOut/ can i take antihistamine before colonoscopy, de donde son los pescadores del rio conchos, 50 weapons of spiritual warfare with biblical reference, what does the word furrowed connote about the man's distress, who is the sheriff of jefferson county, alabama, plants vs zombies can't connect to ea servers xbox, what medications can cause a false positive ana test, dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs. Good for most of the time but where it is bad it is horrible. This hike is very difficult. -Make sure to have an adventure parking pass (order online or pickup from big5/7-11) Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Monte Arido Trail 3/22 1159. Usually rangers leave shovels by fire pits but I didnt see any along the way. (LogOut/ Worst news of all is the december rains caused a lot of debris flows in the hot creek and all the pools are full of gravel. Cow Springs is the first camp along the Here a side trail crosses the creek and arrives at Willet Camp. You will also see an old road cut paralleling the ridge for a while but I stayed just above it on the ridge. Only came across 3 other groups in 3 days. Tar Creek forms part of the southern border of the Sespe Condor Sactuary and Dough Flat Rd forms part of its eastern boundary. 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. 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. 0, Ojai Ranger District Posted in Condor Trail, Sespe Wilderness, Trail Reports. Bummer, this trail is closed. Plenty of water. The 421-mile long through-hike route starts in the south at Lake Piru, traverses the southern and northern portions of the Los Padres National Forest, and ends at Botchers Gap in the Monterey Ranger District. King City, CA 93930 Beautiful day! Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Las Virgenis Creek. The worst one is located here: (34.5798, -118.9647). This is the perfect time to hike this trail. If you stay to the left, the At the worst part of the slide people have walked to the uphill side to climb over a small dead tree and root ball. 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. Bummer, this trail is closed. . 373: Route 91 Bucksnort Trail 19W18. Los Padres National Forest, Near Maricopa, California. Is it too low in elevation for deer? Starting from the parking lot at Piedra Blanca, the trail quickly drop down to the river crossing, after the crossingLion Creek and Sespe Creek is the Gene Marshall Piedra Blanca trail junction. From uphill side, Slide @ (34.5798, -118.9647). Best Season - Fall to Spring. 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. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! The first section of Condor Trail from Lake Piru to the Piedra Blanca Trailhead covers about 32 miles. Frazier Park, CA 93225 Dough Flat to Sespe Gorge. I appreciate them looking for him but they might want to send a couple people out that arent in full sheriff gear to find him and have the rest of the squad near by behind them. Rain has made rocks fall like men on the trail after Bear Creek. Upper Sespe River Trail. Good luck! Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. 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. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Sespe Hot Springs is a remote, backcountry spring that can only be accessed by foot or horseback. 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. This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. The trail continuing west looked like it was in reasonably good shape, but a little overgrown. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. A search began by helicopter of the areas of Tar Creek, Dough Flats, Devils Gate, The Sespe Hot Springs, and all surrounding trails. Water levels were still good everywhere and plenty of greenery all around. We moved down from him to chill a bit before finding a spot to camp, away from him, in case it was Pan. The Dough Flat site is along the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary in the Lo Padres National Forest, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. From the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within mile. We had two reports come in this week showing substantial slides on different sides of the Sespe River Trail. 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. Lot's of water coming out of piedra blanca creek crossing. . There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. 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. 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. Trail is in great shape to Bear Creek camp. Share sensitive information only You could probably take the first ridge down as well but the upper section looked a little sketcy to me.. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Did the trail to Willet and Sespe springs during Thanksgiving weekend. 1156. In the summer months, water is normally very low and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. . I chose to pee in the woods over it. The gnats are bad! Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. The most straightforward way is to hike 19.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead on the western side of the wilderness. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. Open in Spring, Summer and Fall and is within the Winter Seasonal Closure between approximately December 15th April 30th. Sespe Hot Springs can be gloriously . Mutau Flat is a meadow in Ventura County and has an elevation of 4,806 feet. 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. OVERVIEW Sespe Hot Springs at its source produces water upwards of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. When Dough Flat Road is dry, you can drive a 2WD vehicle on the road. I never saw or felt anything bite me. dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs. 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. Climb the hill south of the saddle. (661) 245-3731 ext. Download the GPS track to help you find your way. The village appeared in a Mexican Alta California land grant called Rancho Sespe or Rancho San Cayetano in 1833. Snow in the mountains will melt and the creek will rise somewhat. From Shady Camp to the high point of the trail at (34.5781, -118.9624) there are signs of recent brush clearing work. The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. -Have a good water filter. after 0.6 miles. Haven't been to Sespe Hot Springs before. I don't know why they send you that way. The creek starts at Potrero Seco in the eastern Sierra Madre Mountains, and is formed by more than thirty tributary streams of the Sierra Madre and Topatopa Mountains, before it empties into the Santa Clara River in Fillmore. No blowdowns across the trail. Reply Delete. Went only from Piedra Blanca Trailhead downstream to Timber Creek (almost to Oak Flat), with camp at Bear Creek and check of Kerr Spring (surveys provided on those pages). Major tributaries include the Lion Canyon, Hot Springs Canyon, Timber, West Fork Sespe and Little Sespe Creeks, although over 30 creeks and springs nourish it. