# Montecito Hot Springs, California

Montecito Hot Springs in California. 118°F (48°C). Short Walk · Public Land. Santa Barbara County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/montecito-hot-springs
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Montecito Hot Springs?

Only once it cools. The water leaves the ground at 118°F, hotter than any hot tub. It's a short walk from the road. It's on US Forest Service land. We haven't confirmed whether it has a pool or charges a fee.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 118°F (48°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| Elevation | 1,594 ft |
| Access | Short Walk · Public Land, 0.2 mi from the nearest road |
| Land | Los Padres National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Santa Barbara County |
| Nearest town | Montecito |
| Coordinates | 34.46100, -119.63700 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND, 9.3 mi |

## About Montecito Hot Springs

Montecito Hot Springs lies in the Los Padres National Forest above the town of Montecito, under two miles from the nearest streets. The water is hot at the source, too hot for comfort until it has cooled. Public access is open and the Forest Service holds the land. Nothing on file mentions a fee.

A short walk, a few hundred yards, from a road that is not named on the record. The spring sits in the front range of the coastal mountains at about sixteen hundred feet. Winters are mild and almost snow-free, with a modest amount of rain, and the summer is dry. The designation is national forest, which keeps it public. No wilderness status is listed.

December to February is the window on file. The source is hot, above 110 degrees, so feel the water first and find a spot that has cooled. Upper Oso is the nearest campground on file, about nine miles away. Access is open, no fee recorded.

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Carpinteria](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/california/carpinteria), 8 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in California](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california)
- [Little Caliente Spring, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/little-caliente-spring): 90°F source, Hike, near Montecito, Santa Barbara County
- [Boron Spring, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/boron-spring): 72°F source, pH 8.5, Short Walk, near Toro Canyon, Santa Barbara County
- [Agua Caliente Spring, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/agua-caliente-spring-2): 133°F source, Short Walk, near Toro Canyon, Santa Barbara County
- [San Marcos Hot Spring, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/san-marcos-hot-spring): 110°F source, Short Walk, near Goleta, Santa Barbara County
- [Vickers Hot Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/vickers-hot-springs): 124°F source, Roadside, near Meiners Oaks, Ventura County
- [Stingleys Hot Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/stingleys-hot-springs): 123°F source, Short Walk, near Meiners Oaks, Ventura County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Montecito Hot Springs?**
Montecito Hot Springs has a water temperature of 118°F (48°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Montecito Hot Springs located?**
Montecito Hot Springs is located in Santa Barbara County, California at 1,594 feet elevation, near Montecito. Coordinates: 34.4610°N, 119.6370°W.

**How do I get to Montecito Hot Springs?**
Montecito Hot Springs has Short Walk road access (0.2 mi from the road).

**Is Montecito Hot Springs free to visit?**
Montecito Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

**Can I camp near Montecito Hot Springs?**
Yes, Upper Oso Campground is located nearby (9.3 miles away).

**Is it safe to soak at Montecito Hot Springs?**
With care. At 118°F Montecito Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals