Located on the south side of the Los Padres National Forest is the Sespe River Trail. Â From the trailhead at Piedra Blanca its a 10 mile hike to Willett Springs where you can swim in the hot springs. Â If you want to go even further its about another 5 miles to Sespe Hot Springs. Â This trail follows the Sespe river and is NOT a loop, so you will most likely have to come back the same way. Â The trail is open all year round but is best during spring and fall. Â There is also limited cover so summers can be brutal.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Â Moderate
HOW TO GET TO THE PIEDRA BLANCA TRAILHEAD:
- Take Highway 33 North into Los Padres National Forest
- Inside the national forest the road tuns into the Maricopa Highway
- Go East (take a right) on Forest Rte
- At the end of the road is the Piedra Blanca Trailhead
- Walk to the east side of the parking lot and take the trail that heads east along the river
WHAT TO BRING:
- Adventure Pass: Â You’ll need this to park overnight at the trailhead
- Fire Permit: Â Just in case you want to use a stove in the backcountry
- Water Filter and Bottle: Â You’ll have plenty of options to get river water as the trail crosses the Sespe River multiple times
- Sleeping Bag/Pad/Tent: Â It can get cold at night…even in summer
- Hiking Shoes or Boots: Â The trail is mostly flat, so you don’t need anything too crazy
- Layers: Â It can get hot during the day and cold at night
- Food: Â No corner stores anywhere nearby
- Sunscreen: Â Yup, its hot
CAMPING:
- Official Camp Sites: Â Bear Creek, Oak Flat, Willett, Hartman, Thatcher, Coltrell Flat
- Back Country Camping: Â Along the way you’ll see spots that have been converted into unofficial campsites. Â These are great places to set up camp.
ANIMALS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
- Mountain Lion
- Black Bear
- Rattlesnake
PIEDRA BLANCA TRAILHEAD TO WILLETT SPRINGS (Round Trip): Â 20 Miles
PIEDRA BLANCA TRAILHEAD TO SESPE SPRINGS (Round Trip): Â 31 Miles
