One of Santa Barbara’s favorite natural excursions is a hike to Little Caliente Hot Springs in the 3,000-acre Los Padres National Forest. Located about an hour east of town, this destination offers a variety of soaking pools with quaint rock borders. Hiking the 7-8 mile trail or taking the scenic one-hour drive is the best way to reach the hot springs.
Big Caliente Hot Spring
If you are looking for a natural hot spring that is close to town, consider a visit to Big Caliente Hot Springs in the Los Padres National Forest. You’ll find both a walk-in and drive-in site here. The water levels in the springs are seasonal and can range from very low to completely dry. Be prepared to carry your own water if you plan on camping.
Big Caliente is a large cement pool that sits next to a hot spring, while Little and Middle Caliente are smaller, cozy pools by a creek. The pools are open six in the morning and close at ten in the evening. You can relax in the hot springs in the shade of a large pine tree. Big Caliente is a popular tourist attraction and is often crowded during the weekend. However, since this is a popular location, you should consider using it during non-holiday seasons. You should also take into consideration that the hot springs do not have camping facilities. However, there are four small campgrounds located along the trail that are open from 6am to 10 PM.
For accessing the hot springs, you can take a 4 mile hike to get there. It’s moderately difficult and offers scenic views. The canyon itself has multiple pools, with the hottest water at the top and cooling as it descends. While the hot springs are sulfurous, they are full of health benefits. Taking a bath in them can be a rejuvenating experience and can help you unwind and recharge.
Big Caliente is the closest natural hot spring to Santa Barbara. It’s a popular destination for tourists, but it isn’t as accessible as the others. You’ll be walking through the ruins of an old resort. There are seven rock walled pools to soak in. You’ll find yourself feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in just a few minutes.
Sespe Wilderness
The Sespe Wilderness is a 219,700-acre wilderness area in the southern Sierra Pelona and eastern Topotopa Mountains of Ventura County. Most of it is located in the Mt. Pinos and Ojai ranger districts. Sespe is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other activities. Unlike many other wilderness areas, you can hike, camp, and swim in a variety of natural pools.
The best time to visit the Sespe hot springs is during the month of October or early December, when temperatures are mild and nights are cool. Visitors should plan their trip ahead of time, bring a satellite communications device, and avoid hiking during the hottest hours. And to make the most out of your trip, plan to stay overnight at the Sespe hot springs.
The Sespe River Trail is a popular trail that crosses Sespe Creek ten times. You can camp along the riverbank or at a secluded camping site. Sespe Hot Springs Pools are a bit hotter further upstream, so plan your hike accordingly. You can also visit Willet Hot Springs, which is close by.
The Sespe Hot Springs is an oasis hidden in the mountains near Santa Barbara. It requires a day of hiking, and is ideal for backpackers. Those living in the Southern California region should travel to the Sespe Wilderness via Southern California. It is located 50 miles east of Santa Barbara, 21 miles north of Ojai, and is a must-visit for anyone in the area. You’ll be amazed at the rock-walled hot springs that are 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several hiking trails in the Santa Barbara hot springs and Los Padres National Forest, including the popular Johnston Ridge Trail, which is nearly a half-day hike. This trail traces the Sespe River and descends into the canyon. From there, you can take a side trail to Sespe Hot Springs. The entire hike can be completed in one day, or you can even choose to stay overnight in a tent.
Gaviota State Park
A state park in California, Gaviota State Park is located approximately 33 miles west of Santa Barbara. Guests can spend a day hiking, camping, swimming, or just stargazing. The park is located in southern Santa Barbara County. Visitors may enjoy the hot springs and natural pools. Depending on the season, the park may also have a hot springs pool.
Located about 33 miles west of Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Park is the last stop on Highway 101 before turning inland. Located at the mouth of a canyon, the park is a popular spot for scuba diving and fishing. There is a lifeguard tower and small snack bar on site. You can camp with your RV or rent a tent in the campground.
There are two separate areas of hot springs at Gaviota State Park. The main hot spring area features a cemented rock walled tub that can accommodate up to six people. The water temperature varies from 95 to 100 degrees, depending on the season. During the summer months, the park can get crowded, but during the winter, the temperatures are milder.
If you’re looking for a hiking adventure, Gaviota State Park is a great destination. The park’s trailhead is just a few miles south of Buellton. Camping is permitted throughout the park, and reservations can be made to ensure you’ll have a place to stay. When you’re camping, make sure to call ahead to reserve a space.
The hot springs at Gaviota State Park are located about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or prefer to camp, Gaviota State Park is a great place to relax and recharge. You’ll need to pack a lunch and pack your water bottle, but once you’ve arrived, the hike will be more than worthwhile.
If you’re camping at Gaviota State Park, make sure you take the time to explore the campground. It has 39 campsites and is located just north of Santa Barbara. You can choose to use the restrooms and hot showers, but be careful of the wind! Make sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, as the weather can be windy.
Camping near santa barbara hot springs
For those who love to take a dip in hot springs, there are many spots for camping near Santa Barbara hotsprings in the Los Padres National Forest. Little Caliente, a series of rock and mortar pools located north of Santa Barbara, is an especially great spot for soaking. The lower pool offers minimal shade, but benches have been placed nearby. The water temperature slowly decreases as you approach the source.
The Los Padres National Forest covers 1.7 million acres in southwestern California, stretching from Monterey to Santa Barbara. This national forest is home to several ecosystems, from redwood forest to a semi-desert environment. The forest is divided into North and South sections, which are accessible with an Adventure Pass. During your stay, you’ll find dozens of well-maintained campgrounds. For those who prefer the wild, there are also wilderness areas that are first-come, first-serve campgrounds and other natural amenities. If you plan on having a campfire, you’ll need to get a permit.
For backpackers, hot springs offer the perfect destination. While camping near Santa Barbara hot springs in Los Padres National Forest isn’t permitted on the hot springs themselves, there are several other campsites that provide an excellent setting for an overnight stay. Rock Campground, for example, is just a quarter mile away. While it’s typically a car-camping destination, it turns into a trail camp once the road is closed.
If you’re planning to camp near Santa Barbara hot springs in the forest, the Sespe Creek Trail offers a picturesque hike. Featuring a warm creek and two hot springs, Sespe Creek Trail is 16.8 miles round-trip with minimal elevation gain. One-way hiking from the trailhead is approximately 15 miles. The first hot spring is located at Willett Campground, 9.5 miles down the trail. Sespe Hot Springs is 5.5 miles past Willett, and 15 miles further along Highway 154.
The climate in the Los Padres National Forest varies greatly, depending on elevation and coastal influences. Areas closer to the coast have moderate temperatures year-round, but may experience fog in June through mid-August. Coastal visitors should plan their visit to the area in late summer or fall to avoid the coastal heat. However, there are also some inland sites where winter can be cold.
