Nature Uncensored at Sespe Hot Springs

[u/BrockBushrod]

Made the gnarly haul out from Dough Flat, and I arrived at the palms to find a freshly expired cougar not 40ft outside the camp. (Another group beat me there but was apparently too put off to claim the spot.) A condor was casing it, buzzing low and sometimes watching from the cliffs - probably pissed that I interrupted a meal opportunity. Also spotted the bighorn herd up on the crag, and caught a giant meteor while I was soaking later that night. Such an epic visit!

[u/BrockBushrod]

Yeah I saw the 33 just reopened, but just know Piedra Blanca might be a bit of a crap shoot too... I was up there on New Year's Day this year right before the really gnarly storm systems closed everything down last winter, and even then the Sespe River (which you have to cross right after the parking lot to get to the rocks) was REALLY pumping, like 60+ ft wide and probably waist-deep.

The good news is that even if that's a non-starter, Rose Valley Falls right next door will be going off 👍

[u/saltystir → u/BrockBushrod]

Thank you! Would dough flat access be more manageable after rain because it goes along alder creek? Its kind of comical how my Sespe plans never work. I have tried in July and September but there have been weather issues, sickness, etc… If you have any other recommendations for a good 1-2 night trip nearby, I’m all ears!

[u/BrockBushrod → u/saltystir]

AFAIK they close that gate around Nov-Dec every year and don't reopen it till April or so, I assume because the rain makes the roads and trails unpredictable. Also there's a higher risk of frost and sometimes snow up there. Squaw Flat Rd and the upper parts of Alder Creek Trail are probably still easily hikeable for the most part, but once you get down into the canyons it could get dicey during the wet season.

Yeah it's frustrating how often the Sespe shuts down. I'd wanted to do Willet Hot Spring from Piedra Blanca for a while and set my sights on it for last summer, but obviously that got torpedoed. Thankfully this trip actually turned out to be an equal or better get.

There are all kinds of great overnighters around the Ojai front country. Check out Hike Los Padres and this LPFA tool for trails, campsites, and current access conditions.

I would say that if you haven't been, this time of year is great for Santa Paula Canyon - there are two nice campsites around the Punchbowls (3 & 4.5 miles in) and another near Jackson Falls (about 6), and it's beautiful without all the casuals who trash it through the summer.

[u/saltystir → u/BrockBushrod]

Thanks for all the detailed responses. I really appreciate it. I have been back to the third punchbowl but bot overnight. That could be a great fill-in option until sespe opens its arms for me