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We saw 7 snakes over the whole trip, none of them were rattlesnakes but other backpackers we saw said they did see multiple rattlesnakes. Official websites use .gov A .gov This area is passable on foot but not with stock. Coltrell, a corruption of Cottriel, is the former site of George Cottriels homestead. Most people cleared out, as they do on Sundays, and we heard from somebody that they saw him walking back to willet. The site is more enclosed and shaded than Sespe Hot Springs, but because of the higher traffic to the area can also feel less rustic. No fee to park. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. From this slide to the Sespe river there are a few other small slides but none pose nearly as great a hazard as the one above. Water is plentiful. . At the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. The sheep one can see today were relocated from the San Gabriel Mountains in the mid-1980s in an effort rebuild their population. Jon B. and I backpacked a loop to Sespe Hot Springs, Alder-Sespe confluence, up the Alder Creek narrows to Shady Camp and out. SHORT TERM CLOSURE: This area is temporarily closed until March 14, 2023 due to extreme winter weather. 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 The trail below Dripping Springs becomes narrow and sections of the tread have been destroyed from winter flooding. Download the GPS track to help you find your way. It is folded and and it is held in place with a large rock. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. I tried going via the Alder Creek trail from Dough Flat. The road climbs its way out of the Matilija Creek drainage, and just as it starts to level out youll want to look for the turnoff to Rose Valley on your right. The vehicle for that trip was a Honda Civic. Email:bigsurstation@gmail.com, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=81861, Forest Closure Order 05-07-00-23-02 - Public Safety, Forest Road Closures and Current Conditions, Pine Ridge Trail Sykes Hot Springs Trail Information, Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office), Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center. Overview United States California Los Padres National Forest Dough Flat Trailhead via Alder Creek Trail Someone has left a large tarp in the middle of the camp. Lots of trash and horse poop. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Routes 26 and 27 Reaching the gate going down the creek meant you had survived the gauntlet. For those interested in following the Condor Trail route through the southern Los Padres National Forest in a single, continuous hike, the Piedra Blanca trailhead can serve as a potential place for resupply support. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. The pools in the hot creek are full of gravel, mud and algae again because the rain caused a lot of debris from the surrounding hills to flow into the hot creek. Sespe Creek starts in the mountains near Potrero Seco Camp, close to the border between Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, and flows south and east joining the Santa Clara River 55 miles later near Fillmore. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. How is the water level in the river, it was already fairly low in mid April wanted to get out again soon, dry and hot Sespe hot springs were so relaxing worth every step! Youll be drinking a lot from the stream so a good quick filter for that cold water is great. We fell short of making it to the Sespe Hot Springs, should have planned a 2 night trip instead of one. Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoff. The trail is wide open most of the way but starts to get overgrown as you approach Alder Creek at the last crossing of the Sespe. Water crossings are about ankle to waist high. Upper Sespe 2/22 1165. 4. . Santa Barbara, CA 93105 We ended up moving up the canyon, passed the rock circle to camp under the cottonwood with two other friends we met up with there. Sespe is VERY busy, & the last mile is full of poison ivy & poison oak. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. Despite no formal trail tread the trail is easy to follow and navigate. Trail is in great shape. It starts right at the tree you have to limbo under. There's very little legacy with regard to this trail designation, but it was for a time, anyway the label given that small bit of trail east of the Devils Gate (20W14) drop-in near Hot Springs/Sespe confluence that heads over the hump and down to Alder Creek (between Alder Creek and Shady camps). Off to the right (east and south) are Squaw Spring, Dough Flat, Pidgeon Flat, Cow Spring . Change). At the Its about protecting what sustains us. The shortest of the three is via Alder Creek Trail, a 7.5-mile trek through the wilderness that heads at Dough Flat in the Sespe Oil Fields. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Another route is from Dough Flat, following Alder Creek Trail to Sespe River Trail. Could use a new sign or decals at the Junction with red Reef. At Bear Creek and below, the water was over the stepping stones and I had to ford the creek. -Shorts to willet but pants beyond. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! miles to the first trail junction, and then turn left toward Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. 2 important notes: 2. From the trailhead at Dough Flat its about 7.5 miles along Alder Creek Trail to Sespe River Trail. He tried to get me to skinny dip with him (I'm a guy). The rain dec 10-12 has made some changes. Went to the first 2 creek crossings to find both completely dry.. To access the trail, there are three different starting points. The 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 place is amazing, but watch out for Pan, the homeless guy in the Batman pajamas who lives at the hot springs. Introduced palms and cactus add to the effect, and completing the vision, if one is lucky, are bighorn sheep. This section of trail was worked a few years back but remained narrow and scary. Categories . ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. There was a small creek with fresh water just above the fork to the hot springs not a lot of volume, but enough to filter. Made it out last weekend to sespe hot springs on a 2 day backpacking trip. Thank you for taking the time to visit Hike Los Padres. Both were in places where there has been historical slide damage: We were attempting to access sespe creek from dough flat trail head, but got turned around just after climbing out of alder creek on the sespe river trail. Along the . Sespe River Trail follows Sespe Creek for roughly 20 of those miles as it passes through the Sespe Wilderness. Sespe Gorge Sespe Gorge - Christopher E 1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead Bankhead National Forest In recognition of the significant role that Mr . Non-native: PricklyPoppy: Argemone munita From there . But if you want to go the shortest route, the Ojai Ranger District suggests starting your hike at the Dough Flat Trailhead, north of the town of Fillmore. 3. Very little water. The mere sight of the words had me giddy. Currently most of the pools in the canyon are above 106F which is too hot to soak in for long.