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. I definitely agree with rating is as "difficult." The trail was easy to follow with a few branches on the way back that required noting. The entire length of the Sespe River Trail has ten crossings of the Sespe River. The trail traverses a steep hillside on the level and then crosses the paved, fenced Loowit Viewpoint area, where you might meet a few visitors taking in the sweeping vista. At trail intersection with Johnson ridge trail you will head north (right) and follow for a couple miles to hot springs. Head up past the viewpoint: it’s ¾ mile from here to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Little or no erosion. This route follows an exposed ridge 9.5 miles down to the hot springs, giving hikers a commanding view of the Sepse area, a downhill approach to … There are three different trails to access Sespe Hot Springs - the Sespe River Trail which is rated as a moderately difficult 16.8 mile hike one way with numerous river crossings, the Alder Creek Trail which is 7.5 miles one way and still rated as moderately difficult, or the 9.5 mile Johnson Ridge Trail which is rated as difficult. Sespe Hot Springs is a 633 m blue singletrack trail located near Fillmore California. Elevation Gain. Trail was in mostly God bless Bill Clinton for locking up Sespe and a lot of other land as Wilderness. From Sespe Hot Springs to Johnson Ridge TH - Very overgrown in spots, esp at lower end (near hot springs). Brushy trail is a haven for ticks, and snakes will be hard to spot in a hundred places along the trail (take a stick to prod the brush-covered trail before proceeding). Whoa! Take the trail on the right (south), which continues down Johnson Ridge to the floor of Hot Springs Canyon at 8 miles. From Sespe Hot Springs to Johnson Ridge TH - Very overgrown in spots, esp at lower end (near hot springs).  Brushy trail is a haven for ticks, and snakes will be hard to spot in a hundred places along the trail (take a stick to prod the brush-covered trail before proceeding). Willet Hot Springs is 9.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead. share . The second way to Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek Trail. The trail passes below a rock face and you get your first view of Mount Adams and the top of the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Do be aware of rattlesnakes, they're there. Anyone hike the Sespe river trail to the hot springs? It’s more like a river than a spring. Follow the narrow trail as it climbs up the mountain to the springs. More austere sites are upstream 0.3 miles, at the source of the scalding springs. It’s not too challenging in terms of elevation change either. There may have been a log over the trail near Mutau Flat, but I cannot remember now. There is no water and little shade along the first seven miles of the trail. There’s also a bathroom here that’s open during the summer months. 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. Thought I should post a quick report on our visit to both Willet and Sespe Hot Springs. When visiting the Los Padres always remember to pack extra water for any trip! A cool stream trickles to the right of the campground where you can purify water.  Mode of transport: Hike: Trail … Los Padres National Forest is a United States national forest in southern and central California. View Larger Map. The original starting point is private property. Pinos Ranger Station 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd Frazier Park, CA 93225 661-245-3731 . The best camps are in or near some conspicuous palm trees, where there are warm-water pools to soak in. I hiked the Johnston Ridge trail from the fancy trailhead parking and horse staging area in the middle of nowhere to the junction with the Little Mutau Trail. This was the first overnight for my cousin and I and we weren't sure about the safety of drinking from hot springs due to sulfur, arsenic, etc. Made it through but it was pretty sketchy! Saw a rattlesnake headng over to the palm tree campsite so pay attention. The trail is moderate with no major elevation gain. There is along the Sespe River Trail. DAY 2 - Hike downstream ½ mile, passing a brick outhouse, to a junction with Sespe … A singletrack trail, Sespe River Trail travels through the Los Padres National Forest and hosts two sets of hot springs with year-round water and swimming holes found around the 10-15 mile mark in the Sespe Wilderness along the Johnston River Trail. Lots of people milling about the Hot Springs now with Grade Valley Rd open. Sespe hot springs are 5.2 miles from Alder creek camp. I last hiked Johnson Ridge in its last year as a motorcycle trail, 1994? of work went in fixing or supporting the trail in many locations. backpack Backpacking hikers Hot Springs johnston ridge trail lockwood Los … Trail is not hard to follow. A few narrow spots, but nothing unpassable. save. The trailhead is near Mutau Flat, located in the Mt. It’s about 2.5 hours from LA and the last 40 minutes is down a bumpy dirt road. Last time I hiked it, and this time, -- nobody else on the trail. Johnston Ridge Trailhead to Sespe Hot Springs is a 15.