Plan on moving slowly and uncomfortably if you intend to make it to Alder Creek Camp. Started at Dough Flat Gate. . Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. Alder Creek Trail - Los Padres National Forest The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. This is a tough trail! Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. 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. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Photos (13) Directions. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Overall, still a great trip! CONTACT: Ojai Ranger District, 1190 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023; (805) 646-4348. on official, secure websites. 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. Hiked Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Alder Creek and continued on down Alder Creek to the Sespe. Trail Quest: Sespe River Trail | Songs of the Wilderness Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails Santa Barbara, CA 93105 that is a private gated community. Take I-5 north to CA 126 west; turn north in Fillmore on A Street-Goodenough Road for 141/2 jolting miles (high clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended). Overview. Vegetation is overtaking the trail in sections. 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. 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. TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. Santa Maria, CA 93454 The trail to the right is the Bucksnort Trail (19W18), which ends at Ant Camp at the junction with the Agua BlancaTrail (19W10). This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. There are three possible access points for reaching the springs, but all require either a ridiculously difficult day hike or a strenuous multi-day trip. Sespe Hot Springs - ULTIMATE HOT SPRINGS GUIDE [6] See also [ edit] Sespe Creek Stay. 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center 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). At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. 2. We found hot springs that were about 105 degrees which seems hot, but you get used to it. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. The trail is moderately difficult hike. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. 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. United States government. Piedra Blanca to Sespe Hot Springs. However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Once at the hot springs, we used some shovels others had left behind to dig out built up sediment and create some pools. 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. 2023 Best Backpacking Trails in Sespe Wilderness | AllTrails Each hot spring requires either a short walk or . 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. Many beautiful campsites along the gorge. 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). 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails. 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. Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Directions: The drive takes about 1 hours from Bakersfield . Parking for the Alder Creek Trail is 5 miles at the gate below the trailhead. Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. 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]. Alder Creek Trail (20W11) WILDERNESS Length: 7.5 Difficulty: moderate trailhead to Cow Spring, difficult to Shady Camp turnoff Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District 0, Ojai Ranger District 22. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. I don't know why they send you that way. We did not progress past Alder Creek Camp. We always manage to be able to walk around it. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails Sespe Hot Springs | Outdoor Project Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. 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. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. We chose to hike from Piedra Blanca (Rose Valley). There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. December 15th April 30th. After final Sespe River crossing, at "Alder Camp 4 miles" sign: as it climbs out of Sespe River, trail is narrow, and washed out in a couple short spots, requiring caution to proceed safely - soil is loose, tread is mostly gone, and there is a pretty steep drop-off. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. LockA locked padlock More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. Olympic National Park: Hike Mountains to Sea on These 6 Perfect Trails, Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? King City, CA 93930 next trail junction is 2.7 miles. 5.2 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs. There are also many camping areas along the way, making this trail ideal for multi-day trips. Enjoy this 2.4-mile loop trail near Livingston Manor, New York. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back., Dough Flat Gate was unlocked when we returned. Cow Springs is the first camp along the Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. We didn't see one single person. 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. Pinos Ranger District The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. This hike is very difficult. A very tough hike. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Backpacking Sespe Hot Springs - NorCal Hiker It all adds up to limitless possibilities for trekking in an untamed land thats just a short drive from Los Angeles. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. California Sespe Wilderness . Toggle navigation. Best Hiking Trails in Los Padres National Forest - Gaia GPS 6 Hot Springs by Santa Barbara, California Cow Spring had some water flowing and the camp showed little signs of use. The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. Ill be back and will take the other trail in instead. Enjoy Your National Forests Safely Know Before You Go! Enjoy this 37.3-km out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Heading out the door? I only made it to Cow Spring and was happy for the alternative given that Piedras Blancas is closed. Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. I would definitely go back. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! 3. 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. Go Visit ALDER LAKE: CATSKILLS NEW YORK - Adventures of Abby Girl Could use a trim!! The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. - After leaving the Bucksnort the trail gets gradually worse but stays good until you get down to the McDonald Trail Junction. 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. Shop . Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. connected to the .gov website. I recommend starting early and packing layers! From the Shady Camp turnoff, it is 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. Share sensitive information only The rock formations once you pass Cow Springs were amazing. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. All trail campsites in the Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest A total of 29 Sespe Wilderness Camps are currently available. About 20 minutes later you reach another parking lot, the Dough Flat trailhead and also the Alder Creek trailhead. East Fork Alder Creek was dry. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. 3. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. 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. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead and Sespe Hot Springs. Alder Creek and Bucksnort Trails. 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. No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. 