Go google it. had a great time here with the hippies a few years back (2009-2010), but went again with my boyfriend in april of 2011 and they were cold! Heheh. Cozy Dell’s proximity to downtown Ojai makes it a prime choice for an early morning hike before returning to town and dipping into the diverse cultural offerings. Hi blogger, i must say you have high quality content here. Ecotopia gates are closed until end of 2020 due to COVID-19. They are building an amusement park like structures a short distance next to the spring, probably want some tourism there in the future, probably the main attraction is the hot springs. Weather Forecasts; L.P.N.F. You need to go to the Matilija Canyon road or road 5N13 on Google Map. We just went yesterday and there is a woman there saying she works for the ojaihotsprings.com and asked us to leave. I just called the ranger station and they said there is 8-foot razor wire blocking off the hot springs, the ones off the side of the road about a mile before the parking area for matilija canyon. Speaking of full-on, there is also the occasional full frontal nudity due to the now-senior hippies enjoying a nightly bath in the cover of the night. NO access to anyone lots of childhood memories and teen yrs we have those times many yrs ago. month with new monetization method. And I was on social media today and there are pictures of a D-List celebrity hanging out at the hot springs today (I could tell from pics I have seen). The broken trees and brush made it difficult to get to the creek from the road. Even on a post about free, open hot springs in nature, blog comment section assholes just can’t help themselves. I think they just making excuse to own the spring. Karl, you thought you were doing people a service, but really you opened up a place of nature that had been used respecfully by locals for decades to basically anyone and everyone. This is the best adsense alternative for any type We left at sundown. Around 2.5 miles in you’ll be passing a few houses on the left. Date, time and location? Finally we found the sign for Ecotopica (they charge $13 a head) which was the front entrance to the hot springs. Hike Stats: Total Miles: 20 Difficulty: Hard That’s terrific news! Unfortunately, they are currently closed due to Covid. Just went lastnight. Yes, the Matilija Hot Springs are now closed. The next day was our last camping day so we decided to go all out and head to Ojai’s Hot springs. It is an extremely nasty and unconscious way to speak about your fellow human. The trail is moderately difficult hike. Would this help to build a class lawsuit against this OjaiHS.com This natural hot spring has been augmented by a man made collection basin. Route 33, Mariposa Highway, heads north of Ojai into the breathtaking mountains, offering a scenic drive with numerous hairpin switchbacks. You have to be invested. The hike is definitely time consuming, so be patient and enjoy the views this beautiful hike has to offer. This trail is more moderate than easy, but reaching the hot springs at the end makes it well worth it. I have noticed you don’t monetize your blog, don’t waste your traffic, The setting of these hot springs is in a canyon just outside of Ojai. Was there this past weekend with my fiance. The cops are patrolling every hour : /, WOULD LOVE TO GO SOON IS IT SAFE FOR A SINGLE LADY..IS IT CROWDED, Hi lady yes it is safe for a single lady to go there and relax. Set odometer to zero as said before and go 2.7 – 2.8 miles. Or where can can i get some tickets to go in? Will driving North on 33, you get to Matilija Hot Spring Road, which now is completely gated off. The Hot Springs Trail National Scenic Trail Proposal. of website (they approve all websites), for more details simply That would be the way to go and the hot springs will appear a little bit upstream. Hike Los Padres. I’m glad you liked it! this place hasn’t been open to the public in years back in the 60’s 70’s 80’s we all used to go swimming in a place called the hole which was huge with cliffs to jump off. Is this true?? We hiked in to the Sespe Wilderness to spend three nights out at the wonderful Willett Hot Springs of Los Padres National Forest. We will try again soon. A few miles out of town you’ll reach Matilja Rd on the left side. Maybe someone could post a picture or two with an arrow drawn in showing where to go? It is rated a difficult … Basics: Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. Ben, the closed road is Matilija Road, look at it on Google map and it is south of a lake. No, I just went the day after Thanksgiving. This is why you should have to pay to see the falls. Finally we found the sign for Ecotopica (they charge $13 a head) which was the front entrance to the hot springs. For information on properties for sale in this area email: andro@asknowinvestments.com. I’m sure you look absolutely wonderful naked but I think it’d be appropriate to get off the ledge and stop freaking out. Advertisement. Overall not as hot as we had hoped (in 45-degree weather) and about half the people there were nude, but still very scenic & warm enough to be an enjoyable outing. Section Hiking The Hot Spring Trail: Santa Barbara To Ojai Updated: February 05, 2020; Post By: Matthew Hengst; February 5th to 9th, 2020 . The amount of lookie loo’s not even there to get in, Only stare at naked women sicken me. So, coming up from Ojai, across from the quarry on the left is a short road that says no/tresspassing no/parking on all sides, and is fenced in. I was very disappointed. We did see some nude people there and they were really nice. Drive up the hill, follow the road as it continues on a ridge above the creek. Elevation gain: 1,200 feet to the springs. It’s 20.1 miles out and back if you want to do the entire trail to the Willet Hot Springs, but there are also plenty of swimming holes and camping spots along the way making it a fun place for the whole family to spend the weekend. It was dangerous, and not without injury (I rolled my ankle a bit on a rock and bruised my knee getting through one of the fences. But 25 yards or so North is a sign and dirt road that says “Ojai Quarry”, which seems to be the area the OP posted about. This wonderful place sucks now. It changes your behaviour and how you treat it. Completely blocks the road on the other side of the bridge. Basically you pay $20 a person and receive something from their farm and get 2 hours to explore their area, including the hot springs. Just step over the fence (what are those called anyways?) Best of luck to all of you explorers looking for these elusive springs, if they exist at all. They’re just words and opinions and everyone is entitled to them. Ben, I parked just where the road bends in the right shoulder. If you pass the 15mph curvy road sign & stop sign you’ve gone too far. Willow Spring - Chimney Canyon . 34.582194, -119.052311. As they explained it, it all started when the springs got lots of attention from a news write-up. Could someone with knowledge of the area comment on the ownership of this spring? I think word is spreading by mouth from friends bringing friends bringing friends etc. It looks like it is meant to handle a large number of tourists. Willett Hot Springs, Los Padres National Forest In the spirit of the Hot Springs Trail, there’s an especially satisfying quality to a long soak taken after a long hike. Los Padres National Forest, CA. May be someone has a business proposal in mind. Shame on whoever blabbed our sacred healing pools. I’m thinking of going this weekend. The dirt road (more like a dirt slope/trail to be honest) is on the other side of the highway safety fence thing through the bushes. Willett Hot Springs can be visited as a long 19-mile day hike, or as a more reasonable overnight backpacking adventure. Newsflash: I have updated the map for the Matilija Hot Springs and it should now be accurate. This is a hot spring hiker's dream. Rumor has it the hot springs are becoming fenced off for public cleaning and protection. Plan on making a reservation before going. You see the ojaiHS.com fenced the area with its signs. The seniors are nice enough to move if you come with a group so don’t let them scare you away. Now it is closed because of what it became after you made it public. They poured a bunch of cement in there, and filled up, and screwed up, our skinny dipping hole. shoot, I was just on my way there, but it doesn’t seem like anyone has had luck in the last couple of months…could it be that they dry up by end of summer or something? Have respect you Ojai trust fund wanna be hippies!!! I took my girlfriend with me to the Springs. You can bring your own beer and enjoy a cold. Here is why: Getting to the hot springs is quite simple. Thanks for sharing. Sespe River Trail To Sespe Hot Springs is a 17 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Ojai, California that features hot springs and is rated as difficult. An area with parking for 100 cars and living quarters with shower and indoor plumbing? So how was it, Lisa? There is along the Sespe River Trail. Kind of ask them to say their names and identify themselves as hired by OjaiHS.com to evict people? Required fields are marked *. Wife and I got past the gate and documented the whole experience with photography. Instead, from the 33, I made a left turn on to Matilija Rd, and I went up the hill and past a house and kept going until there was a little clearing where cars could be parked. Now they’ve closed the spring because of insensitive big mouthed like you. Anyone wants direction to this place. On a positive note, their mission statement talks about beings good stewards and protecting the springs… I just wonder how much they’ll charge now for a dip ! Please let me know if you can, I was going to go tomorrow until I saw this site! The springs needs our help now to preserve & protect everything that is special that visitors & locals have enjoyed for hundreds of years. Search for; Mertiso’s tips go viral. Truly Hot/Warm Baths, Freezing Creek, and Serene Sights I don't want to say too much about how great this is for fear too many will find out just how AMAZING this is. Matilija Hotsprings (officially to be known as Ecotopia Matilija Hot Springs Sanctuary) is a natural sacred healing sanctuary located in the mountains of Southern California. I fear I could never find that sublime swimming hole again. It looks like a huge parking lot with multiple BBQ spots. If you want to know how to I've seen photos/reviews of people with their bug bites and complaints, but if that's the cost you pay to … You sound more like an elder? People with no investment in a place have no respect for it either. I am 62 now. They will re-open in about 9 months with a safer parking solution and a few other changes. make extra $$$, search for: Ercannou’s essential tools best adsense alternative, I have noticed you don’t monetize adventurehowto.com, In other words, if I park on the side of the road and hop over and down into the hot springs, will I get my car