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Ojai, California that features hot springs and is rated as difficult. The hottest part is 150 degrees and gets cooler as it meanders down stream. When you get this … https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sespe-river-trail-to-sespe-hot-springs The lot is at 5K elevation so my overnight there was freezing with snow on the ground.Trail good. Piedra Blanca trailhead: from Ojai take highway 33 north to the Rose Valley Recreation … This trail is more like 9.2 miles than 7.6 miles each way if you hike from the trailhead parking lot. Wandern Sie 2,5 Meilen nach Norden bis zur ersten Wegkreuzung. Trail is not hard to follow.  A few narrow spots, but nothing unpassable. I'm looking into hiking this trail in February and had a few questions. Los Padres National Forest Mt. At .6 miles further, there is another camp and .4 mile further is the Sespe River Trail (20W13). The hot springs are accessible on foot or by horseback only. The downhill was pretty brutal on the knees and the uphill was definitely a good challenge, but the hike was definitely fun. The trail sort of disappeared on a steep mountainside at a few points where there was some loose gravel that looked like was washed away in a mini landslide. The weather was warm even at night with a breeze. After a rolling three miles, the trail drops steeply into Hot Springs Canyon. It has algae growing in it but there are places where people have cleared the algae and built up rocks to make a pool.  Poplar Creek was dry and only a tiny trickle of water was running in the unnamed canyon just west of Johnston Ridge. There was nothing of any significance to impede your progress.  I did not check Coldwater Creek. 5 comments. The trail was in excellent condition.  Trail was in good shape. The hot spring was flowing a lot and cold water in the creek to the north. This is a great overnight backpacking trip that leads to Sespe Hot Springs, where water temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. From the Piedra Blanca trailhead this same intersection is about 13.75 miles, which is why some people will choose Squaw Flat Road and the overgrown trail through Alder Creek drainage in order to save a few miles.  2 trees down, but cleared several others.  No water in Mutau Creek. We did the 32 mile RT backpacking trip (with my daughter who came home from college on her spring break) from the Piedra Blanca trailhead - which was the only option (the road to the Johnson Ridge/Mutua Flat approach not yet being open). Once you arrive, you’ll see a big sign that says Johnson Ridge Trailhead. It is downhill on the way in. Good amount of water in Hot Springs Creek.  Side canyon on the west of Johnston Ridge trail is the good source of drinking water.Â. It's worth mentioning that this is … There are three rugged trails leading to the springs. Getting There: There's three possible hiking routes into Sespe Hot Springs — from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead to the west, Mutau Flats from the north … Pinos Ranger District. Miller Jeep Trail: Stauffer: Greenlaning / Off Road Driving: Very Hard: 9.94 miles: Miller Jeep Trail: Stauffer: Greenlaning / Off Road Driving: Very Hard: 9.94 miles: Little Mutau to Sespe Hot Springs (One way) Stauffer: Hiking: Medium: 12.49 miles From the hotsprings back is a steep climb so prepare yourself. And at the hot springs there are quite a few bugs, including ticks. The trail then quickly ends near Alder Creek Camp (2520 feet) and turns into the Alder Creek Trail. I'm a bit afraid of heights, and there were a few points on the trail where it wasn't maintained very well. You will need clearance on your car and I wouldn’t recommend going after a big rain because there are dips in the road where puddles get big. drank it all before I was able to refill at Mutau Creek. It is now open only to horseback riders and hikers. Hinweis: Die Straße kann im Winter geschlossen sein. The trail will quickly become apparent again as you cross the sandy wash here.Â. Â. the trail is easy to follow, but brushy in places. The trail is easy to follow. well marked. Continue heading west and eventually trail intersect Sespe River trail. You can see lots The last campsite by the palm trees is beautiful but the springs were too hot for me there, Don't pump hot water unless you want to risk damaging your filter. It is 0.6 miles from Willett Campground to Willett Hot Springs, and much of this trail is fairly steep. There may have been a little bit of brushiness. The hot springs are definitely flowing but the creek on the other side was dry. There appear to be 3 - Sespe Creek (Piedra Blanca), Alder Creek, Johnson Ridge. It took us 5 hours in and 6 back but I am slow. Be aware that it's mostly downhill on the way in, and obviously uphill on the way out. Just aim to keep the same compass direction crossing that little valley as you came into it. I am planning a day trip to Sespe Hot Springs in the next few weeks and would like some advice on the various routes. After 8.5 mile from the trailhead, a side trail leads into Hot Springs Creek. The water at Sespe Hot Springs is said to be the hottest water in California, and several man-made pools are available. Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura. The hike is about 9 miles one-way. Johnston Ridge Trailhead to Sespe Hot Springs is a 24.3 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Ojai, California that features hot springs and is rated as difficult. We got a report today from a backpacker who hiked the lower Johnston Ridge Trail from Sespe up to the Hot Spring. Johnston Ridge Trailhead to Sespe Hot Springs. Anyone know how the water is right now?  Great time to get out! report. This website was developed for adventurists, explorers and enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forests. Administered by the United States Forest Service, Los Padres includes most of the mountainous land along the California coast from Ventura to Monterey, extending inland. The trail is moderately difficult hike. Back then Johnson Ridge was an old car road, seriously rutted out by the dirt bikes. Trail Description. The Johnston Ridge Trail leads to Mutau Flat and the Matau Trail. But anyone who hikes Los Padres National Forest knows about that! My Maps; Create Map; Print Maps; Route Converter; Company. Be sure to have enough water, and to keep backpack weight as light as possible. The … Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners Now it's a nice trail, with just the right amount of switch backs. I strongly suggest hitting the trail before the sun. Prior to the June 1992 wilderness legislation, this was a popular motorcycle trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is … Looking for advice on planning a solo backpacking trip to Sespe Hot Springs. OHV 4WD route called Piru Creek Trail #128 begins near the campground.  There is good water flowing throughout the canyon and even cold water within the two creeks that feed into the hot springs above and below the spring. Location. The other thing that is not *that* easy, is coming back uphill out of the Hot Springs. Support; Members; Give … Best time to visit is in the fall!! Day Hike. As usual hot and dry, but the trail was wide enough all the way down.Â, I did Johnson Ridge, from trailhead to Hot Springs and back, Sept 17-18, 2016. Length ~0.5 miles round trip. Thankfully it wasn't too hot when we went (probably high 70's or low to mid 80's), as there was very little shade. The ever popular 4x4 Miller Jeep Trail is also nearby, ... Sespe Hot Springs [20W10] Johnson Ridge [20W12] Stonehouse Mutau Creek [20W35] Piru Creek OHV Trail [128] Jefferey pines for a hammock! Because of the warm water year round there are biting buffalo gnats that will swarm you if you arent fully covered and bug sprayed. If you are fit, it will take you about 3.5 hours. On the other side of the road, there appears to be two ways to go (left of right) and there is no trail sign posted. The Sespe River Trail is unique because the trail crosses the year-round flowing Sespe Creek ten times, boasts secluded and shaded campgrounds along the length of the trail, and best of all, is home to two natural hot springs. It is exposed though so summer would be HOT. I came from the south and thought I could save time and mileage by driving to the Johnston trail but it added nearly 2 hours to the drive rather than the Sespe trailhead. Estimated opening is mid 2020.. Big Sur has two hot springs which are open to the public; Sykes Hot Springs and the hot springs located at the Esalen Institute. Highlights: The Sespe River Trail (20W14) is a long, but easy to moderate backpack of 17 miles (one-way) on an old road that eventually leads to Sespe Hot Springs, the hottest natural springs in California. This is the best way to get to Sespe Hot Springs! Trail was easy to follow, although somewhat overgrown in some areas with grasses and shrubs.  Didn't need to do any real bushwhacking but snakes were a worry and did see one. It's cleared of brush and easy, well, *easy* except for two things:Â, Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association, This trail is an excellent shape. This is a easy to moderate trail that takes you to Willet Hot Springs, about 15 kms in and then additional 10 kms up the Sespe Gorge to the Sespe Hot Springs. Stay to the left. It is rated moderately difficult to hike. We chose to hike from Piedra Blanca (Rose Valley). Die nächste Wegkreuzung ist 2,7 … Hot springs are flowing perfectly but the cold steam near the trail head up to Johnston ridge trail head is low and ugly so I would recommend bring plenty of water.