I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. 0, Ojai Ranger District From here, you enter the Sespe Wilderness and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Located northeast of Los Angeles, due north from the eastern edge of Lake Arrowhead, . Gate to Dough Flat unlocked. Best Hiking Trails in Los Padres National Forest - Gaia GPS until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately (831) 385-5434 ext. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. 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. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. The Ojai Ranger Station is currently closed to in-person visitation, but phone calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. The water was flowing at the bottom of Alder Creek to Shady. 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. We took a side trail for a bit and decided to turn around. 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. Shop . Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. We did not progress past Alder Creek Camp. Was able to place more cairns and fixed a few that had fallen down. There are three ways to access the springs on different trails. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Download the app. This trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River Trail/Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hot Springs. Go left toward Alder Creek. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District 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. 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. There is a long and steep sheer drop off before a major rockslide blocking the trail. It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. I recommend starting early and packing layers! Ticks and snakes are out and about. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs. 3. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. 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. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. trail will go to Alder Creek and youll reach Alder Camp Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. 1190 E Ojai Ave Saved. Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. 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. Overview. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. When Dough Flat Road is dry, you can drive a 2WD vehicle on the road. There is substantial overgrown brush from Cow Camp to Alder Creek Camp. 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. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. ) or https:// means you've safely Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails. Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. It is rated moderately difficult to hike. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs Hard 4.2 (34) Sespe Wilderness Photos (130) Directions Print/PDF map Length 23.2 miElevation gain 4,419 ftRoute type Out & back Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. I recommend starting early and packing layers! An official website of the Head out on this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. This is a narrow rough FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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].