Santa Barbara Hot Springs

[SWbySWesty]

Pictures and write up are here: CLICK LINKY

Here's a teaser:

The Santa Barbara Hot Springs have become a tradition for the Adventure Brigade. We both attended USCB and Sam's first off-road experience was with me going to the hot springs so it always holds a special place in our heart...not to mention that somehow we come back with ridiculous stories from one of the most relaxing places I know!

 

[TRUIZ]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!:smiley_drive:

 

[matthewp]

Very nice little report! I'm going to have to dig through your blog to find more info on this, and other SoCal areas to go camping. I know my wife would enjoy the hot springs (you don't have any detailed info on directions, etc. I could have, do you?).

 

[SWbySWesty]

This should be helpful!

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...463259,-119.600258&spn=0.224188,0.314484&z=12

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

nice writeup!
Do you think that area will be packed this weekend for camping?
I'm looking for some good camp spots near LA.

 

[SWbySWesty]

I think it will be crowded, yes. Will it be packed and full? I don't know. I've never visited over a holiday weekend, but the general weekend provides numerous available sites. First come, first serve so if you drive up there Friday morning/evening, I'll bet you could get a spot.

Besides the campground we stayed in, there are smaller ones on the way up to Big Caliente. There are also more on the road to the little hot springs. So if the first area is full, keep driving to check.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

I called the ranger station and they said a good chance it would be filled tonite!
Seems like it would be too big a risk to drive there only to be turned away.
However, I'm keeping this one in mind for another time. Thanks!

 

[SWbySWesty]

I'd prefer to go NOT on a holiday weekend. Less people means more tranquility in the springs. Nothing ruins a good soak with a beer like screaming children or bumping music near the pool. That happened once, I got frustrated so we ended up coming back in the middle of the night for the tranquility.

If you do go, make a night run. Soaking in the tubs and looking at the stars is the only way to go!