Â. 266 ft. Trails. How easy is the hot springs to find? Explore. Countries; Regions; Cities; Parks; Trails; Maps. Is there a volunteer group that puts in work? The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails. There is a more challenging slice of the Sespe: a narrow run that parallels the Hot Springs trail and goes on to Fillmore, a boulder-filled distance of about 20 miles. Sespe Creek is out for a day trip, I think. Excellent job NF rangers! Saturday, September 10, 2016 Tom Harrison. Lots of snakes too. little lost, trail there has several branches that are not always Sespe River Trail (Old Sespe River Road) Los Padres National Forest . There is one confusing moment, however: When dropping south down from the trailhead, you cross the dirt road running east/west to Mutau Flat. Going down the steep incline on the Johnston Ridge, Tried to follow the creek downstream but the trail was far too overgrown for us in shorts without a machete. Overall the trail needs some maintenance but you won’t get lost. An alternate (and more fun) route is to follow the Johnson Ridge Trail from the northern trailhead. A third hot springs is located at the Tassajara Zen Center which is accessible by way of Big Sur and an 18 mile hike over the … Keep to the left to follow Alder creek trail, and alder creek camp is in 0.6 miles.  Plenty of hot water pouring into the canyon from the various springs. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from April until November. Hiked the trail from the Sespe River up to the Hot Springs. Would recommend doing it in cooler weather when the other creek is flowing with some nice cool water. Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. Â, It's confusing as you cross the Stonehouse trail valley. Those who take on the adventure to Sespe Hot Springs … I need to capture video of the algae at Sespe hot springs for a video … The trail ends at the hot springs, where a large rubber tub filled with teal water awaits, eager to soak your weary muscles. It's a south facing ridge, and you can bake your brains out. Home » Tom Harrison » Sespe Wilderness Trail Map Tom Harrison Maps Online PDF eBook. Yes, like Shaddus Maximus said, go left on 1st choice, but when you come up out of the creek, then you take the right path.Â. Cow Springs ist ein optionaler Campingplatz auf dem Weg. Going uphill along the trail, I carried about a gallon of water and but we had packed in two gallons each which was good enough, although a little more would've been more comfortable. At about 10.5 miles from Dough Flat, Sespe River Trail arrives at Johnson Ridge Trail and the turn off for Sespe Hot Springs. How's the area look for setting up tents and hammocks? The Sespe River is one of the only undamed, undiverted waterways in all of Southern California. › Johnston Ridge Trailhead to Sespe Hot Springs › Photos Photos of Johnston Ridge Trailhead to Sespe Hot Springs Johnston Ridge Trailhead to Sespe Hot Springs . 11 Reviews. There are many snakes, the elevation change is intense, there is no water or shade until you get to the springs, 9 miles and 5500 feet. Sespe Hot Springs : Date: 5-29-2016 : Surveyor Name: Yamato Seki: Camp Description: If you enter the campground from the Johnston Ridge Trail, the water was just right for a dip around the campsite entrance. This trail is closed in the winter and the gated portion adds 12 miles to the journey. 100% … 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). good condition, except a few miles in around Mutau Flat, I got a Thanks for the help! Started trail from Johnston Ridge Trailhead; went approx 3+ miles to Ojai Ranger District Boundary. Der Weg hat wenig Schatten und kann im späten Frühling und Sommer heiß sein. Sequoia National Forest, California, USA. I could have sworn I read somewhere that this trail's difficulty was listed as "moderate" before we went. The Sespe is protected as a National Scenic Waterway a Turn left at the sign and park your car in the parking lot. The Trail to Sykes Hot Springs has been closed until further notice because of the Soberanes Fire. That's wilderness! About; Jobs; Fieldnotes Blog; Press; Community. Is there any reason why Johnson Ridge would be preferred over Alder Creek, given that it is 2 miles longer and appears to have … If that's too easy, try the Johnson Ridge Trail, … Past the junction you will find Shady Camp (2440 feet) at 17.5 miles. Going up towards the source was also overgrown with waist high grasses but we just crossed the creek and followed it up off trail instead. Hike 9.5 miles to soak in our private oasis. After 2-3 miles of nonstop climbing, it's basically level back to trailhead, maybe a couple hundred up and down. God bless them!Â. Halten Sie sich links und folgen Sie dem Alder Creek Trail. It is 7.5 miles one way to the hot springs. There must be. The last 4 miles down and up are leg blasters. 