Sespe Hot Springs
Near Santa Barbara, in the mountains at a height of over 3,000 feet, lies an isolated hot spring location in Southern California. The water in the springs is among the warmest in California and the whole nation, with a temperature of 194 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius). There are only two ways to get to Sespe: on foot or by horseback (mountain bikes are not allowed). The shortest path is an eight-mile, somewhat challenging climb up and down a logging road. The Sespe Hot Springs are a part of the Los Padres National Forest, which is two hours north of Los Angeles and situated close to Ojai.
The water from the hot springs produces a creek that becomes colder as you travel further away from the sources. The hot springs entrances are all located in a large valley. You may swim in a variety of natural pools and sections where the water is heated to your preferred level. The ideal season to travel is spring because winters can be snowy and summers can reach temperatures of over 100 degrees. Although there are no amenities, you can trek, camp, and backpack in the region. Even though the nights might be chilly, the earth is warm due to the geothermal activity in the region, making it cozy for sleeping. Horses may travel on a single 10-mile path to the springs, and a number of nearby outfitters provide camping and drop-off/pickup services for walkers and riders.
- Address: Los Padres Forest, California
- Google rating: 4.8/5
- Opening hour: N/A
- Website: alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sespe-river-trail-to-sespe-hot-springs
