Couldnt make it in. 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. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! Dripping springs had water flowing but had considerable poison oak and a somewhat dangerous looking traverse to access. Turn left and follow the creek for 350 yards to Shady Camp, which normally has year-round water. Lol.. The trail almost entirely follows the Sespe River. Los Padres National Forest - Dough Flat Trailhead - Alder Creek Trail Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock (661) 245-3731 ext. Explore Community. Beyond Alder Creek to Shady was the same story. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! 1190 E Ojai Ave Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. Los Padres National Forest - Recreation - US Forest Service Santa Barbara, CA 93105 I recommend starting early and packing layers! The hill section down to alder creek trail needs some love. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. North-facing I chose to pee in the woods over it. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. 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]. Official websites use .gov A .gov Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Open daily 9am - 4pm Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! It too 3 hours to go from Cow Springs to Alder Creek. I chose to pee in the woods over it. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Hiking in Sespe Wilderness Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . 2. Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. Home; Blog. ) or https:// means you've safely Mud covered and rocky. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Gate to Dough Flat unlocked. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. 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]. There is a long and steep sheer drop off before a major rockslide blocking the trail. on official, secure websites. We did not progress past Alder Creek Camp. Go Visit ALDER LAKE: CATSKILLS NEW YORK - Adventures of Abby Girl Top Hot Springs | Sitemap, Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa T or C, New Mexico, 10 Beautiful Hot Springs in British Columbia, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort Nakusp, BC, Canada, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools Canterbury, New Zealand, Waitangi Soda Springs Rotorua, New Zealand, Pitt River Hot Springs Alvin, BC, Canada. Prepare to get thigh high wet. 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. I don't know why they send you that way. The Ojai Ranger Station is currently closed to in-person visitation, but phone calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. There are three main trails you can take to get to Sespe Hot Springs. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. I can see why they call it Dough Flats. website belongs to an official government organization in the We didn't see one single person. . I don't know why they send you that way. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. Dough Flat Rd to the Alder Creek Trail is open, but there is a locked gate 5 miles south of the Dough Flat Trailhead which adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the trailhead. 2023Outdoor Project. until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately 2 important notes: Ticks and snakes are out and about. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful . 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. Sespe River Trail can be accessed several different ways, the two most common are from the trailhead at Piedra Blanca and the trailhead at Dough Flat via Alder Creek Trail. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. There were at least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly lost in East Fork Alder Creek. 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. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. After that, while the trail is overgrown in places, particularly on north facing slopes, it is pretty easy to follow all the way out to Dough Flat. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. The next trail junction is 2.7 miles further. 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. Alder creek camp and shady camp were clean and both will make nice places to spend the night.. The Sespe River Trail is the most popular way to go and is 16.8 miles each way. Los Padres National Forest (South-East) Trail Map and Descriptions Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. A very tough hike. Get to know this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Stay. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. Its about protecting what sustains us. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! This is a tough trail! What Are the Most Dangerous National Parks? All About the Blog; . Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. There was water in Alder Ck. 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. Overgrown trail that is easy to lose and requires backtracking., Trail is in good shape with several small water crossings up until Cow Camp. 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. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. ( 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 Shop . King City, CA 93930 Even so, it was pretty clear to see. 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. Trail was flagged in many places. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Its about nourishment and learning. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. Overall, still a great trip! The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails. Choose your timing wisely based on the time of year and weather and be aware of heat and flash flood potential. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. One Study Got it Wrong. This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. 12 Natural (Free!) Hot Springs in Southern California + Roadtrip Map Official websites use .gov A .gov I would stay one day at the bottom to make more cairns and make the existing ones a little taller if I had the leisure. miles to the first trail junction, and then turn left toward Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Sespe River Trail is 16.8 miles each way and is rated as moderately complex. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Parking for the Alder Creek Trail is 5 miles at the gate below the trailhead. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! 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. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. LockA locked padlock Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. Frazier Park, CA 93225 Recorded time is mostly moving. Sespe Wilderness Camps - Los Padres National Forest Gardens, Parks. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Follow the stream for We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. Pinos Ranger District Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Alder Lake Loop: 188 Reviews, Map - New York | AllTrails TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. Couldnt make it in. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 2 important notes: Prepare to get thigh-high wet. ( 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. There is substantial overgrown brush from Cow Camp to Alder Creek Camp. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. The trail from Cow Springs to Alder Creek was extremely overgrown in some parts with downed tress. Alder Creek, NY 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. There are three rugged trails leading to the springs. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! 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 trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The road is a combination of dirt, gravel and pavement. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. Los Padres National Forest - Alder Creek - 20W11 - US Forest Service The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Sespe Hot Springs - ULTIMATE HOT SPRINGS GUIDE Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs - AllTrails.com I would definitely go back. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. 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. Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. I recommend starting early and packing layers! Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. Alder Lake Loop. Mud covered and rocky. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . We always manage to be able to walk around it. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. , All rights reserved. It is overgrown and there is a slide just past Alder Creek Camp before Cotrtrell Flats Camp. Deep Creek Hot Springs . I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. Dough Flat Trailhead via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS Cow Spring had some water flowing and the camp showed little signs of use. that is a private gated community. 2 important notes: At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Water trickle at dripping spring in the descent to the gorge. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Other hikers reported overgrown brush from Alder to Shady Camp. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. - That portion of the trail is fantastic. Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. We did have a map and knew it was about a half mile upstream from Alder Camp, so we knew to watch for it. trail will go to Alder Creek and youll reach Alder Camp More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Bucksnort junction sign needs replacing as does the junction sign at the East Fork with the northern leg. 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. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. No fee to park. This is a tough trail! 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). 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. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails Griffiss International Sculpture Garden and Nature Trail. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers.