I would definitely go back. trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. (661) 245-3731 ext. Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! Solvang, CA 93463 The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. There are three main trails you can take to get to Sespe Hot Springs. Piedra Blanca Trailhead in the Rose Valley Recreation Area (Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hotsprings) is currently closed. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. 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. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. A vigorous grassroots campaign to Keep the Sespe Wild led to the creeks wild and scenic designation in 1992, and the slogan is now a victory banner on Ventura County car bumpers. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. We started from Dough Flats and made it to Shady Camp. 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). Alder Creek. From here, you enter the Sespe Wilderness and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. 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. I don't know why they send you that way. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. 2 important notes: website belongs to an official government organization in the There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. United States. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. The Sespe River Trail (20W13) begins at the turnoff to Shady, where the main trail leaves Alder Creek. 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 found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. There is a rockslide blocking the trail between Alder Creek Camp and Cotrell Camp. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. Probably wouldn't recommend for inexperienced hikers, but otherwise it was no problem. Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . But trail is obvious. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. All trail campsites in the Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest A total of 29 Sespe Wilderness Camps are currently available. Even so, it was pretty clear to see. The trail below Dripping Springs becomes narrow and sections of the tread have been destroyed from winter flooding. 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. 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. - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. A very tough hike. Highway 33 is closed from South Matilija springs Rd to 9 miles south of the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line until further notice. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. . from the junction with the MacDonald trail, the trail through the Alder Creekbed is hard to navigate. Hike north 2.5 Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office) April 7, 2023 - Due to severe storm damage to Dough Flat Rd, there is a locked gate 5 miles below the trailhead. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. Many beautiful campsites along the gorge. Overview. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Overgrown and deteriorating between Cow Springs and Alder Creek Camp. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. King City, CA 93930 22. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Beyond Alder Creek to Shady was the same story. I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. 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. [6] See also [ edit] Sespe Creek This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. The Alder Creek Trail (20W11) starts from the Dough Flat trailhead, 2.5 miles north is the first trail junction. Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. Open daily 9am - 4pm There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. on official, secure websites. This trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River Trail/Willett Hot Springs and Sespe Hot Springs. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock website belongs to an official government organization in the We had to zigzag across the creek many times. 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. Ticks and snakes are out and about. Located northeast of Los Angeles, due north from the eastern edge of Lake Arrowhead, . - That portion of the trail is fantastic. Disappears at time; you're better off hiking in the creek bed. (831) 385-5434 ext. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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). The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. The Ojai Ranger Station is currently closed to in-person visitation, but phone calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Solvang, CA 93463 We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. 1980 Old Mission Drive River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Pinos Ranger District We didn't see one single person. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! In the summer months, water is normally very low Be very cautious en route to trailhead. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. I can see why they call it Dough Flats. Pinos Ranger District You can catch the Sespe River Trail from Ojai and the other two trails from Maricopa. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). The trail to Cow Spring is in pretty good shape, but horribly overgrown and deteriorating once you get a bit past it. Copper City Brewing Company. Choose your timing wisely based on the time of year and weather and be aware of heat and flash flood potential. Mud covered and rocky. A very tough hike. 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. Be very cautious in route to trailhead. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. 406 S Mildred Ave 29. If you stay to the left, the trail will go down Alder Creek Trail to Alder Creek Camp after .6 miles. From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Easy 4.1 (29) South Fork, Colorado. We always manage to be able to walk around it. Could use a trim!! Was able to place more cairns and fixed a few that had fallen down. 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. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District ( Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Piedra Blanca to Sespe Hot Springs. We didn't see one single person. Plan on moving slowly and uncomfortably if you intend to make it to Alder Creek Camp. Squaw and Cow springs were dry., From doughflat trailhead to junction with McDonald cabin the trail is in good condition and easy to follow. This hike is very difficult. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Finding - and staying on the trail in the gorge is tough. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. At the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. Mt. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. We did have a map and knew it was about a half mile upstream from Alder Camp, so we knew to watch for it. 1190 E Ojai Ave 3. Road from Fillmore to Dough Flat Trailhead passable by sedan, but not advisable. This closure adds 2 1/2 miles of additional hiking from where you park at the gate to the trailhead. Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. (831) 385-5434 ext. 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. Ojai Ranger District project to install carsonite Condor Sanctuary signs along the west boundary of the Alder Creek Trail. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District We chose to hike from Piedra Blanca (Rose Valley). Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs. CONTACT: Ojai Ranger District, 1190 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023; (805) 646-4348. 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). I cant believe this trail is even open to the public in its current condition. 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. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Alder Lake in the Catskills of New York is an awesome lake to fish, hike, relax and camp.