Im guessing the parks district heard about all the trash along the trail and did something because it was really clean out there this weekend. I am covered in bites all over my arms, neck, and body which had been covered by my loose-fitting button-down shirt. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. At the worst part of the slide people have walked to the uphill side to climb over a small dead tree and root ball. Dough Flat to Sespe Gorge. The general deer hunting season in Zone D13 starts this weekend October 12 and lasts through November 10. The next designated camp along Sespe River Trail is Oak Flat, about 7 miles from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. The Sespe Condor Sanctuary portion of the wilderness is closed to the public. 3. We were about a mile passed willet and let them know he was somewhere around that area. I mentioned to my partner that I wondered if that was the person we had read about in all the reviews. In an effort to help those who come next, see links to the two stream gauges below: On 2/11 the Sespe near Wheeler springs was at 100cfs and the Sespe near Filmore was at 380 cfs. After Oak Flat Camp the trail has another junction with the Red Reef Trail (21W08). Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. Following along the Sespe Creek Trail, there are several more campsites accessible a day's walk from the trailhead. 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. You could probably take the first ridge down as well but the upper section looked a little sketcy to me.. Bighorn Peak is a very adventurous hike that is located between Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks. Trail is in typical good shape with a few sections that are being rutted by the rain (I think there are already pictures of those sections here on HLP). Because the pools are so shallow they are also much hotter. Bummer, this trail is closed. I took that banking turn left toward Sespe Hot Springs too, leaving that much smaller trail. Cow Springs is the first camp along the way. Sespe Creek receives most of its rainfall between January and April, and furnishes 40% of the water flowing in the Santa Clara River. After originating above 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in the Sierra Madre Mountains in the northwest corner of the Ojai Ranger District, about 75 percent of the Sespe Creek subwatershed is characterized by numerous rugged slopes and canyon walls of the southern Pine Mountains. At Bear Creek and below, the water was over the stepping stones and I had to ford the creek. Update 1-11: all entry roads are closed due to rains. Mutau Flat is a meadow in Ventura County and has an elevation of 4,806 feet. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. Share sensitive information only Crossings were not too hard but did require your feet to get wet. 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. You need to be able to find some of the trails due to the water washed out some of it. 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. Couldnt make it in. Trail in good shape and easy to follow. Continuing towards Hot Springs Canyon, there are several more camps before you reach Willets. For more information, please visit. The second river crossing was waist deep but moving slowly. SHORT TERM CLOSURE: This area is temporarily closed until March 14, 2023 due to extreme winter weather. OVERVIEW Sespe Hot Springs at its source produces water upwards of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. SHORT TERM CLOSURE: This area is temporarily closed until March 14, 2023 due to extreme winter weather. Attempting the 2 crossings of the Sespe between PB and Willet were significant factors for a number of people that day. Open daily 9am - 4pm 24 Jun . Change). Then in good shape, with the above mentioned gillies, from Bear to Willet. Wilits hot springs was the fav. There are minor rock falls here and there, and the traverse of a steep loose hillside a mile or so before Sycamore is more exciting than it used to be for a few feet. Hike north 2.5 Climbing up from alder creek was relatively easy to follow, but overgrown near the saddle. The park's rustic environment, reminiscent of old kampungs, also holds many . . Here, the canyon opens up and reveals a more spartan and rocky terrain evocative of the Palm Springs area. Dough Flat Road out of Fillmore (aka Squaw Flat Rd) is closed due to reconstruction of a retaining wall. Beautiful day! This route passes by the disappointing Willet Hot Springa rubber cistern in the ground that's filled with algaeas it follows the Sespe Creek. Photo by Anna Roth. the lupine and blue dicks). Terms & Conditions! Hiking up to Sespe was long uphill climbing but not too intense. Pinos Ranger District The gnats are bad! Day 1 made it all the way to Sespe hot springs which was rough. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Left Panel: View west . The more deep and dammed up pools that are built from the source and downstream, the more time the water has to cool and thus the more tolerable the pools downstream are to soak in. Not a whole lot to say here that hasn't been said already. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Mountain views Wildlife Good for kids Dogs not allowed Ridges/passes Parking Pass/Entry Fee National Park Pass The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. Non-native: PricklyPoppy: Argemone munita From there . by siketflow in socalhiking. 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. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. The trail is amazing, but it was hot & miserable with minimal shade. . Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. Trail Distance 5.95 Miles Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Creek still running, went up to Bear Creek.. The sheep one can see today were relocated from the San Gabriel Mountains in the mid-1980s in an effort rebuild their population. Beware, the next week its going to warm up and the frozen parts will become muddy too. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Along the . Trailhead for the Sespe Hot Springs hike is way out here too. 