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. SESPE WILDERNESS - More information on the Sespe Wilderness: www.wilderness.net, Maps: Tom Harrison - Sespe Wilderness Map or 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps (Devils Heart Peak). At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District , Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Getting to the springs involves going over eight river crossings, but the water might be shallow or dry during the hot summer months. Water was available in the main stem of Alder Creek and at Dripping Springs. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. Los Padres National Forest - Recreation - US Forest Service Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Hot Springs Trails in Southern California | USA Today Edit Add a Report Be the first to rate this hike! Be very cautious in route to trailhead. From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow. I can see why they call it Dough Flats. until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately Alder creek camp and shady camp were clean and both will make nice places to spend the night.. From the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within mile. - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. Los Padres National Forest - Alder Creek - 20W11 - US Forest Service Alder Creek Trail is easily navigable with cairns and orange tape, but long sleeves are heavily recommended since it is overgrown in many places. I chose to pee in the woods over it. road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. Johnson Ridge Trail - Begins from the trailhead at Mutau Flat, extends for 9.5 miles, and is rated as difficult. 3505 Paradise Rd. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Trail use and trail camps are on a first-come, first-serve basis, no reservations. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. 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. (831) 667-2315 At the Lol.. If you stay to the left, the Gate is closed 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District 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 water in the creek was low enough to walk the creek to the confluence right before Alder camp. This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Cow Spring is the first camp along the way, serious lack of shade can make this a hot camp during the summer and sometimes there is no water at the spring. 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. Water trickle at dripping spring in the descent to the gorge. 29. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. Prepare to get thigh high wet. 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. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. 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. Sespe Hot Springs - Maricopa, California | Hiking Trails This adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the Dough Flat TH to the Alder Creek Trail. Finding - and staying on the trail in the gorge is tough. December 15 - April 30. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Mud covered and rocky. The trail is NOT PASSABLE to the Sespe River. 12 Natural (Free!) Hot Springs in Southern California + Roadtrip Map The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! Sometimes the gate is locked and you have to walk an extra 5 miles to the trail head. (831) 667-2315 Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. Prepare to get thigh high wet. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. For information, please call (805) 968-6640 or (805) 724-0079. Email:bigsurstation@gmail.com, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5309152, Forest Order 05-07-00-23-04Firearms Prohibition, List of roads restricted to non-motorized vehicle use, List of trailhead and hiking trail closures, Other trails in the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Forest Road Closures and Current Conditions by Ranger District, Forest Closure Order 05-07-00-23-06 - Public Safety, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center. From the Dough Flat trailhead to the junction with the Sespe River trail the Alder creek trail is clear and in good shape with no issues. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. website belongs to an official government organization in the Ojai, CA 93023 This is a narrow rough ( The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. 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. Alder Creek, NY 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Trail is severely comprimised and travel is not recommended at this time. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Mt. Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! Having said that, the 4 of us passed safely, with full packs on. Saved. Couldnt make it in. I recommend starting early and packing layers! [5] Willett Hot Springs are also located in the Sespe Wilderness area. These hot springs have an elevation of 2,600 feet. Recorded time is mostly moving. We only went to the second camp but the stream was beautiful. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. We didn't see one single person. website belongs to an official government organization in the Frazier Park, CA 93225 I chose to pee in the woods over it. after 0.6 miles. Dough Flat Rd is open to a locked gate 5miles below the Dough Flat Trailhead. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min. Alder Creek Camp - Ventura South Los Padres National Forest Squaw and Cow springs were dry., From doughflat trailhead to junction with McDonald cabin the trail is in good condition and easy to follow. Go To Hocking Hills, Ohio, The Best Spots To Go Stargazing In Joshua Tree National Park. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. Long sleeves, pants, and a hat are highly recommended tto charge through the brush. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Alder Lake Loop. A very tough hike. The gate was surprisingly unlocked today! Location: From McCall, Idaho is 50 miles or about an hour to drive to the hot springs. Gate to Dough Flat unlocked. On average, the soaking pools are about 105 degrees. 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). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. A lot of rock cairns guide you here. We started at around 1 pm and didnt get to camp until 7:30 (~23 min mile pace). River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. 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. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. I made it to shady and I can tell it's a well loved place. The whole section of the national forest is ruggedly beautiful but brutally exposed to the sun on southward facing slopes. Alder Trail to Sespe Hot Springs - AllTrails.com miles to the first trail junction, and then turn left toward The road is a combination of dirt, gravel and pavement. Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. Alder Lake Loop: 188 Reviews, Map - New York | AllTrails Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Recorded time is mostly moving. It too 3 hours to go from Cow Springs to Alder Creek. Good shape to Cow Camp; overgrown in many places between Cow Camp and Shady Camp. MAPS:Overview of Sespe/Ojai District Trails ($1.07), USGS quadrangle Devils Heart Peak, and Los Padres National Forest Map ($4.29 each) available from Ojai Ranger District (see address at right; make check payable to LPIA). Official websites use .gov A .gov We saw some thacher high school students heading out to do trail work.
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