So a friend emailed me last week saying he was planning an overnight backpacking trip in the Sespe Wilderness to Willett Hot Springs and asked if I wanted to join on the trek. Heck yes! I had a week to research and read up about the area, and I was poking around online I felt there was no detailed directions of the trail to the hot springs, just a few nondescript write ups and summaries here and there. So this review, I hope will help others find the hot spring easier since we got lost for over an hour in rain… Backpacked 11÷2÷15−11÷3÷15 Miles: 20 miles out and back Time took: 30 hours(we overnighted it) elevation gain: less than 400 ft Adventure Pass needed Water: there were 2 – 3 spots to filter water Directions: on Google maps, type in Piedra Blanca Trailhead. Piedra Blanca Trailhead and Sespe River Trail start at the same parking lot, so it pulls up and you can use the app when you loose cell service. We came from LA, so we ended up taking the 33N to Rose Valley Rd, this area is considered Ventura County Trailhead: Adventure pass is needed to park here. There are pit toilets, when I went they also had toilet paper and weren’t too dirty. There’s some informational sign around here talking about the local animals you can find, a trail map, and some shaded picnic benches where you can have a nice picnic. The hike: we started at 9:45AM Monday morning, the first 2 – 3 miles in the trail was dry with no sight on water. Do not be discouraged, right around 2 – 3 miles, we didn’t spot it right away, but when we hiked further up, we spotted a pool of water off the trail. So if it had been necessary, we would have gone off trail to that water source. But at 3 miles in, I heard running water. We hiked off trail and found the source and actually filtered at this spot. It’s a nondescript spot, you just have to keep alert of the sound of running water. Going to this spot was unnecessary though, if you know the trail well, you know that Bear Canyon Campground is right around the corner at 3.5 miles in and there is a spring fed pond here with moving water that is easier to filter at. We talked to a guy here and he said there seems to always be water here and it’s a good swimming hole. The trail is decently well beaten and well marked. About 8 miles in you will come upon a big metal trail sign. It’s faded and kind of hard to read, but points you in the direction of Ladybug Campground and Hines Peak. Scratched into the sign it says Willett and tell you to stay on the trail you are at. Shortly after that sign, keep a look out for the trail sign on the right. We actually got lost here and walked past it. If you walked past it and come to a camp spot with a fire circle and shovel, you’ve come too far. We scrambled in the river wash for a while here having lost the trail. Back track and find that small trail sign, it makes you cross the river wash here. Once you cross the river wash, the trail keeps going. look for a fork in the trail and go left. It’s a pretty small fork, we put up cairns here the other day, but it is easy to miss. We got lost here too and had to keep backtracking. You cross a swampy area right here. Right when you cross and get to the other side, you will shortly come across the house/shack/a fenced area. Woohoo! You are almost there! Go past that house. With the house behind you, you will see a stone stack/chimney, take the trail above and to the right of it. From there, it’s an upward climb, but you’re only a few hundred yards away from the Willett Hot Spring tub. You will first come across a small camp spot here. There was a fire ring here the other day. Go past that, and into the foresty area and go up. There you will find the tub, wedged into the crevice of the mountain. Tips: bring a water filter. Depending on time of year, be prepared for rain. Bring sandals if you don’t want to go barefoot in the tub, and a towel to dry off. Don’t give up. We soaked in the hot spring for a good hour Tuesday morning and had the place all to ourselves. Temp we would guess was around 108 degrees. There are scrubs left there to scrub some of the sliminess. I didn’t care, I got right in. Good luck!
Beverlin T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Los Angeles, CA
Willet Hot Springs. what can i say. i have backpacked here twice and every time i have had a blast. The hike is a bit strenuous especially in the heat but definitely worth it. I don’t think i would recommend it to a beginner backpacker since it pretty challenging but if your in decent shape, i think you would be able to pull it off. It gets really really hot since there is barely any shade on the trail. The first 5 miles, there is no water so bring enough to drink. You will have to cross some streams so water shoes are ideal if you don’t mind getting your shoes wet then thats not a problem. When you get to Willet hot spring campground, there is plenty of space to camp at. In addition, there are little cabins that are first come first serve. Overall the Hot springs are the best i have been to in California.
Jennie And James F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Ventura, CA
Went yesterday, rode 3 miles in, stashed the bikes and hiked remaining 6 miles to Willet Hot Springs. No water on the way in, but there is still running water at the camp at the base of the first hot spring. You will need to filter it, but plenty for drinking and cooking. It was surprising to see that in this extreme drought but it’s there! We didn’t see any bears, but plenty of their droppings. Garden snakes, red tail hawks and lizards will keep you company. The hot spring was amazing and we didn’t want to leave! It was a challenging ride and hike, but worth it. We plan on making it a one nighter next time.
