Willett Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail

Ojai, California

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

20.08 miles

Elevation Gain

2598 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Trevor Cox

A beautiful 10-mile one-way (20-mile roundtrip) hike alongside the tranquil Sespe River leads to the daydream that is Willet Camp and Willett Hot Springs. There are multiple tin huts, one complete with 4 bunk beds welcome you as you arrive. A short walk away, and a leisurely soak in a hot spring tub will ease your weary body and provide an enjoyable time for all.

Park at the Lions Camp parking lot. Adventure Passes aren't technically "required" but it never hurts to have one. You can stop at the Forest Service in Ojai (1190 E. Ojai Ave) or stop at the Wheeler Gorge Station on your way up to buy one for $5 for a night. The trail begins at the far side of the parking lot, near the picnic/restroom area.

From the trailhead, you will hike until you see a trail running off towards your left (ignore the small ones, it will be lined with rocks) then cross Sespe Creek. (Unless it's a wet season, this will be a rock bed)

Head uphill from the river, and take a right turn at the "T". After about a half mile of walking, you'll see the Sespe trailhead marker and a distance of 9.0 miles to Willet Campground. The trail from here is very straightforward, just cruise and enjoy, or charge and enjoy!

After about 4 miles, you'll hit Bear Creek. A great spot for a quick swim or a water bottle refill.

Continue on pushing past Ladybug Camp at the 8-mile mark, and you'll soon arrive at Willet. You'll know you're there by the tin buildings and the camp tables.

For a visit to the hot spring, grab your towels and trunks and head north. Take a left, keeping the mountain on your right, and walk towards the way you originally hiked into Willet. After about two minutes, there will be a trail on your right heading up toward the tub.

Enjoy!

PERMITS & TRAIL STATUS:
For updated information and for applicable permits, visit FS.Usda.Gov.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Camping

Running

Backpacking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Hot Springs

River

Wildlife

Willett Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Piedra Blanca Formations

These white sandstone formations, splitting out of the forest, are a worthwhile sight as you climb up to gain a great vantage point of the valley. Spend some time exploring the rocks - the nooks & crannies are full of surprises. You can turn this into an overnighter by staying at the campground. Park at the "Lions Camp" parking lot. Save yourself the worry of a ticket and contribute your s...

Rose Valley Falls

...It's not often that you come across 100 ft waterfalls. This moderate to easy hike to Rose Valley Falls leads you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Los Padres National Forest. The hike begins at Rose Valley Campground. If you're not staying at a campsite, park outside the entrance of the campground and follow the signs to the trail. The lower tier of the falls from the start of the tra...

Potrero John Trail

The Potrero John Trail is only 1.75 miles one-way, and is mostly used for hiking. It is right off Highway 33- driving north on the 33, the trailhead is on the right side of the street, right after the Potrero John Bridge (parking is fairly limited so the earlier you get there the better). There were creeks and swimming holes along the way. It's an absolutely beautiful hike because the water is...

Climb at Wheeler Gorge

Grab a dozen quick draws, your 60m rope, and head up Highway 33 out of Ojai for 7 miles (One of the routes here describes the crag perfectly, a Riparian Daydream). Drive through one tunnel, and continue on for another mile or two until you reach two tunnels in quick succession. The crag is in between those two tunnels, just below the bridge in the creek. You can park before you reach the two tu...

Couch Rock

Driving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail. Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eyes peeled, and look on your right. You’ll find a small trail heading up a steep hill. Beware here, fo...

Rock Climb at Foothill Crag

From downtown Ojai, head north on N Signal Street. Head up the hill and turn left onto a gravel road next to a chainlink fence once you get to the top.(There should be a sign that points to "Pratt/Foothill Trailhead.") Continue past a water tank on the right to a trailhead parking area. I've gone ahead and put a pin on the parking area/trailhead start up above. Grab your top-rope anchor set up...