Willett Hot Springs
108°F
Source water (NOAA)
9.5mi
Hike, one way
Unknown
Fee not verified
Willett Hot Springs is a primitive spring in the Sespe Wilderness north of Ojai. Visitors soak in a small man-made basin that collects the spring water. It is reached by a long hike of about 9.5 miles one way along the Sespe River Trail from Piedra Blanca, usually as an overnight trip with camping nearby.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Camping nearbyWillett Camp, a backcountry campsite, is near the springs. A guide says camping in the Sespe Wilderness is free. Trip reports say there is running water at the camp, but the trail has little water before Kerr Spring. Treat all water.
- Parking & toilets
- ModerateFall, spring or winter, when the weather is mild.
- SeasonBest in fall, winter and spring. Summers are hot and the trail has little shade. Sespe Creek crossings can be hard in spring runoff.
Best time to go. Fall, spring or winter, when the weather is mild. Avoid summer heat and high water in spring runoff.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
No 2026 status specific to Willett Hot Springs was found. The spring is in the Sespe Wilderness and reached by a long hike, and the forest has had fire closure orders in 2026. Check with the Los Padres National Forest before visiting.
A long, exposed hike with little water along the first part. Sespe Creek crossings can be hard in spring runoff. Remote backcountry with no services. Treat all water. Bears and rattlesnakes live in the area.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Ojai. Then a 9.5-mile hike, one way.
- 1
From Ojai, drive to the Piedra Blanca trailhead on forest roads in Los Padres National Forest. The parking lot has restrooms.
- 2
Hike east on the Sespe River Trail and cross Sespe Creek several times. About 9 to 9.5 miles in, a short side trail crosses the creek to the springs and Willett Camp.
- 3
The USFS describes the springs as about 0.6 miles beyond the camp. Trip length is roughly 19 to 20 miles round trip, so most people backpack it.
34.5820, −119.0440 · 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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