Sespe Hot Springs via Alder Creek Trail
11.1 mi
Distance
5 hrs 51 min
Time
terrain
1,473 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail to Sespe Hot Springs in Sespe Wilderness.
This trail goes by Dough Flat Trailhead.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Add 2.5 miles or so to the hike because the access road may be closed getting to the trailhead. This hike is very difficult. I had to turn back about 6 miles in, as there was a very long narrow ledge with a steep drop I didn’t think my pup and I would be able to make. Just wasn’t worth the risk to me. It rained often and was chilly in March when I went through in the upper 40’s 😭.
I’ll be back and will take the other trail in instead.
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Public Tracks
Alder Creek trail to Sespe Hot Springs
turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road to Squaw Flat
Road toward the Sespe Oil Fields. This is a narrow rough
road traveled by large oil trucks so be very cautious as
you continue to the parking area at Dough Flat. At the
trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Hike north 2.5
miles to the first trail junction, and then turn left toward
Alder Creek. Cow Springs is the first camp along the
way. In the summer months, water is normally very low
and there is not much shade so it can be very hot. The
next trail junction is 2.7 miles. If you stay to the left, the
trail will go to Alder Creek and you’ll reach Alder Camp
after 0.6 miles. If there is no water there, continue downstream
until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately
one mile from Alder Camp. Follow the stream for
150 yards and you’ll reach Shady Camp, which normally
has water year-round. From the Shady Camp turnoff, it is
5.2 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs.