ticketed/towed? General Description: Willett Hot Springs is located in the Sespe Wilderness, North of Ojai, California in the Los Padres Forest. I’m going here tomorrow – could someone let me know roughly how far it is from the road to the springs so I can get an idea if I’m wondering in the right direction. The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails. If you go there now, you will get a ticket on your car. Could someone with know-how to check the who-owns-what of the area and let us know? Thanks again for posting this. The confusing directions got us turned around a few times but I was determined to find these hot springs. Having been there already? I went a few months back and they were closed.. how can I find out if they are back open?! Ecotopia requires that you “make a purchase from their CSA”. Date of experience: November 2018. Follow it to the gated end, about two miles. A sacred land site with a rare mix of ecologies, creek and hot springs sustained by a community supported agricultural program. Enjoy & please keep it clean! Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs. Can someone verify if this is the case? It was well worth the trip and we met some other young couples while we were up there. I doubt this freaking ojaihotspring has the real ownership of this spring, it may own the land left and right to it and not the spring. Nude and age shaming “elderly nudist” is super uncool, especially at a hot spring. There is parking on right big enough for 4-5 cars. It’s always been on private land, but people had respected the springs so the owners let people come and go as they pleased. Get off the ledge and stop freaking out. Either use the map above to generate the directions or follow Maricopa Hwy (CA-33) north for about 3.8 miles from Ojai until you see cars parked in the right shoulder. At the end of this hot springs hiking adventure hot springs hike is a 100-degree geothermal hot spring reward. It’s still not, and its still unclear as to whether Ecotopia actually own the hot springs or not. Rallya stopped at the springs for about a week and claimed to have evidence of infractions of the law. Just look at what is building in the adjacent area in the uphill direction, you could tell something is not right. It was a cold, cloudy, rainy day, and the hot springs were the perfect remedy. You and I will never be allowed to gain access. If those distances intimidate you, do not rule out a visit to Sespe Creek. He makes bird sounds and leaves strange objects like a plastic light up dragon around the pools. How to get it? Then leave a comment below and share your experience. There’s many of us for whom nudity is beautiful, fun, and liberating. Basically, mind where you shine your flashlight and you will be fine. He'd day hiked in from Willet, and said that the Sespe was "belly button deep" when he crossed it. After searching for a couple hours here and there, I felt like we must be standing right on top of it, but it’s not longer there. There are no “Matilija Hills”. (I can keep going) inspiring, relaxing, nurturing, life-changing, relieving. There are no exceptions to this, and all trespassing will be prosecuted. Most of the people were nude, and some were in shorts. Your website can go viral. Mileage estimates for the hike range anywhere from 9 to 11 miles, so for the sake of argument I’ll call it an even 10 miles. its people like you that ruined this place for the ojai locals. Even during the weekdays? The last way to the hot spring is Johnson Ridge Trail It is 9.5 miles one way. The hike follows the Sespe River trail for 10 miles before reaching the springs. This link here should have the exact GPS coordinates Thanks for the tip today. Your email address will not be published. Not sure if it’s legit, but that is what they told me. Privacy is a bit hard to come by during a weekend, but there was plenty of space for everyone. I want to question their ownership. Along the way, there are several places to hike and camp. The nearby Matilija Hot Springs, first discovered in 1873, became a public resort in 1877 and passed through many owners before being closed in 1988. Turn to the left for ¼ of a mile which will take you to the breathtaking two-tier West Fork Matilija waterfall. At the end of this long hike is a 100-degree hot spring- great for soaking in after the trek. Sooooooo what’s the deal??? My girlfriend and I are planning another trip in the future. can i just go in there to hot springs without paying or asking for permission, I see you don’t monetize your website, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn additional cash every Reset your odometer. It is 16.8 miles one way to the hot springs. We could smell the sulfur and could see areas of the creek down the hill that looked similar to the pictures we had seen online, but it was all grown over with only the hint of human trails leading down to the creek from the road. Just walk to the other side of the road after parking and look over the white concrete barrier and you would see the pools below. On the left side of the road before the 15mph sign you’ll see paths that go down to the springs. South Matilija Rd was closed when we passed by it but the best way to tell which is which is that N Matilija Rd is a steep, step road branching up to the left. One guy was at the Palm Tree when I got there. What’s that you’re saying? Ben, good explanation. Ojai is my hometown. Willow Spring - Camatta Ranch . LET IT GO, Can someone tell me if this place is