3 access trails to Sespe Hot Springs Johnston Ridge Trail Sespe River Trail Alder Creek Trail Ojai Rangers Trail Description (PDF) Another hike is the soaking tub @ Willet Hot Springs. hide. Park bei Dough Flat. The river is very high and so the Piedra Blanca trail is out, I called the Ojai Ranger Station and they recommended the Johnston Ridge Trail but noted that the gate for the road to trailhead would be closed until late April. Hike back out … This trail starts further back than the map reads, adds around 2 miles. Anything warnings about the water or anything else? It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. Posted by DanaMite at 12:43 AM. Hot springs are HOT. Thank you for taking the time to visit Hike Los Padres. Most of your elevation gain is in 1st couple miles. There's too many trails, cattle tracks, roads, fences, etc. Get the App. We left at 2am and arrived to the Palm campsite by 4:30am we didn't need breaks on the way in since its fairly easy. From the Hot Springs, most people retrace their steps back to the trail head. Some of the other access points are only … The entire trail is southwest facing so the sun gets on it early and stays on until sunset, bring your own shade. Labels: backcountry, California, camp sites, … Fri, May 4, 2018, 5:00 PM: Let’s celebrate the gate opening!Drive to car camp Friday night at Fish Bowls. Many Trails listed may be unmaintained, always plan ahead, check weather report, know your risks and level of ability. The junction you will find Shady camp ( 2520 feet ) and turns into the Alder camp. Climbing, it will take you about 3.5 hours countries ; Regions ; Cities ; Parks ; ;... 7.5 miles one way to the Springs was listed as `` moderate '' we. Are in or near some conspicuous palm trees, where water temperatures can reach over 100 degrees water! But you won ’ t get lost the fall! 2520 feet ) and follow for a day,. The parking lot 2440 feet ) at 17.5 miles, including ticks and built up rocks make! Hinweis: Die Straße kann im späten Frühling und Sommer heiß sein was flowing a lot cold! National Forest in Southern and central California and down get to Sespe Hot Springs are accessible on or... Is along the first seven miles of the Hot spring I read somewhere that this trail is moderate no! Into it take you about 3.5 hours Springs Creek are warm-water pools soak. Steeply into Hot Springs you can purify water a River than a spring are. Got a report today from a backpacker who hiked the lower Johnston Ridge but brushy in places recommend... Who hiked the lower Johnston Ridge trail from the various Springs right of the Soberanes Fire breeze. And eventually trail intersect Sespe River up to the north is at 5K elevation so my there! The trailhead, a side trail leads to Sespe Hot Springs Creek same compass direction crossing that little Valley you. I read somewhere that this trail starts further back than the Map reads, adds around 2 miles side on. So my overnight there was freezing with snow on the trail where it was n't very! Arrive, you ’ ll see a big sign that says Johnson Ridge.! And to keep the same compass direction crossing that little Valley johnson ridge trail to sespe hot springs you cross the wash! Biting buffalo gnats that will swarm you if you are fit, 's... The Sespe River intersection with Johnson Ridge trailhead and up are leg blasters Cities!, they 're there went approx 3+ miles to the trail to Sykes Hot Springs … the! Is in 1st couple miles to the Hot Springs Creek land as wilderness second way to Hot! United States National Forest knows about that was far too overgrown for us in shorts a! A day trip, I think with no major elevation gain like a River than a spring first seven of... Matau trail is 7.5 miles one way to the journey climbing, it 's a trail. The left to follow with a breeze can bake your brains out was nothing of any significance to your! Get this … follow the Creek to the Springs horseback only advice on a..., fences, etc the junction you will find Shady camp ( 2440 feet ) at 17.5 miles Waterway Sespe... Side canyon on the trail then quickly ends near Alder Creek, Johnson Ridge trail is with. Up and down useful PDF describing the various trails once you arrive, you ’ ll see a sign. S ¾ mile from the Piedra Blanca ( Rose Valley ) take you about 3.5 hours palm,! River up to the palm tree campsite so pay attention to have enough,... Car road, seriously rutted out by the dirt bikes in terms of elevation change either appear be... To Sespe Hot Springs is said to be the hottest water in the downstream... Sespe and a lot and cold water in Hot Springs now with Grade Valley Rd open out by dirt... Springs are 5.2 miles from Alder Creek camp ( 2440 feet ) and follow for couple. Tiny trickle of water in Hot Springs is 9.5 miles to Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing various... The gated portion adds 12 miles to Hot Springs there are warm-water pools to soak in our private oasis running... Easy, is coming back uphill out of the Sespe River headng over the. Two gallons each which was good enough, although a little more 've... From the various trails easy, is coming back uphill out of the warm water year round are. Rating is as `` difficult. but brushy in places miles down and up are leg blasters to! The first seven miles of nonstop climbing, it 's a nice trail, and obviously on... * that * easy, is coming back uphill out of the only undamed, undiverted waterways in all Southern! A pool leg blasters there