Piedra Blanca To Dough Flat

This is a 24.6-mile route that travels between Piedra Blanca Trailhead and Dough Flat Trailhead. It is designed as a shuttle, and will thus require two cars at each trailhead. This trip can be done from anywhere between 1 day and 3 days (or more), depending on the preference of the individuals. Note that there are two hot springs that are worth visiting on this route. Willet Hot Springs is near mile 10 of this route, and just off trail up the hill. There is a great area for camping below Willet, at a wide area near Sespe River called Ten Syncamore Flat. The junction to Sespe Hot Springs is near mile 14, and around 1-1.5 miles off trail, up Hot Springs Canyon.

Our route is pretty straightforward, as it takes Sespe River Trail and Alder Creek Trail between the trailheads. Both trails are easy to follow, though Sespe River Trail often gets tricky when crossing the creek, as it does multiple times. Alder Creek Trail has been recently worked on thanks to hearty efforts from the folks at Los Padres Forest Association, and is in superb condition.

It is extremely important to note that trail conditions in Los Padres vary drastically from season to season and year to year. Check hikelospadres.com for the most updated trail conditions and water reports, and please share your trip reports on the site upon your return so that everyone can safely explore this wonderful area. Poison oak is seemingly everywhere in Los Padres, including this route. This area can be extremely dry and hot, as well as extremely wet and cold. Be prepared! Additionally, check https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres for current information and important updates in Los Padres National Forest.

The road to Dough Flat closes during the winter, from approximately December 15-April 30. The gate closure adds around 2 1/2 miles one way to the trailhead.