TOURING CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA HOT SPRINGS by Matt C. Bischoff

Author:Matt C. Bischoff
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781493029129
Publisher: FALCONGUIDES

47. LITTLE CALIENTE HOT SPRING

General description: A less developed, more natural hot spring than Big Caliente, Little Caliente is farther out. Reaching the spring may require a 2-mile hike or bike ride from the closest parking area if a gate is closed. Also popular, Little Caliente Hot Spring sees many visitors on weekends, but is less busy during the week.

Location: Southern California, approximately 29 miles north of Santa Barbara.

Primitive/developed: Primitive, except for the construction of a crude cement pool to capture the hot spring water.

Best time of year: Spring and fall. Summer can be a little hot, and the road can be difficult to impassable in wet weather during winter.

Restrictions: Day use only. The pool is on forest service property, and all rules must be obeyed, which includes obtaining a permit prior to traveling.

Access: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though many passenger cars make the trip. Do not attempt the road in wet weather. The last 0.5 mile of the road to the spring is rather rough, and you will want a high-clearance vehicle at the least. If the gate at Mono Hill is closed, approximately 2 miles of hiking or biking is required to reach the spring.

Water temperature: Approximately 110 degrees F at the source, 105 degrees F in the upper tub, and 103 degrees F in the lower tub.

Nearby attractions: Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara, Big Caliente Hot Spring.

Services: None. The nearest services are approximately 29 miles away in Santa Barbara.

Camping: Camping is not permitted at the spring, but there are several developed forest service campgrounds on the road to the spring. Contact the Los Padres National Forest at (805) 967-3481 for further information and regulations.

Map: USGS Cuyama CA (1:100,000).

Finding the spring: If approaching from south of Santa Barbara, travel north on US 101 and take the Milpas exit (CA 144). Follow the signs for CA 144 through Santa Barbara, turning right on Mason, then left on Salinas, then right at a four-way traffic circle. After approximately 6 miles, CA 144 will intersect CA 192, which is Stanwood Drive; turn left. Follow Stanwood for 1.2 miles to El Cielito and turn right. Stay on El Cielito for 0.5 mile to Gibraltar Road, where you turn right. Follow Gibraltar Road for another 6.5 miles to East Camino Cielo, where there is a forest service sign. Turn right on FR 5N12, which is paved and windy for the first 6.8 miles, then dirt and windy the rest of the way to the spring. Follow FR 5N12 and all signs to Big Caliente, staying left 1 mile after the road turns to dirt. Five miles after the road turns to dirt, you will arrive at Juncal Campground, where you turn left on FR 5N15. Continue for 3 miles to FR 5N16, which goes to Big Caliente. Continue straight on FR 5N15, following the sign to Little Caliente. Follow FR 5N15 for approximately 3.5 miles, crossing a creek and reaching a gate at Mono Hill, which may be closed. If the gate is closed, park and walk or bike the last 2 miles to the spring.

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