open to the public or not please. Just went today to try and find it and was also unsuccessful. you can earn additional cash every month because you’ve got high quality content. You may think you’re being funny, but you are not. Much easier to get to them most hotsprings in SoCal. search in gooogle: murgrabia’s tools. THE ROAD IS CLOSED, NO PARKING SIGNS, NO TRESPASSING SIGNS, buy order of the Ventura County Watershed management bureau. This is what my friends in Ojai told me as well. To help clarify possible locations. I could smell the sulphur from the road. Could you comment on what is being built in the open area? The lower ones are not too warm and have lots of nasty sediment, but if you get a spot in the top pool you’ll be happy. and go down the slope. I’ve seen blatant sex acts performed in the open with no consideration for the surrounding people. but note: you have to get ON Matilija Rd when you reach it, then count 2.75 miles; note 2: the map calls out two roads as “South Matilija Rd” and “North Matilija Rd”. Please tell us some more on what you know about this place? You will come to a point where the trail will fork to the West and to the North. Account Log In × Register. We brought flashlights when we went, the springs are accessible (and frequented) all night. Water source is public and belongs to all of Calif. I went, but Matilija Road is closed. Lets work together to collect what we need to sue the pants off this OjaiHS.com, Any updates on the Hot Springs accessibility or ownership? thanks for sending us a bunch of Los Angeles pigs to trash our treasure. Haven’t tried it out since, but a good reminder to take care of places like this and leave them nicer than you found it, be mindfull of who you tell about it, and appreciate magical spaces like this. Unfortunately the popularity of this hike has grown to such that on most weekends it is super crowded at the And the hot springs you’e referring to is Matilija Hot Springs!!!!! Yes, the hot springs in ojai are now under management of Ecotopia. Everyone was really nice and I have to tell you my back feels so much better then it has in a long time. If your desire is to pass-on information to help others, please do not pass your own judgements along with it. The ride is beautiful and ends in an amazing pace to hike. Hi, I attempted this yesterday, for the second time, but failed to find it. What made you so sour? No worries, that is what I do =). Your email address will not be published. Finding yourself in LA? There is one primary pool and probably 5-smaller ones, with the large upper pool being the warmest. If the OjaiHS.com people wants to comment, please comment what you are intending to build in your area. I will let you know how many signs I walk past. It follows an orchard road … We found the dilapidated, old, official, Matilija Hot Springs. OjaiHomes.com! This is Calif and can they own water resources? Hike:9.5 miles to Willet Hot Springs or approximately 15 miles to the Sespe Hot Springs Level: Mildly Strenuous Dog … There are three possible access points for reaching the springs, but all require either a ridiculously difficult day hike or a strenuous multi-day trip. Located in the hills of Matilija are nothing less than two full-on natural hot springs, minutes away from the city of Ojai. You have been off-roading all day and need a well-deserved sulphur bath after all those mud pits down the canyon. It is not a trail, more like a worn area with some trash over rocks (closed-toe shoes for sure) to the bottom. Tried going to the hot springs yesterday. Frazier Park sits at a higher elevation and Ojai is closer to the ocean, so both tend to be a bit cooler. Are you generalizing and grouping people together? Matilija Creek Trail is a 8.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Ojai, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Is it past the cliff somewhere? I think the only way to keep this place public is to let more people know about this place and educate them to be an enviromentalist if they are not already. This trail, at the north end of Gridley Road just to the left before the gates to Hermitage Ranch, begins with a steep climb along a seasonal creek before opening on to a bench with spectacular views of the entire Ojai Valley. Wilsie Spring . Really? They have fence left and right to the spring. ecotopia has made a fallacious and fraudulent claim of land ownership, which is a patent con scam and they should be sued silly for thieving this out of the hands of the public! I have never been, but would REALLY like to go. There were “no trespassing” “private property” signs everywhere. Ojai Hot Springs is NOT in Ventura!!!!! The difficulty of the hike adds to the seclusion of this location. They are building a huge open area with what looks like to be parking area of 50+ cars. 5 days, 57 miles, 10,300' gain . Once parked, it is a matter of getting changed comfortably (or going senior-style) and finding your way to the hot springs down the small trail across from where you parked. hi i want to go to the hot springs do i have to pay to go in or were do i ask to get permission to go in. We would skinny dip there under the moonlight. Then, I went down a little trail to the creek and found the hot springs. The latest reference to “ownership” seems to be a group called ‘Ecotopia’ (ojaihotsprings.com), which would seem promising, except there’s no calendar of events and not much information at all. At 2.75 miles you’ll see some places to park alongside the road (and probably a few vehicles already there). Santa Barbara to Ojai. It became the highschool hangout and got overun with teenagers and went downhill and getting trashed. Be sure to bring a towel and water. It is such a fun and different experience away from all the hustle and bustle back in LA. There ARE hills, mountains, surrounding Matlija Canyon. Evidently you sound more like an elder by being so afraid of nudity. LPFA Trail Care Fund . He claimed there had been no flooding, and that the springs we were looking for was not where we were looking, only the official springs (which now is an empty swimming pool with dry leaves filling it). It is rated moderately difficult to hike. As we crossed back over the fence, a man pulled up and unlocked the gate. If they own the spring why not build a fence around the spring? Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Khosla and the Malibu movie stars hired armed guards to patrol their areas but at the end they still lost in court. If few people go to this place, they will make this springs their money making venue soon. I’m trying to plan an Ojai trip and this hotsprings story is getting more interesting with every post. It’s closed now, gone. The hot springs is now closed to the public, permanently. If you want to know how to make extra $$$, search for: best adsense alternative The place was actually full of very nice people and i felt comfortable in my own skin:) everyone should rmbr to pack all your trash out & help keep mother nature beautiful. If 50 years ago is public, why it is private now. See my comment below. A singletrack trail, Sespe River Trail travels through the Los Padres National Forest and hosts two sets of hot springs with year-round water and swimming holes found around the 10-15 mile mark in the Sespe Wilderness along the Johnston River Trail. So is it still possible to get there without paying the Ecotopia thing? I think social nudity is not an old school thing to do and I’m 24. Length 17.0 miElevation gain 1,653 ftRoute type Point to point Willett Hot Springs . Leisurely Lifestyle | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Big and Little Caliente Hot Springs – Santa Barbara, California, Forest Adventure Pass or NPS Interagency Pass. The city of Ojai lies on the southern edge of Los Padres National Forest, and there is great hiking in the green mountains around the city. I can’t believe you blogged this you crazy dumb duck. Thanks so much . Located in the Ojai mountains, the hike begins from the Piedra Blanca trailhead at the end of Rose Valley Road. The hot springs are located in the bushy green area marked by the arrow. what’s the best time of year to go? . Accessibility: Sespe Hot Springs has three ways to get to it. It is 7.5 miles one way to the hot springs. Everything is quiet. How would one walk to the springs from the highway. I did not feel self conscious at all, since the people in the springs were super nice (think hippies). I went today and used PrimaryPerception’s tips to find it. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. Good luck. They talked about people trashing the place, I do not see a single tissue or paper cup or can. Now its filled with so many dirty hippies, your lucky if you don’t pluck a strangers pubic hair off your body. on Ojai Hot Springs in Ventura, California. The trail offers a number of activity options. I believe the property changed hands and now there’s this weird csa thing. Very excited! Lets tell the world about this place before the greed of a few take this place over. I’m heading there tommarow! Make this hike either a 20 mile day hike, or if willing, a recommended overnight backpacking trip where there is a camp right next to the hot spring. I mean come on…. Now you’ve ruined it for all of us…you are a joy kill. Basically, mind where you shine your flashlight and you will be fine. It is definitely still around, but I didn’t go where the green arrow on the map currently is. I can put up fence there but is it legit? Dracko’s tricks. You used to be able to dive from a cliff, there was an overhead cable car, and lots more water running through. . Thanks for the info! Down the road there was a built in swimming pool and spa and all of us Ojai kids used to swim at the pool in the summer it been closed and gated off for yrs to everyone and is not visible off the highway it is in a setting tucked back behind the mountain. Any legal knowledge people, should dippers video or record the OajiHS.com staff conversations about owning the pools? Although you might spot the occasional elderly nudist if going to the springs at night, going after sunset is well worth it. At this point it was too dark and we didn’t make it the rest of the way, but I did smell the sulfur, and would guess it was up stream from there to make sense of the OP’s directions: “little trail will take you along the hillside for just a few minutes”. Here is a clearer note. I read somewhere that they had been talking about letting water through the damn to flood that area at some point in the past. Photo by: Ken Lund After arriving at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, which is approximately thirty miles outside of Ojai, California, hikers hoping to soak in the Willett Hot Springs must hike 9.5 miles along the Sespe River Trail. Accurate! It appears as through there is a lot of private property on the west side on the highway. went there yesterday to relax after a long hike and while in the water a bloody maxi pad got stuck to my arm.