Sespe Creek is widely known as one of Southern California’s springtime wonders, with its wildflowers, hot springs, and swimming holes.  Most backpackers approach it as a lazy, easy out-and-back hike, but it is possible to combine some of its lesser-known trails to make an invigorating loop that samples both its canyon and mountain highlights: hot springs, Indian rock art, and high-elevation pine forests.  We’ll enjoy awesome mountain views and the potential for wildlife sightings including condors, bighorn sheep and arroyo toads - all endangered species.

 

This will be a very strenuous backpack, covering over 15 miles per day for each of three days over rugged terrain, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in excellent physical condition. We’ll cheerfully face the possibility of mud, bushwhacking, several shin- to thigh-deep stream crossings, ticks and black bears. Also, because many visitors prefer to enjoy the Sespe’s famed hot springs in the nude, this is definitely not the trip for you if you are at all uncomfortable with nudity.

  

Please sign up only if you are serious about attending. Your signup represents a social commitment to others, who may have to take time off from work to attend this trip.  In the interest of group safety, the leader reserves the right to qualify participants.  Please plan to contribute to your carpool's shared mileage and parking permit expenses.

 

Though a stone’s throw from L.A., the Sespe Wilderness is not to be trifled with.  Extreme weather can make hiking along the river perilous.  On January 20, 1969, for example, a group of eight boy scouts and two adult rescuers were swept to their deaths by a raging Sespe Creek.  Therefore, this trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast.  A National Weather Service forecast of rain within 72 hours of our start will cancel or re-route this trip. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any shared meals, so please plan to provide your own three-day supply of food.

We’ll meet up to consolidate our carpool at the Camarillo Park-and-Ride lot in Camarillo (Pleasant Valley Road x US101) at 7:00am (SHARP!) on the morning of Friday, February 14 in preparation for our 1-hour carpool to the trailhead. L.A.-based hikers should plan on leaving L.A. no later than 6:00am.