Big Caliente Hot Springs are a grouping of thermal mineral springs located in the Los Padres National Forest of California.[1]
| Big Caliente Hot Springs | |
|---|---|
| Little Caliente Hot Springs | |
.jpg) Little Caliente Hot Springs, 4.8 miles (7.7 km) north from Big Caliente Hot Springs | |
 | |
| Location | near Santa Barbara, California |
| Coordinates | 34°32′21″N 119°33′53″W / 34.539217°N 119.5646°W |
| Elevation | 1,437 feet (438 m) |
| Type | geothermal |
| Temperature | 105–115 °F (41–46 °C) |
  Location in California | |
Description
editThe hot spring water emerges at 115 °F (46 °C) from a bluff and flows into a large, deep primitive rock and concrete soaking pool. The temperature of the water can be controlled by adjusting diversion valves. Another primitive soaking pool is located below the spring source, adjacent to the creek. A third soaking pool is located across the creek, with a temperature of 115 °F (46 °C), fed by a different hot spring.[2] The water from these hot springs are rich in soda compounds.[3]
Location
editThe springs are accessed via a 13.3-mile (21.4 km) hike[4] with many switchbacks. It is possible to drive to the site but it is not recommended as the gravel road tends to wash out and it becomes undrivable.[5] A four-wheel drive vehicle or motorcycle is recommended for the drive up Romero Canyon.[3] The GPS coordinates for Big Caliente Hot Springs are 34°32.353′N 119°33.876′W / 34.539217°N 119.564600°W.[2]
Little Caliente
editThe Little Caliente hot springs are located 4.8 miles (7.7 km) away at 1,600 feet (490 m). The hot mineral water emerges from the springs at 105 °F (41 °C). There are several primitive rock-lined soaking pools. From Big Caliente, head north at Juncal Campground. The GPS coordinates for Little Caliente hot spring are: 34°32.430′N 119°37.176′W / 34.540500°N 119.619600°W.[2] The spring fluctuates between muddy and clear depending on the season.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Big Caliente Day Use - Hot Springs". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
- ^ a b c Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2011). Hot Springs and Hot Pools in the Southwest. Santa Cruz, California: Aqua Thermal. pp. 190–191. ISBN 978-1-890880-09-5.
- ^ a b c Kaysing, Bill; Kaysing, Ruth (1993). Great Hot Springs of the West. Santa Barbara: Capra Press. pp. 25–26, 36. ISBN 0-88496-382-9.
- ^ "Big Caliente Spring Trail". Retrieved 29 October 2020.
- ^ "Big Caliente Hot Springs". California Beaches. Retrieved 29 October 2020.