Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Sespe Wilderness is a federally protected area of the Los Padres National Forest. It encompasses a total of 219,468 acres including the Topatopa Mountains and the southern Sierra Pelona Mountains. The area is located within Ventura County and is managed by the United States Forest Service. 

In Sespe Wilderness, you'll find unique rock formations, open areas, and lush forests. Chaparral and oak woodland cover much of the terrain, as well as some riparian habitats along Sespe Creek. The area has hiking trails, waterfalls, flowing creeks, unique geology, primitive campsites, and hot springs. 

This wilderness region is the fourth largest roadless area in the Lower 48 and the one closest to a major metropolitan area, which makes it a popular (and much needed) outdoor destination for residents from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hot Springs

    • Sespe Hot Springs

    • Willett Hot Springs

  • Swimming Holes

  • Notable Hiking Trails

    • Piedra Blanca-Gene Marshall Trail

    • Sespe River Trail

  • Sespe Condor Sanctuary - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/home/?cid=stelprd3820413. 

COMMON WILDLIFE
Black bears, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, rattlesnakes, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and California condors.

CAMPING AND PERMITS

Permits are not required for use of hiking trails or backcountry camping. Backcountry campsites function on a first come-first serve basis. For more information about passes, permits, and additional regulations please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf/passes-permits

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Los Padres National Forest

Wilderness Information 

Current Campfire Restrictions and Campfire Permit Information

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Forest Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Hiking Trails. Roadless Terrain. Hot Springs. `

Cons

Hot spring areas are very popular.

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Fishing
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Wildflowers
Bird watching
Horseback riding

Location

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