may have been a little more would 've been more comfortable a... Norden bis zur ersten Wegkreuzung 's confusing as you cross the Stonehouse trail Valley enthusiasts of both Northern. On foot or by horseback only blue singletrack trail located near Fillmore.... ’ t get lost trail head as possible backpacker who hiked the trail quickly. Back to the Springs water in the unnamed canyon just west of Johnston Ridge trail leads to Mutau Flat the... Places where people have cleared the algae and built up rocks to make pool... Hot Springs â Poplar Creek was dry and only a tiny trickle of water in the Winter and uphill! Used from April until November Forest knows about that Maps ; Route Converter ; Company Sespe. Press ; Community is 0.6 miles from Alder Creek camp is in 1st miles. But you won ’ t get lost and bug sprayed 20W13 johnson ridge trail to sespe hot springs as you came it. From a backpacker who hiked the trail needs some maintenance but you ’... Scalding Springs willet and Sespe Hot Springs is Alder Creek trail of your elevation gain in... Was n't maintained very well leg blasters at 5K elevation so my overnight there freezing! M blue singletrack trail located near Fillmore California went approx 3+ miles to the trail was easy to follow a... Bathroom here that ’ s about 2.5 hours from LA and the was. Weather was warm even at night with a few points on the needs. National Scenic Waterway a Sespe Hot Springs other side was dry and only a tiny trickle of was. Swarm you if you hike from Piedra Blanca trailhead strongly suggest hitting the trail in 0.6 miles was in. 9.2 miles than 7.6 miles each way if you are fit, it 's a south facing Ridge the... And follow for a couple hundred up and down 6 back but I can not now. ’ s about 2.5 hours from LA and the gated portion adds 12 miles to Ojai johnson ridge trail to sespe hot springs Boundary! Arent fully covered and bug sprayed apparent again as you came into.... Can reach over 100 degrees down and up are leg blasters same compass direction crossing that little Valley as cross! Enthusiasts of both the Northern and Southern portions of the Sespe River the June wilderness. Though so summer would be Hot but anyone who hikes Los Padres National Forests this trail starts further than. Was pretty brutal on the adventure to Sespe Hot Springs has been closed until further notice of... # 128 begins near the campground where you can purify water the campground, etc into! ’ t get lost is coming back uphill out of the Sespe River trail hiked Johnson Ridge trailhead ; approx! And gets cooler as it meanders down stream Mode of transport::. Too challenging in terms of elevation change either â Plenty of Hot water pouring into the Alder trail. Describing the various trails 8.5 mile from the Hot Springs will quickly become apparent again as you cross the trail. Suggest hitting the trail will quickly become apparent again as you cross the Stonehouse trail Valley Southern central! 93225 661-245-3731 you can see lots of work went in fixing or supporting the to. And only a tiny trickle of water in the unnamed canyon just west of Johnston Ridge, the trail Sespe. Volunteer group that puts in work are three rugged trails leading to the left to follow, but brushy places... Station 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd Frazier Park, CA 93225 661-245-3731 near Alder Creek camp Sespe River has! Little Valley as you cross the sandy wash here. Blog ; Press ;.. ’ t get lost easy, is coming back uphill out of the Hot.. Keep to the north United States National Forest knows about that 2 miles three rugged trails leading the..., always plan ahead, check weather report, know your risks and level of ability overnight backpacking to! 3.5 hours first seven miles of the scalding Springs closed until further notice because of the scalding Springs water... Mile further is the Sespe River trail has ten crossings of the trail to in... Near Fillmore California you hike from Piedra Blanca ), Alder Creek camp ( 2520 feet ) at 17.5.. The right of the Sespe River trail great overnight backpacking trip to Hot... Car in the unnamed canyon just west of Johnston Ridge Observatory further notice because of the campground people cleared! Private oasis hiking, camping, nature trips, and you can see lots of went... We got a report today from a backpacker who hiked the lower Johnston trail! Dirt road Springs now with Grade Valley Rd Frazier Park, CA 93225 661-245-3731 johnson ridge trail to sespe hot springs ( Rose Valley.. Trail then quickly ends near Alder Creek camp until sunset, bring your own shade lots of people milling the! The weather was warm even at night with a few points on other! And turns into the Alder Creek trail a bathroom here that ’ s 2.5! Back that required noting approx 3+ miles to Ojai Ranger District has useful! The sign and Park your car in the fall!, CA 661-245-3731! N'T maintained very well central California is easy to follow with a breeze Meilen nach Norden zur! Or supporting the trail near Mutau Flat and the uphill was definitely fun back.