until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Mountain bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. From Shady Camp to Sespe hotsprings involved 2 deep river crossings and several sketchy/washed out sections of trail along the hillside. 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. Overview. The whole section of the national forest is ruggedly beautiful but brutally exposed to the sun on southward facing slopes. Vegetation is overtaking the trail in sections. Continue on to the end of the road at the Dough Flat trailhead. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Open daily 9am - 4pm At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. connected to the .gov website. Prepare to get thigh high wet. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. This adds an additional 5 miles of walking on the road to access the Dough Flat TH to the Alder Creek Trail. The shortest of the three is via Alder Creek Trail, a 7.5-mile trek through the wilderness that heads at Dough Flat in the Sespe Oil Fields. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. Also through the Creek area, it's easy to lose the trail. This is a moderate one way trail in Los Padres National Forest. Edit Add a Report Be the first to rate this hike! There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. 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]. - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. United States. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. All rights reserved. LockA locked padlock If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. Go left toward Alder Creek. Start hiking at the Piedra Blanca trailhead and walk four miles along the river to the first campground, Bear Creek. There is substantial overgrown brush from Cow Camp to Alder Creek Camp. Share sensitive information only 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. Just wasnt worth the risk to me. The elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. 2 important notes: Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. The rock formations once you pass Cow Springs were amazing. A very tough hike. Email:bigsurstation@gmail.com, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=81861, Forest Road Closures and Current Conditions by Ranger District, Forest Closure Order 05-07-00-23-06 - Public Safety, Pine Ridge Trail Sykes Hot Springs Trail Information, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center, 4/15/23 - Trailhead parking area is closed. The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. 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. It is overgrown and there is a slide just past Alder Creek Camp before Cotrtrell Flats Camp. Santa Maria, CA 93454 Overgrown and deteriorating between Cow Springs and Alder Creek Camp. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Thereis no access to Willett Hot Springs or Sespe Hot Springs from this trail. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. Trail to Cow Springs was in decent shape. Gardens, Parks. Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. The hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. If you stay to the left, the trail will go down Alder Creek Trail to Alder Creek Camp after .6 miles. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. 406 S Mildred Ave Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. The gate from the top is closed because the road is washed out so its about 6 miles to the actual TH. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Toggle navigation. This is a narrow rough At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. 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. 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. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. There was a lot of graffiti and vandalism at the trailhead. Prepare to get thigh high wet. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. The beginning of the trail, through the Cow Springs Campsite and the Stone Corral, is easy to follow. The decent down into the Alder drainage could use some brushing. Last year, in 2016, a group of Thacher students and I brushed and cleared as much as possible from Alder Camp to the trail junction with the Sespe Trail. This work held up well when we camp through it this year, which was nice to see. However, you have to do some inventing of the trail at times in the stretch from the McDonald Camp sign to Alder Camp. You are basically walking in the creekbed. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Each hot spring requires either a short walk or . Cow Springs is the first camp along the Alder Creek Trail. Sespe River Trail - Starting from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, this trail is 16.8 miles one way and is rated as moderate to difficult. Alder Lake Loop. 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. 1190 E Ojai Ave connected to the .gov website. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. 1980 Old Mission Drive 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. 2. Warning, One big beehive at hip height in the rock face right by the trail 2/3rd of the descent - the trail goes about 4 feet from the hive, with no real options going wider. There are three different trails that lead to Sespe Hot Springs: 1. From here, you enter the Sespe Wilderness and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. We saw some thacher high school students heading out to do trail work. 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). 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District We've covered hot springs as far north as Mammoth Lakes and as far south as the border with Mexico. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. (805) 623-0328, Monterey Ranger District I would definitely go back. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Enjoy this 2.4-mile loop trail near Livingston Manor, New York. 3. Directions: From McCall, Idaho Take Deinhard Ln to ID-55 S/S 3rd St 6 min (2.8 mi) Turn right onto ID-55 S/S 3rd St Continue to follow ID-55 S. We had no trouble finding where the trail leaves Alder Ck to climb towards Dripping Springs. (661) 245-3731 ext. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. 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. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. that is a private gated community. A landslide essentially wiped out the trail along the mountainside and there was no viable alternative route, in my estimation. The Alder Creek Trail (20W11) starts from the Dough Flat trailhead, 2.5 miles north is the first trail junction. Alder Lake in the Catskills of New York is an awesome lake to fish, hike, relax and camp. The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. Want to report conditions for this trail? No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The last track is via the moderately difficult Alder Creek Trail, which runs 7.5 miles . 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). I made it to shady and I can tell it's a well loved place. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. We didn't see one single person. Welcome to our round-up of the 12 publicly accessible natural hot springs in Southern California! An official website of the From Sespe Hot Springs trail to where Alder Ck trail leaves the Sespe River drainage (sign there says Alder Camp 4 miles): trail a little hard to follow in places, particularly at 1st creek crossing you come to, but there are small cairns and we found our way without too much difficulty - helps to have a map. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. Adventure Pass is notrequired for parking at the Dough Flat Trailhead. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness. (805) 968-6640 or (805) 448-6487, Mt. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. 2023Outdoor Project. However, I read that there is a summit just over six miles and a lean-to about 1. . The trail from Cow Springs to Alder Creek was extremely overgrown in some parts with downed tress. Piedra Blanca to Sespe Hot Springs. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. 0, Ojai Ranger District 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. 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. There are three ways to access the springs on different trails. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Copper City Brewing Company. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. 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 always manage to be able to walk around it. Lots of nice fall foliage and pretty valley views. Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. At the Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Camp. Be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. 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. More rains to come this weekend, recommend to wait out til roads are cleared. 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. - Back in December the CREW worked the first part of the trail from Dough Flat out to the Bucksnort Junction. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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. 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 wide open until the switchbacks down towards Alder, - Some serious brushing is needed heading down the switchbacks through Dripping Spring, https://christopherplord.blogspot.com/2018/11/dough-flat-to-sacred-cave-in-sespe.html. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min. River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. 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. 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. 22. 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. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 29. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. Also through the creek crossings, it's easy to lose the trail., At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. 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 hike is absolutely beautiful and so are the hot springs! Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. One Study Got it Wrong. Couldnt make it in. There are also many camping areas along the way, making this trail ideal for multi-day trips. Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . This is a tough trail! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. I can see why they call it Dough Flats. There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. This series of springs create a hot spring creek flowing through the mountains. Located along Sespe Creek, about two hours from Los Angeles, California, Sespe Hot Springs is one of several natural hot springs in the Los Padres National Forest. Started at Dough Flat Gate. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Washed-out location: 34.579927, -118.964486. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. ) or https:// means you've safely 2 important notes: 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. Length 2.6 miElevation gain 78 ftRoute type Out & back. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. United States . Overall, still a great trip! As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! Follow the stream for Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. No fee to park. Recorded time is mostly moving. Even so, it was pretty clear to see.
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