Public Hot Springs
Public Hot Springs
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Sespe Hot Springs

Checked October 2026 · Sources

Sespe Hot Springs is a wild soak in the Los Padres National Forest, California, about 72 minutes' drive from Santa Barbara: 194 F water at the source (1980 survey).

  • Wild
Directions
Drive timecomputed

about 72 min
51.3 mi from Santa Barbara, no traffic

Drive times computed with GraphHopper; map data OpenStreetMap contributors.

The facts

Water
194 F at the source, not the pool
Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry SESPE HOT SPRINGS
Fee
"An Adventure Pass is required to park at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, or you can display an America the Beautiful Interagency Senior, Access or Annual Pass in lieu of an Adventure Pass."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Permit or reservation
No permit needed.
"The Los Padres does not issue wilderness/backcountry permits."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Clothing
Being publicly nude is prohibited on a national forest only when an order says so; the regulation lists it among the things a forest order can prohibit. Forest Service general rule
What the Forest Service says

Exact wording: Forest Service rules page.

Dogs
At Forest Service developed recreation sites, an animal other than a service animal must be crated, caged, on a leash of 6 feet or less, or otherwise under physical restrictive control, and may not be brought into a swimming area. Forest Service general rule
What the Forest Service says

Exact wording: Forest Service rules page.

Managed by
USDA Forest Service, Los Padres National Forest
Closures
Forest Service alerts, Los Padres National Forest
Last checked
October 2026

Trail and trailhead

Piedra Blanca Trailhead

Start
Piedra Blanca Trailhead
34.56001, -119.16603

Water temperature

194 F at the source, from NOAA's Thermal Springs List (1980 survey). That is where the water leaves the ground; the pool you sit in is cooler.

Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry SESPE HOT SPRINGS

Fees and rules

Do you have to pay to go to Sespe Hot Springs?

"An Adventure Pass is required to park at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, or you can display an America the Beautiful Interagency Senior, Access or Annual Pass in lieu of an Adventure Pass."

Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Do you need a permit or reservation for Sespe Hot Springs?

No permit needed.

"The Los Padres does not issue wilderness/backcountry permits."

Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Clothing and dogs

Clothing

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Dogs

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Seasons and winter access

Road and gate closures: check Forest Service alerts, Los Padres National Forest.

Before you go

  • Fee: An Adventure Pass is required to park at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, or you can display an America the Beautiful Interagency Senior, Access or Annual Pass in lieu of an Adventure Pass.
  • No permit needed.
  • Check Forest Service alerts, Los Padres National Forest before you drive.

Getting there

Drive times from each town's center, no traffic (computed).

Santa Barbara, CaliforniaHot springs near Santa Barbaraabout 72 min51.3 mi
Los Angeles, CaliforniaHot springs near Los Angelesabout 1 h 59 min100.7 miBakersfield, CaliforniaHot springs near Bakersfieldabout 2 h 13 min110.2 mi
Google Maps Apple Maps

Both open at the start, Piedra Blanca Trailhead, not at the pool.

Sespe

California. Tap the map for directions. Outline: US Census, public domain.

Camping near Sespe Hot Springs

"There are numerous camping locations and many deep pools along the river though they may be dry during the summer."

Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Nearby hot springs (2)

Montecito Hot SpringsNear Santa Barbara · Californiaabout 75 mindriveRemington Hot SpringsNear Bakersfield · Californiaabout 3 h 12 mindrive

All 13 hot springs in CaliforniaSouthern California hot springs (3)

Questions

Is Sespe Hot Springs free?

"An Adventure Pass is required to park at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, or you can display an America the Beautiful Interagency Senior, Access or Annual Pass in lieu of an Adventure Pass."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Is Sespe Hot Springs clothing optional?

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Can I bring my dog?

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Can you camp at Sespe Hot Springs?

"There are numerous camping locations and many deep pools along the river though they may be dry during the summer."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Do you need a permit or reservation?

"The Los Padres does not issue wilderness/backcountry permits."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Sources and last checked

Page last checked October 2026 (the oldest date below).

Report a correction

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