Willet Hot Spring via Sespe River Trail
10.0 mi
Distance
5 hrs 45 min
Time
terrain
530 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail to Willet Hot Spring in Sespe Wilderness.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Comfortable weather for this exposed hike 3/24-25. Still a well-travelled path; we pitched camp at a site a little too close to the trail to avoid the noise of late comers and goers to the spring. A few nice campsite options along the way. If the water is high enough in hotter weather seems worth camping along Sespe creek just for swimming holes.
★
★
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Public Tracks
Possible Sespe Route for Clarissa/Miguel
All the water crossings are in the very beginning with the biggest crossing being the last depending on rain at .35 miles in. Recommend to start with Chacos and then you can put shoes on. Next big crossing will be at about .8 miles in. You can typically rock hop, but with big rains could be bigger. About .2 miles after this, you will see two big oak trees down by the water, this is great spot to stay and camp if you want something close.
At 2.11 Miles there is a really great swimming hole with camping sites, follow the trail on the right to go down, it will lead you down to sandy beach, but it is tucked away.
4.5 miles you will get to Bear Creek, the first seemingly "established campground" This is where a lot of people go to camp. This could be a great spot for you guys to stop.
If you go past Bear Creek, it is really easy to get off trail, so go slow and make sure you are following the map and trail.
Oak Flat is about 8 miles out, that would be probably the farthest you will want to go, there are surely some secret little camping location in that location.
I have not camped anywhere in between Bear Camp and Oak Flat, but get ready to explore and cross the streams and find some cool spots. Be ready for sunset, as the Topa's like to put on a show.
The final location I put is a campsite that I have always wanted to stay at ,but someone is usually there. It is on the river, close to Willet Spring with views of the Topa Topa Range.