The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. See . 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. (831) 667-2315 Mud covered and rocky. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Try this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. 150 yards and youll reach Shady Camp, which normally Backpacked with packs ~35lbs out and back in two days. Open daily 9am - 4pm Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. 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. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track. A lot of rock cairns guide you here. Recorded time is mostly moving. Its recommended to replace the 2 trail signs where the ttrail forks for Ant Camp and McDonald. The water sources aren't great at the beginning but we filtered and we are still alive, so ok I guess. This is a tough trail! Some overgrown parts but easy to follow. Thereis no access to Willett Hot Springs or Sespe Hot Springs from this trail. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Highlights on the trail include two nearby hot springs and the scenery along Sespe Creek. They are spaced every 1/4mile from the Dough Flat Trailhead to just past Cow Springs. United States. The trail is still in good shape but a bit hard to follow in spots but there are some trail markers. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. Frazier Park, CA 93225 River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. - After leaving the Bucksnort the trail gets gradually worse but stays good until you get down to the McDonald Trail Junction. Head out on this 23.2-mile out-and-back trail near Fillmore, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. 406 S Mildred Ave Overall great trip just wish we would have started a bit earlier to avoid the bit of night hiking we had to do. 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. Overall, still a great trip! A short bushwhack away from the lazy-flowing Sespe leads into Hot Springs Canyon and a sulfur-scented nirvana. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The road to Dough Flat Th was closed but did open over the weekend. A new Forest order is now in place that keeps severely compromised roads, trails, campgrounds, and day-use sites closed to the public while Forest engineers, partner groups, volunteers, and contractors work on repairs as funding becomes available. We always manage to be able to walk around it. King City, CA 93930 Add 2.5 miles or so to the hike because the access road may be closed getting to the trailhead. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Share sensitive information only 2.5 mi to Trailhead. There were at least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly lost in East Fork Alder Creek. Mud covered and rocky. I recommend starting early and packing layers! We did have to park at the gate and hike to the trail head about 2.5 miles since it isn't open yet. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. Download the app. I don't know why they send you that way. If I had more time I would have completed a proper trail Survey. The Dough Flat gate is locked from approx. on official, secure websites. 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 had to zigzag across the creek many times. It is 7.5 miles one way to the hot springs. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. Sespe Wilderness Length: 20.2 mi Est. We didn't see one single person. 2 important notes: The Alder Creek Trail is open from the Dough Flat Trailhead, but you will have to walk an additional 5 miles on the road. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. No fee to park. 2023Outdoor Project. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min to complete. 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. 1980 Old Mission Drive Started at Dough Flat Gate. 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. Lol.. on official, secure websites. Length 2.6 miElevation gain 78 ftRoute type Out & back. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 16 min. 22. During wet weather, 4WD is strongly advised. Easy 4.1 (29) South Fork, Colorado. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. The Johnson Ridge Trail is also challenging and 9.5 miles each way. -Despite the USFS saying the road to Dough Flat TH is closed, it is, in fact, OPEN as of 2/20/2022. until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately Water is usually only available here during winter and spring. Dough Flat Rd will reopen sometime in May unless the damage is assessed as too severe to drive on the road. Saved. Visit the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Website, Tread Lightly! When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! 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]. 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. Stray from the trail map and follow the cairns for the best way across. North-facing Home; Blog. To get to dough flat hang right not straight. 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. Basically walking on the creek bed all the way to shady. Print/PDF map. No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd. Copper City Brewing Company. ( This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. The trail below Dripping Springs becomes narrow and sections of the tread have been destroyed from winter flooding. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. It is overgrown and there is a slide just past Alder Creek Camp before Cotrtrell Flats Camp. Buckhorn ridge(4/17/21, 10:35:15AM) . Ojai, CA 93023 From the saddle, descending into Alder Ck: overgrown with brush, but pretty easy to follow. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. Mt. We crossed 3 very dangerous rockslides here, only to find a fourth rockslide with a sheer drop off below it that is impassable. 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. Head out on this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near South Fork, Colorado. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. Prepare to get thigh high wet. The trail needs some work once you get down to the creek but all in all it was easy to follow. Just wasnt worth the risk to me. One Study Got it Wrong. 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. Alder Creek Camp - Ventura South Los Padres National Forest Camp Type: Trail Camp Topo Map Link: Devils Heart Peak Elevation: 2520 feet Wilderness Area: Sespe County: Ventura County Ranger District: Ojai Ranger District Longitude: -118.9370167566395 Latitude: 34.57888102028576 Water Sources: Alder Creek (seasonal) Length of Stay: 14 Days (805) 967-3481 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Lucia Ranger District 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. - That portion of the trail is fantastic. There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. website belongs to an official government organization in the TRAILS: There are 18 trails offering a total of 136 miles of hiking. Dough Flat Rd is open to a locked gate 5miles below the Dough Flat Trailhead. The Alder Creek trail takes you down to the Sespe Creek. The Sespe River Trail (20W13) begins at the turnoff to Shady, where the main trail leaves Alder Creek. Some nice campsites along creek with fire pits. We did not progress past Alder Creek 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. These hot springs have an elevation of 2,600 feet. It is overgrown and my legs did get banged up some wearing capris. Good shape to Cow Camp; overgrown in many places between Cow Camp and Shady Camp. Be very cautious in route to trailhead. 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. 0, Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Visitor Center 3505 Paradise Rd. Breweries. Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Enjoy this 2.4-mile loop trail near Livingston Manor, New York. Ticks and snakes are out and about. Solvang, CA 93463 Johnson Ridge Trail - Begins from the trailhead at Mutau Flat, extends for 9.5 miles, and is rated as difficult. It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. - 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. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat. Cow Spring had some water flowing and the camp showed little signs of use. 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 elevation gain at certain parts is extremely tiring and some parts of the trail are overgrown. Sespe Camp and the Springs are a dream! At least two points where fallen trees block the path, and the trail is mostly gone in East Fork Alder Creek. Official websites use .gov A .gov Recorded time is mostly moving. 1616 N. Carlotti Dr. 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). 406 S Mildred Ave Stream was 1 inch deep average at the bottom, stronger at Shady with pretty strong waterfalls just behind shady (it had rained for 3 days the previous days). I recommend starting early and packing layers! For information, please call (805) 968-6640 or (805) 724-0079. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful . Running water in most of the gorge. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The main fork of Alder was flowing nicely all the way to the confluence with the Sespe. Steady climb for the next 3.5/4 mi to peak before dropping into Alder Creek. Rest of trail to Coltrell Flats is pretty good but keep steady footing on the small track next to the cliffs.:), River crossings from Coltrell to Sespe Camp are difficult. 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 along the Sespe River Trail. Highway 33 is closed from South Matilija springs Rd to 9 miles south of the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line until further notice. 2.5 mi to Trailhead. Alder Lake Loop. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We had to zigzag across the creek many times. We did in 3 days staying at Sespe on the way there and Cow Springs on the way back. Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail mdbekins 2 years ago . Then you have to bushwhack through lots of foliage at the top. Bucksnort junction sign needs replacing as does the junction sign at the East Fork with the northern leg. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. 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 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. Forest Closure Order - 05-07-00-23-06- Public Safety. I chose to pee in the woods over it. Update 1-11: Rains have washed out the entry road about 10miles out. - The trail is passable but needs lots of work from the McDonald Junction out to Alder Creek Camp and beyond to the Sespe. This is a narrow rough Fairly cold still at night and in the morning but perfect during the day. (831) 385-5434 ext. It too 3 hours to go from Cow Springs to Alder Creek. Long sleeves, pants, and a hat are highly recommended tto charge through the brush. next trail junction is 2.7 miles. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Cow Springs had a small pool of clear stagnant water. Pit toilet was open but pretty gross. 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. Piedra Blanca to Sespe Hot Springs. 2 stars because the Cow Springs (no shade here) and Alder Camp sites are very nice. The trail to Cow Spring is in decent shape. (661) 245-3731 ext. I don't know why they send you that way. 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. Choose your timing wisely based on the time of year and weather and be aware of heat and flash flood potential. There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. Water trickle at dripping spring in the descent to the gorge. Trail Creek boasts two large hot spring rock walled with cement pools. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District There was poison oak but I think lots is an exaggeration at least at the bottom. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. - After this point the trail gets much worse the short distance until you meet with the main Alder Creek Junction. Alder Creek Trail - Begins from the Dough Flat Trailhead, is 7.5 miles one way and rated as moderate to difficult. Cow Spring Campground - 3.50 Miles from Dough Flat, Started at Dough Flat Gate. The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. 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 sure to bring long sleeves and long pants for the overgrown sections, as well as sandals or waterproof boots to cross river sections. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. The 11-mile Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Sespe Hot Springs is exceptionally mouthwatering. 2 important notes: Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Recorded time is mostly moving. At Shady Camp junction, ascending over the saddle is very steep. 8h 24m The best time to hike this trail is in the Spring or Fall. DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate; elevation, 2,225 to 3,700 feet. As long as youre prepared for elevation and give yourself enough time, its well worth the hike! If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge. This is a rough dirt road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Los Padres National Forest, Forest Recreation Informational Brochures. (805) 448-6487 or (805) 724-0079, Santa Barbara Ranger District This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. (831) 667-2315 Dripping springs had water flowing but had considerable poison oak and a somewhat dangerous looking traverse to access. Frazier Park, CA 93225 From here, you enter the Sespe Wilderness and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. Overview. A very tough hike. Sometimes the gate is locked and you have to walk an extra 5 miles to the trail head. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Thank you for taking the time to visit Hike Los Padres. It's not like the Sierra foothills or Big Sur where it is the state plant and things nightmares are made of. ) or https:// means you've safely -The Sespe River Trail is WASHED OUT so Sespe Hot Springs is inaccessible. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead during the spring, summer and fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between approx. 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. If there is no water there, continue to hike downstream 0.8 miles until the trail leaves the drainage bottom. The trail to the right is the Bucksnort Trail (19W18), which ends at Ant Camp at the junction with the Agua BlancaTrail (19W10). There were several vehicles up there in addition to ours. Ojai Ranger District - Phone: (805) 646-4348 or (661) 805-1057, Mon-Fri 8-430pm. Probably wouldn't recommend for inexperienced hikers, but otherwise it was no problem. Running stream about 1.5 mile in in (looks like this one could dry soon). Having said that, the 4 of us passed safely, with full packs on. Trail is mostly clear until this point but upon decent and through Alder Camp, beware of poison oak. Could use a trim!! The sections along the creek to Alder camp and the mile after Alder are washed out; there really is no trail left. I don't know why they send you that way. connected to the .gov website. Couldnt make it in. 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. 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. Gardens, Parks. Sharing Our Trails - A Guide To Trail Etiquette, Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office)
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