Sespe Hot Springs
105°F
Pool temperatures
15.5mi
Hike, one way
Unknown
Fee not verified
Sespe Hot Springs is a remote set of springs along Sespe Creek in the Sespe Wilderness, about 15.5 to 16 miles in from the Piedra Blanca trailhead. The spring source is very hot, but mixed rock pools downstream average roughly 105F. Pools are often damaged by high creek flows, so the hike is usually done as an overnight backpacking trip.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Camping nearbyFree backcountry camping in the Sespe Wilderness. The Piedra Blanca route passes the Bear Creek, Oak Flat, Willett and Coltrell Flat campsites. People also camp on sandy beaches along the creek beyond the springs.
- QuietWinter, late fall and early spring, when the long hike is cooler.
- SeasonWinter, late fall and early spring are the more comfortable seasons for the long hike, because summer heat can top 100F. Pools can wash out in high creek flows. No road or trail closure was verified for this visit.
Best time to go. Winter, late fall and early spring, when the long hike is cooler.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
No closure specific to Sespe Hot Springs was found, but Los Padres National Forest has fire closure orders in effect in 2026 and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary is closed to the public. Check with the Los Padres National Forest before visiting.
The source water is extremely hot, reported at about 194F, so soak only in mixed pools further downstream. Many creek crossings, long remote hike, summer heat over 100F, and slides or washouts on the trail and pools.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Ojai. Then a 15.5-mile hike, one way.
- 1
The most popular route starts at the Piedra Blanca trailhead, north of Ojai off Highway 33 near Rose Valley Falls.
- 2
Follow the Sespe River Trail up Sespe Creek, with many creek crossings, past Willett Hot Springs at about 9.5 miles.
- 3
The Sespe Hot Springs are about 15.5 to 16 miles one way from the trailhead.
- 4
A shorter route via Mutau Flat is mentioned in one guide.
34.5960, −118.9980 · nearest town Ojai, CA
These coordinates are for the spring itself, not the parking area. Navigate to the trailhead named in the directions.
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Ojai, from campgrounds to cabins.
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