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Sespe Hot Springs

Ventura County, California · Near Fillmore
34.5960°N, 118.9980°W · 3,102 ft
194°F 3,102 ft Open Hike US Forest Service Camping nearby (8.2 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution

At 194°F, the source water at Sespe Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.

Sespe Hot Springs
File:ISS017-E-13341 - View of Earth.jpg — public domain — Source

Sespe Hot Springs delivers an exceptional 194°F at the source within remote Los Padres National Forest backcountry in Ventura County, ranking among California's hottest thermal features. The 134-degree temperature differential represents an extraordinary geothermal anomaly.

Location
0 miles from Fillmore, CA
Get Directions → All springs near Fillmore →

The spring sits at 3,102 feet elevation in rugged mountains northeast of Fillmore, positioned approximately 4.2 miles from Mutau OHV Road. Access requires a substantial hiking commitment through chaparral and oak terrain. The remote location preserves the thermal system's pristine character, with the boiling water creating dramatic steam in cooler months.

This remote spring requires a significant hiking commitment of several miles through backcountry terrain. Access is via Sespe Creek Trail and connecting routes. The spring is located within Los Padres National Forest's managed wilderness character. Bring adequate water, topographic maps, and experience. No overnight facilities are nearby.

History of Sespe Hot Springs

Sespe Hot Springs emerges from deep crustal circulation in this geologically active region. The extreme temperatures have historically attracted visitors seeking therapeutic experiences, though access challenges have limited development and protected the springs' natural state.

Monthly Climate
48°
Jan
48°
Feb
51°
Mar
57°
Apr
61°
May
70°
Jun
75°
Jul
76°
Aug
72°
Sep
63°
Oct
54°
Nov
47°
Dec
Annual Precip: 13.9 in Annual Snow: 8.5 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 47°F · Water 194°F · +147° contrast
January Air 48°F · Water 194°F · +146° contrast
February Air 48°F · Water 194°F · +146° contrast
December offers 29°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
49°F
N 2.5 mph 49% Good soaking weather
Thursday 85° Low 45° Sunny 4% precip
Spring is +109° warmer
Friday 87° Low 47° Sunny
Spring is +107° warmer
Saturday 89° Low 47° Sunny
Spring is +105° warmer
Sunday 94° Low 49° Sunny
Spring is +100° warmer
Monday 89° Low 58° Sunny
Spring is +105° warmer
Data from National Weather Service
Where to Stay
Hotels & Lodges Booking.com
Cabins & Rentals VRBO
Glamping Hipcamp
RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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Nearby Camping
Goldhill Camping Area 8.2 mi away

Goldhill Camping Area is an open camping location adjacent to Piru Creek at the base of Alamo Mountain.  Recreational Vehicles up to 26 feet. Picnic tables, fire rings, toilets. No potable water available.  Located near several Forest Service Off-Highway Vehicle (motorcycle and four-wheel drive) roads and trails and is approximately eight miles southwest of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.Area ammenities: Tent camping, Trailer camping, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking, Trash service

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
What to Bring

Sespe Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.

Hydro Flask 32 oz Water Bottle
Hydro Flask 32 oz Water Bottle Hot water dehydrates fast — stay hydrated with insulated cold water Amazon
PackTowl Quick-Dry Towel
PackTowl Quick-Dry Towel Dries 4x faster than cotton — essential for soaking day trips Amazon
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals Rugged waterproof sandals for slippery hot spring terrain Amazon
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag Keep clothes and electronics dry at the spring's edge Amazon
Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack)
Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack) Take photos in and around the water without risking your phone Amazon
Quick-Dry Swim Trunks
Quick-Dry Swim Trunks Fast-drying shorts for back-to-back soaks and hikes Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Temperature
194°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 194°F (90°C)
Avg Air Temp 60°F
Above Ambient +134°F
Great soaking conditions May
Access
Open
Road Access Hike
Nearest Road Mutau OHV Road
Distance to Road 4.2 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Los Padres National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Nearby

Springs Near Sespe Hot Springs

Willett Hot Springs
Ventura County, California · Near Fillmore
108°F Hike Open
Willett Hot Springs
Ventura County, California · Near Fillmore
Hike Open
Sespe Hot Springs
Ventura County, California · Near Fillmore
Short Walk Open
Wheeler Springs
Ventura County, California · Near Meiners Oaks
102°F Roadside
Matilija Hot Springs
Ventura County, California · Near Meiners Oaks
Roadside
Similar Temperature

More Springs Around 194°F

Unnamed Spring
Pershing County, Nevada · Near Lovelock
194°F Roadside
Mount Hood Fumaroles
Clackamas County, Oregon · Near Mount Hood Village
194°F Hike Open
Arrowhead Springs, Waterman Hot Spr
San Bernardino County, California · Near Crestline
194°F Roadside
Unnamed Spring
Pershing County, Nevada · Near Lovelock
194°F Short Walk Open
Hot Sulphur Springs (Tuscarora)
Elko County, Nevada · Near Elko
194°F Roadside
Dorr Fumarole Field
Whatcom County, Washington · Near Peaceful Valley
194°F Hike Open
Explore all hot springs in California →
Between Soaks

Hike 6 waterfalls near Sespe Hot Springs

Jackson Falls
Jackson Falls
California
9.6 mi moderate
WaterfallHikes.com
The Punch Bowl
The Punch Bowl
California
9.7 mi moderate
WaterfallHikes.com
Rose Valley Falls
Rose Valley Falls
California
11.4 mi easy 300 ft
WaterfallHikes.com
Tangerine Falls
Tangerine Falls
California
38.6 mi moderate 100 ft
WaterfallHikes.com
Sisquoc Falls
Sisquoc Falls
California
42.9 mi moderate
WaterfallHikes.com
Wellhouse Falls
Wellhouse Falls
California
45.2 mi moderate
WaterfallHikes.com

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Sespe Hot Springs, California.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Sespe Hot Springs?
Sespe Hot Springs has a water temperature of 194°F (90°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Sespe Hot Springs located?
Sespe Hot Springs is located in Ventura County, California at 3,102 feet elevation, near Fillmore. Coordinates: 34.5960°N, 118.9980°W.
How do I get to Sespe Hot Springs?
Sespe Hot Springs has Hike road access, with the nearest road being Mutau OHV Road (4.2 mi from the road).
Is Sespe Hot Springs free to visit?
Sespe Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Sespe Hot Springs?
Yes, Goldhill Camping Area is located nearby (8.2 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Sespe Hot Springs?
The water at Sespe Hot Springs reaches 194°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Sespe Hot Springs crowded?
Sespe Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Sespe Hot Springs?
Essentials for Sespe Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.