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. 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. trail will go to Alder Creek and youll reach Alder Camp (831) 385-5434 ext. There are regular gnats between willet and sespe and at sespe there are special buffalo gnats that bite so watch out! Instead of starting at Dough Flat, I wanted to start at the Piedra Blanca trailhead (Lions Camp)and then camp at Willett Hot Spring, then Sespe Hot Springs, then in the Sespe Narrows, and finally camp at the Tar Creek / Sespe confluence. Best Season - Fall to Spring. curtis wayne wright jr wife. Tar Creek forms part of the southern border of the Sespe Condor Sactuary and Dough Flat Rd forms part of its eastern boundary. The downhill side of this climb/rootball is the most dangerous part of the trail. This article originally appeared section A of the March 29th, 2013 edition of the Santa Barbara News-Press. We provide tools and tips to discover Kondado ang Ventura County (Prinanses: Comt de Ventura, Kinatsila: Condado de Ventura) sa Tinipong Bansa. Past the palm trees, the trail arrives at the hot springs. So if you are planning a trip to that part of the Forest be sure to plan on an extra 8miles of road hiking/biking before you get to the trailhead. The trailhead at Dough Flat is reached from Fillmore by way of Goodenough Road and unpaved Squaw Flat Road. Route 89 Johnston Ridge 20W12 and Sespe Hot Springs. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. We attempted to cross, but the hillside is not stable and we turned around at the beginning where there is a bit of exposure (if one were to slide off the trail as they would go over a 15ft cliff). It rained often and was chilly in March when I went through in the upper 40s . Since this trail is in the wilderness, only hikers and equestrians are permitted. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. These springs also issue forth from a rock wall, but the water is in a temperature range more conducive to soaking. The views are worth the price of admission. Mercury getting into the act with Jupiter & Saturn, in the night sky. Instead of starting at Dough Flat, I wanted to start at the Piedra Blanca trailhead (Lions Camp)and then camp at Willett Hot Spring, then Sespe Hot Springs, then in the Sespe Narrows, and finally camp at the Tar Creek / Sespe confluence. Hot Springs Trail 3/22 1166. It is one of the last wild rivers in Southern California. When Dough Flat Road is dry, you can drive a 2WD vehicle on the road. Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoff. Picked up as much extra as I could fit in my pack. I hung around to make sure they werent feeling threatened and heard them all chatting and the women laughing, so I felt ok leaving. There was much debate surrounding how to get there after we found out the gate accessing the eastern approach via dough flats is closed (and even if open otherwise apparently unpassable unless one has a robust 4wd vehicle), so the discussion congregated upon weather to do that approach (13 mi each way) or from the west . Bummer, this trail is closed. -Shorts to willet but pants beyond. A camp at Coltrell Flat can be found under the oaks. Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. There are several well marked turnoffs along Rose Valley Road leading to nearby Rose Valley and Middle Lion Campgrounds. At Willet, there was a moving creek with much cleaner water. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. The creek remains free from major habitat modifications and is noteworty for its lack of dams, although one was originally proposed for a site named Topa Topa near Sespe Hot Springs in the Sespe Wilderness. 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. Mud covered and rocky. 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. After crossing the saddle between the two, the first drainage crossing to the west is severely washed out and not safely passable. There are 3 ways to access the hot springs: 1. 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. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Preview trail Get updates on conditions, surveys and more Los Padres Forest Association - 10-03-2015, Los Padres Forest Association - 02-28-2017, https://www.globosurfer.com/best-fly-fishing-rods/, https://www.globosurfer.com/best-camping-grills/, Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura, https://christopherplord.blogspot.com/2022/01/middle-lion-to-piedra-blanca-via-little.html. From the Piedra Blanca trailhead this same intersection is about 13.75 miles, which is why some people will choose Squaw Flat Road and the overgrown trail through Alder Creek drainage in order to save a few miles. When Dough Flat Road is dry, you can drive a 2WD vehicle on the road. (Next time will be adding another day to break it up). All rights reserved. Very little water. A rusted brown, bullet riddled sign offered us two paths continue on to Alder Creek Camp and Dough Flat, or veer south and down the Sespe Creek, 15 miles to the appropriately named Devil's Gate. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, Leave No Trace Backpacking Principles: http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles, Map showing recreational areas. Off to the right (east and south) are Squaw Spring, Dough Flat, Pidgeon Flat, Cow Spring . This place is amazing, but watch out for Pan, the homeless guy in the Batman pajamas who lives at the hot springs. Alder Creek is flowing well in most parts. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. Directions: Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). I found what I feel is a safe alternate (use at your own risk). Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. Park in one of the parking spaces distributed around the trailhead loop at Dough Flat (elevation 2825ft). (831) 667-2315 We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Borracho Spring. 150 yards and youll reach Shady Camp, which normally 5. The 24-acre site the city has acquired is adjacent to the 12-acr. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. -Make sure to have an adventure parking pass (order online or pickup from big5/7-11) From the town of Fillmore in Ventura County, take A Street . Oak Flat lies not far past Bear Creek, but the highly recommended locations are located about 9 miles past the start of the trail, where the Willett Campground and Willett Hotsprings Campground are located. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. In contrast, going up to Willet was intense uphill but for a shorter distance. But struggle ensued on the last few miles, when we ventured off-trail toward a hidden meadow shaded by black oaks known only to lifelong backcountry wizards like Coyote Dave, who grew up in nearby Fillmore. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. This is also the most difficult hike. Starting from the parking lot at Piedra Blanca, the trail quickly drop down to the river crossing, after the crossing Lion Creek and Sespe Creek is the Gene Marshall Piedra Blanca trail junction. From the Piedra Blanca trailhead this same intersection is about 13.75 miles, which is why some people will choose Squaw Flat Road and the overgrown trail through Alder Creek drainage in order to save a few miles. We also smoothed out the slide as best we could, and we left the pickmatix wedged into the tree that sits on the left side of the slide area for others to use. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. From uphill side, Slide @ (34.5798, -118.9647). Another9.4 miles down the trail is Thacher Camp (2528 feet) which is sort of an overflow camp for Willet Camp and Hot Spring (2520 feet) (9.8 miles), as you continue on you will find Hartman Camp (2489 feet) (10.9 miles), and then Coltrell Flat Camp (2312 feet) (14 miles). Not the best time of year to do this trail. Check out this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. In the summer months, water is normally very low The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! I approached the slide and decided it was too dangerous to cross. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Camps appeared to all be in good shape. To get to the Piedra Blanca trailhead from Ojai, take State Route 33 north and continue past Wheeler Gorge. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Found some at Bear Creek and Willet., No water in the creek. The side trail continues west past Willett Camp, and climbs up a small canyon offering some nice views of Sespe Creek and the surrounding area before arriving a half-mile later at Willet Hot Springs. Such knowledge is key when exploring the remote and unforgiving Sespe Wilderness, where ancient Chumash spirits flow . Tar Creek forms part of the southern border of the Sespe Condor Sactuary and Dough Flat Rd forms part of its eastern boundary. Trail is in good condition besides rock slide after crossing bear creek camp. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Overall: . Be prepared, there is very little water this time of year. There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. The most straightforward way is to hike 19.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead on the western side of the wilderness. At the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Im 52 so take that into consideration. The trailhead is located at the Piedra Blanca parking lot, where you're required to have an Adventure Pass. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Sespe Middle Narrows 2/22 1158. Length 32.4 miElevation gain 4,012 ftRoute type Out & back If you go North through Filmore up goodenough road it dead ends into some BLM property, looks like you can hike in there or take a dirt road to squaw flat road and go through the whole southern part of Los Padres in D13. The trail went along the base of a large slide and it looks like all the rain made that slide active once again. From Sespe Camp, Johnson Ridge Trail continues another half-mile before starting its climb away from the creek. Only came across 3 other groups in 3 days. Lovely hike in with fall foliage, and the hot springs are hard to match in California. Alder Creek. 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. We saw 7 snakes over the whole trip, none of them were rattlesnakes but other backpackers we saw said they did see multiple rattlesnakes. Dough Flat Trailhead via Alder Creek Trail - California | Gaia GPS This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. May 20, 2021; promedica flower hospital npi; inventory management decisions ppt . Camping in the Sespe Wilderness is free and doesn't require a backcountry permit unless you plan on making fires, in which case you will need a fire permit. 2nd day trip to sespe hot springs 8 miles round trip. ( When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! Trail use and trail camps are on a first-come, first-serve basis, no reservations. Sespe Hot Springs - Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest; Sykes Hot Springs - Ventana Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest . This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. 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. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. The trail from Piedra to Sespe is about 14 miles, from Dough to Sespe is about 11 miles. Day 2 headed back after a nice dip in the am and found a nice spot with beach like sand about 4 miles back from springs and a nice 6ft deep spot in the cold spring to beat the heat. Hall: Trail description: From Piedra Blanca Trailhead downstream to Oak Flat, the trail is easy to find and follow, but with some brushy and rutted sections. has water year-round. We couldn't find the hot spring, but maybe we just needed to look more closely at the map. If anyone wants more info, you can message me on IG @trailrunningdrummer. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Prepare to get thigh high wet. Oak Flat is reached by a side trail that crosses Sespe Creek to the south. All downed trees were removed from Piedra Blanca to the Hot Springs junction. Truly magical & a long haul so be prepared. we make the short drive . River crossings are knee deep to Bear Creek Camp. August 4, 2020. A large colony of these can be found near the Gaviota Hot Springs. Tar Creek Falls is located in the Los Padres National Forest. Blog Home Uncategorized dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). 