Agua Caliente Spring
Agua Caliente Spring emerges at an exceptional 133 degrees Fahrenheit in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara County near Toro Canyon, running 72 degrees above ambient in protected Forest Service terrain at 2,372 feet elevation.
The spring requires a short walk of approximately 1,300 feet through Los Padres National Forest terrain featuring mixed-conifer and oak woodland on steep mountainous slopes. The Mediterranean climate produces 14.6 inches of annual precipitation plus minimal snowfall of 1.4 inches, with clear skies and varied terrain creating dramatic coastal mountain scenery with Pacific views.
Agua Caliente's exceptional heat reflects circulation through unusually hot crustal rock in this tectonically-influenced section of the Los Padres National Forest. The spring lies amid the Big Caliente thermal complex, a grouping of multiple thermal features indicating significant geothermal resources in this segment of the mountain range.
Open to public on National Forest lands; no special permits required. Short walk to spring makes visits feasible for most fitness levels. Upper Oso Campground lies 17.9 kilometers away, offering family-friendly facilities with equestrian sites and trail access to the San Rafael Wilderness and coastal mountains. Spring through fall provides optimal access.
Is Agua Caliente Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overview Upper Oso Campground provides ample opportunity for exploration of California's coastal mountains. It is a family-friendly campground, equipped with equestrian sites, and is close to a variety of trails and several mountain streams.Recreation A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails begin in and around the campground, including the Santa Cruz Trail, which traverses 18 miles north to the San Rafael Wilderness. The 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail leads...