California South
Photos courtesy of Tracey V, USA
outdoor concrete tub
bathing suit req officially, clothing optional unofficially
no fee
notes: Changing rooms. Toilets. This hot spring will be
further researched in the future.
address: Santa Ynez Valley, CA 93460
how to get there: about 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara
by
dirt road through wooded Romero Canyon.
Very rough road, 4-wheel drive or dirt bike motorcycle recommended.
phone: none
shelter: camping/RV hookups/cabins
food: none known
massage: no
temperature: adjustable from 118 degree F flow
Just curious, Is or has anyone been monitoring the temperature of California hot springs since the increase in seismic activity along Cali fault lines Baja on up? If I recall this AM there was a small quake just off santa barbara, and for the past few week the activity has been increasing in South cali fault lines and quakes at sites/ close to geo thermo active springs. Any one monitoring? Which mountains were long ago active volcanoes here in California? Mammoth, BIGBEAR, SAN JACINTO? IS THERE INCREASED ACTIVITY @ N 395 Calvera site?
FIRE WATCH Nov 15 08 MAP: http://tinyurl.com/5nzxen
12/31/2003- … it’s about 20 miles but takes at least an hour the road is very bad and should be driven very slow!! There are a lot of great hiking trails and the campsites are huge! It’s a wonderful place. I do have some pictures of my last visit.
Tracey V, USA
3/08/2002- Better than the big concrete tub that sits near the road: a very short hike up the canyon and across the river and there is another concrete tub set against the hillside.Ê
Orville and Dawn, USA
7/14/2001- Greeting, Glad to see you have put a such a nice page about hot springs have been to Big Caliente several times back in the mid 70’s access is difficult, lengthy, but it is a great adventure, not for the weak of heart. their is a state/county campground within 3 miles of big Caliente your description is pretty accurate, away from pretty much everything. I saw no reference to Little Caliente though, about 9 miles from Big Caliente, as the name says small more natural setting, water temp a pretty nice 98F waist high. the better of the two, clothing optional their is another way to these springs off Sheffield Drive in Summerland before Santa Barbara off the 101 cannot remember exactly the number of turns but I remember you follow the High Voltage Transfer Towers to the saddle back and just stay on the old road more then a fire road, I read a book on Natural Hot Springs in the west Years ago on how to get to Big Caliente on a dare and a whim off we went 3 – 18 year old kids off on an adventure to get away from the pressure of life in Los Angeles, little did I know the Impact that trip and others would have on my life. I safely went last time in Chevy 2 wheel truck not difficult. In earlier years went by motorcycle very hard on the body Great Adventure recommended for those who just have to try as many Hot Springs in their life as possible. Again thanks for the effort! Cheers
Jim Borland, USA
5/10/2001- amazing outdoor 8 to 10 person concrete tub with cold water tap. well worth the effort. locals favorite secret
G, USA
5/10/2001- Take a truck… Hot spring is piped from side of hill to tub so you can turn on / off to control temp. Recommend Weekdays and drain tub then refill. Too hot upon refill. Takes about 2 hrs to make right. Picnic table & shade. After roasting in tub, run down to creek and jump in. Nothing better. Tub fits 5-6. Check out stone work snakes on tub.
John H, USA
3/22/2000- Big Caliente Picnic Hot Bath is up the canyon from Pendola Guard Station. This is a lovely hot spring. A cool creek flows through near the tub. Camping is available a few miles down the canyon in Forest Service campgrounds.
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