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 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! Be advised, Willet is super popular and not much area to camp once you're at the spring. A GPS unit or/and a dog will help a lot. We showed up in Fillmore on Sat, and drove up Squaw Flat road. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. No blowdowns across the trail. Upper Sespe River Trail. I hiked from Piedra Blanca to Sycamore Flat. that is a private gated community. Plenty of water coming down all of the side canyons too, if sespe creek water isn't your flavor of water that you prefer. We found a small spring around the 6.5 mile mark, but that was the only water source we were able to find aside from the major springs. 3. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. The site has a picnic table, fire pit, and nearby outhouse, each with its own cement foundation harking back to the days of when it was a car camping destination. Overall a beautiful trail. Great mountain views the whole way, it got a lot hotter than we expected in April and we really enjoyed cooling off in the creek. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. From the trailhead at Dough Flat its about 7.5 miles along Alder Creek Trail to Sespe River Trail. These folks were a bit disappointed to not make the hot springs. This is the perfect time to hike this trail. Sespe River Trail follows the old road bed most of the way and is in generally good shape. I don't know why they send you that way. Here, where the trail was high above the high water line it was easy to follow. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. I tried going via the Alder Creek trail from Dough Flat. The trail includes a number of camps along the way. It is brushy on the last drop down to Alder at Shady Camp. Within the Los Padres, D13 covers the Mt Pinos Ranger District east of Hwy 33 and the Ojai District north and east of Sespe Creek. trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. North of Tar Creek and west of Dough Flat Rd is in the Condor Sactuary where public entry is not allowed. Download the GPS track to help you find your way. 3505 Paradise Rd. Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. I was bitten somewhere in one of those two locations. . Danilo and Gyorgyi with Sespe Creek in the background. Reply Delete. . Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. 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. From here, it's another 5 miles to the trailhead. 47555 Highway 1,Big Sur, CA 93920 Fillmore is in the gray mist at the bottom left. There is one place where the trail tread has been destroyed for about 10 feet and another 20 to 30 feet of uneven rocks and debris that have fallen onto the trail tread on the uphill (north east) portion of the trail. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. And, since it's a parking lot/trailhead it is not a "public street" and prohibited under the general prohibition. Not too many people use this trail except some hunters. Hike north 2.5 miles to the first trail junction, and then turn left toward Alder Creek. At about 14.75 miles from Dough Flat, and 9.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca, Sespe River Trail arrives at the junction for Red Reef Trail, which crosses Sespe Creek, and climbs south, away from the creek, passing near the Topatopa Mountains on its way toward the upper Ojai Valley. 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. Ant Camp. Route 84 Middle Sespe Trail 22W04. Here a side trail crosses the creek and arrives at Willet Camp. Sespe is amazing! Hiked the Sespe Trail from PB TH to Bear Creek with the Troop 111 Scouts on Good Friday. At about 13.75 miles from Dough Flat and 10.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead, the trail arrives at Hartman Camp. Water flowing intermittently with the deeper pools still holding especially near Bear and just upstream of Oak flat. Its about nourishment and learning. Lots of bugs. Trespass Trail #2 2/22 1157. Also known as Arroyo Sespe, Cespai River, Sespe River. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. 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. Not for people with acrophobia or vertigo. Got stalked by a mountain lion who stomped around camp and grunted at us all night. Thirty-one miles (50 km) of Sespe Creek is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River and National Scenic Waterway, and is untouched by dams or concrete channels. until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. Cow Springs is the first camp along the Sespe is VERY busy, & the last mile is full of poison ivy & poison oak. I saw it along the entire trail. Climb the hill south of the saddle. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Trespass Trail 2/22 1160. . 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. coinbase prime pricing dough flat trailhead to sespe hot springs. kind of a pain to get to. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. Dry January has meant creek levels are down again, though you still cant dry cross. Went only from Piedra Blanca Trailhead downstream to Oak Flat, with camp at Bear Creek, check of Kerr Spring and other off-trail hikes. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. You will also see an old road cut paralleling the ridge for a while but I stayed just above it on the ridge. Enjoy your visit! From downhill side. Not technically but the sun beating down on you all day definitely takes its toll. Want to report conditions for this trail? There are seven more river crossings before Sespe Hot Springs. . Reduced by hunting and diseases transmitted from livestock grazing, bighorn sheep were last seen in Los Padres National Forest in 1914. Because of the distances involved, a visit to the hot springs is best done as part of a backpacking trip.