The best natural hot spring in Santa Barbara is not located in the city itself. However, it is nearby, and Santa Barbara is one of the most scenic California beach towns. So why not spend a day at a natural hot spring and relax? In this article, we will discuss three such hot springs, and give you an insider’s guide to their facilities. You’ll discover why they’re such great places to relax.
Gaviota Hot Springs
There are many reasons to visit Gaviota Hot Springs. Its sulfur-rich water has a murky blue color and a faint smell of sulfur. There are two pools – the main one is a six-person tub that is about 100 degrees in the summer and 95 degrees in the winter. It’s easy to see why Gaviota Hot Springs is one of the best natural hot springs in Santa Barbara.
To access Gaviota, you should drive to the state park in the Santa Ynez Mountains. The park has a hiking trail and a hot spring that you can explore. This natural hot spring is open to the public and requires no reservations or entrance fees. The walk up the 6.5 mile trail is relatively easy, and you will enjoy the soothing heat of the springs.
For those who don’t feel comfortable hiking uphill, consider the 6.6-mile Gaviota Hot Springs Trail. It’s less difficult than Hot Springs Canyon, but it requires a little effort. There’s an incline on the way out, but on the way back, the trail is all downhill. You’ll be glad you took the time to trek.
There are many ways to reach Gaviota Hot Springs. The Gaviota Peak Trail starts at the main trailhead in the Santa Barbara Mountains, which is accessible by car. Another way to reach Gaviota Hot Springs is via the Trespass Trail, which is a half-mile hike from the trailhead. There is a short spur trail from the main trail to the hot springs, which is open from dawn to dusk. The trailhead is open from sunrise to dusk, and overnight parking is permitted.
Visitors can experience the natural hot springs year-round at Gaviota Hot Springs. The water temperature here is 96 degrees, and the spring is open to the public year-round. The campground is closed between 1 January and 28 February, and summer months are busier. The hot springs can be accessed on foot and by bike. The park is located just 30 miles from Santa Barbara.
Big Caliente Hot Spring
The Los Padres National Forest is home to many great hot springs. Big Caliente Hot Spring is one of the best ones in the area and is easily accessible by car or by hiking. Depending on your preference, you can visit both hot springs, or choose one based on your preference. If you have never been to Big Caliente Hot Spring, then I recommend you check it out. You will be glad you did!
Little Caliente Hot Spring is a nice alternative to Big Caliente, located in the Los Padres National Forest. It contains three pools and flows water at a temperature of 115 degrees F. It is popular in the spring and summer and can be quite crowded. It is recommended to come during off-peak times, if possible. The springs are open from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Big Caliente is located north of Santa Barbara. It is a 13-mile round-trip hike, with both uphill and downhill sections. Upon arriving, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful concrete structure with changing rooms and picnic tables. The hot spring is approximately 7 by four feet in size and three feet deep. The area around the hot spring is shaded by a large tree, and there are several places to relax afterward.
Guests can also camp nearby in the Los Padres National Forest. Big Caliente is a day-use area and is open every day from 6 am to 10 pm. You can find it along Highway 154 or on the East Camino Cielo road, which leads to Pendola Station. You can also take a day trip from Santa Barbara and visit Big Caliente Hot Spring while you’re at it.
Visitors should buy an annual adventure pass to access the area’s hot springs. The parking area is free, and there are rangers on patrol occasionally. You can also hike for 10 minutes to access another set of natural hot springs. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a tranquil experience, you won’t regret adding Big Caliente Hot Spring to your bucket list. Then, you can relax and enjoy the view.
Montecito Hot Springs
The Montecito Hot Springs are a great place for a relaxing afternoon. They feature three pools of varying temperatures and depths. The Big Caliente is the largest and is surrounded by trees and shade. Little Caliente is the smallest and features three cascading pools. Both pools have varying levels of temperature and depth. Visitors can relax in any of the pools.
The Montecito Hot Springs, also known as Hot Springs Canyon, are located in the coastal mountains of San Padres. They are managed by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. To get to the resort, hikers will have to cross a trail through picturesque landscapes. The only vestiges of a resort once located in the area can be found here. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts frequent the area.
The Chumash, the native tribe of Santa Barbara, visited the springs for healing. They believed in the healing properties of the water, and the surrounding area is protected today. The springs at Montecito were developed by Wilbur Curtiss, a former Santa Barbara county sheriff who first came to the area with broken health. Wilbur Curtiss bought the property in 1870, and soon began construction of a hotel, dining room, and spa.
There are three trails leading to the Montecito Hot Springs, and they’re not the easiest to find. Some of these trails are not well marked, so keep in mind where to turn on each fork and which direction to take. When you reach the first fork, stay on the left and cross a small river bed. The hot springs will be off to the left after the fork. Limited street parking is available near the trailhead.
To get to the Montecito Hot Springs, you need to hike 1.3 miles round trip. The trail is not handicap accessible, so take care to be considerate of others. There are several pools to choose from. While you’re hiking, make sure not to block a driveway or road. Dogs are allowed, but owners must watch out for their pets. You can park at the trailhead overnight, but the location is not well marked. Located in a national forest, this location is not well signposted.
Sespe Hot Springs
A twenty-mile round-trip hike will take you to Sespe Hot Spring. The water is 100 degrees and best suited for people who want to soak in a natural hot spring without leaving civilization. The spring is also located in a remote desert area within the Los Padres National Forest. The desert area is known for its wildfires, but you can avoid them by following trail etiquette. You also need to take care of your waste.
Nearby, Sespe Hot Springs are located in the Los Padres National Forest. You can access them via Devils Heart Peak topo map. You will need a swimsuit. The water is relatively shallow and ideal for swimming. You will also have access to Sespe Creek, which has intermittent water. However, you can also access water from Sespe Hot Springs from Kimball Creek, Timber Creek, and the side creek.
The Sespe Hot Springs are the best natural outdoor hot springs in Santa Barbara. Because they are so isolated, they are popular with outdoor adventurers. Hiking to Sespe Hot Springs requires careful planning and can take several hours, so it’s best to plan an overnight adventure. Three routes lead to the springs, one of which is 16.8 km long and 9.5 miles long.
While there are several natural hot springs in Santa Barbara, these are the best ones to visit during the cooler months. The Los Padres National Forest has plenty of camping sites, but they don’t have many amenities. However, if you want to spend a day exploring hot springs in Santa Barbara, this area is a great place to go. You can even enjoy hiking and camping in the backcountry.
There are five distinct pools in the Sespe Desert. The oldest and largest is Miner’s Tub. It feeds the other two. You can take a hot spring shower while you’re there. During the dry season, there’s a creek nearby that can provide fresh water. The best thing about this site is the fact that it’s accessible. The paved road leading to the Sespe Hot Springs makes it easy to reach and navigate.
