Montecito Hot Springs in Los Padres National Forest

I was just here and there are now 9 pools since the last storm seemed to have washed out 3. But regardless some pools are now bigger and deeper. Absolutely no garbage to be found today so thanks to all for leaving no trace. Yes, these hot springs are clothing optional just like most unless posted otherwise. The lower you go the cooler the pools become and they can also have more bugs/small snails/worms. No, there are not cockroaches in the pools as one reviewer writes but they do live in moist environments so they could end up in your stuff but this can happen anywhere lol. You are in mother nature so expect to get bitten buy bugs or mosquitoes but please don't put on bug spray or any kind of lotion before entering the springs. Enjoy!

Not too difficult or long of a hike. Just wish there was a sign at the end of the trail to direct us to the left, across the water, and up the steep rocky path under some trees! after that, the springs are right there. I made a “mineral man” out of the eroded rocks lol We also got a lot of itchy bug bites..Not mosquitoes, some kind of smaller flying bug. Bring bug spray!

Parking sucks but once you find the spot it’s worth the hike. From the street to the final destination about 2.5 miles some steep areas but it’s super walkable some rocky spots. Once you reach top there’s a stink odor make left over the river to the springs slight steep hill about 50 feet. Came in January and weather was great perfect didn’t need to prep like water bottle. If you plan to bathe in the springs they are not deep but pools enough to sit and relax they are not deep for swimming if that’s what you’re thinking.

Hanging in SB for a few days. Found this hot-springs hike 20 minutes from our location Lots of pools over good a distance. Plenty of temp options. People were cool. Was there on a Wednesday in AM. Parking was filling up by 9 Trail is moderate and could be slippery when wet. Roughly 2.5 miles round trip. When hiking up the last sign to the trail was missing. Look for the water on right with white algae. Warm to touch. The trail crosses here and foes up to the springs. If you follow the pipe it will take to to another “capped” hotspring. You can see on my google map picture. Highly recommend a warm soak if you have some time. Great gem close to town.

This is a shaded hike with fantastic peek-a-boo views of the Santa Barbara coastline. The hike is easy most of the time but does require some scrambling across boulders and occasional crossing over the creek. The hot springs are enjoyable but often crowded. They are shallow and smell of sulphur but relax the muscles. If you enjoy natural hot springs (no chlorine and sitting in a sandy and rocky natural creek bed) it’s worth a visit to soak in multiple pools of varying temperature. All uphill on the way to the springs, then all downhill on the way out. Parking is challenging, so arrive early or plan to add time to your hike by parking farther away and walking to the trailhead.