One of the nicer hikes in our area can be found along the Caliente Trail just past Agua Caliente Hot Springs. And while the hot springs themselves see many visitors few people venture any further up the canyon. The hot springs are located in the backcountry behind Santa Barbara and in the fall the colors of the canyon can be quite spectacular. The trail for the first few miles is fairly easy to follow and as an added bonus you can top off the hike with a soak in the hot springs. The hike to Upper Caliente Camp along the Caliente Trail is about 5 miles round trip, and the canyon as well as remnants of the old trail continue further still for additional exploring. Agua Caliente Canyon
Eventually the Romero-Camuesa Road crosses the Santa Ynez River near Juncal Dam and then slowly starts to level out until you arrive at a signed intersection. Here, near Pendola Station, you’ll want to turn right onto what’s called Big Caliente Road as it makes it way up Agua Caliente Canyon. Big Caliente Road dead ends at the Agua Caliente or Big Caliente Hot Springs and so these are also the same directions for the hot springs. Total drive time from Santa Barbara is about an hour and a half. Agua Caliente Hot Springs
At the hot springs you’ll find a large pool right by the parking area that has recently been renovated by volunteers, from here continue up the canyon to where the trail begins. The sign at the trailhead lays out the scope of the trail, which at one time went all the way past La Carpa Potrero and connected up with Potrero Seco Road. The trail however is not maintained much past Upper Caliente Camp.
Just past this sign you may notices several sides trails down to the creek. These lead to the two smaller pools which are the hotter compliment to the main pool found at the parking area. From here the trail continues upstream towards Agua Caliente Dam. The dam was built back in the 1930s and the basin behind the dam is now completely filled with silt. Such basins are ideal for Cottonwood trees. Agua Caliente Dam
At about the one mile mark the trail transitions out of the Cottonwoods and the canyon begins to open up, offering views of golden meadows and grassy hillsides dotted with chaparral. The canyon continues to provide such views all the way to Upper Caliente Camp and beyond with each new turn in the canyon offering another great view.
From this first transition you’ll want to start counting creek crossings, so that when you come to the third crossing you’ll recognize it. Just below Upper Caliente Camp is a rock formation that crosses the creek and creates a natural pool. At this third crossing you may notice a side trail that continues along the creek which leads to the pool. And although the pool is much smaller now with silt from the Zaca Fire it’s still worth visiting. Pool below Upper Caliente Camp
From here one can continue exploring the canyon upstream. The trail continues and although it is overgrown, mostly with Star Thistle, and becomes indistinct it is still relatively easy to find a route. And there are enough remnants of the trail along the way to find a sense of encouragement. From Upper Caliente Camp the canyon leads through several more turns each with impressive views and the water improves the further upstream you travel. At about the 4 mile mark you’ll reach an improvised campsite which can make for a good return point. Here what’s left of the trail begins to climb out of the canyon and continues towards La Carpa Potrero. Agua Caliente Canyon past Upper Caliente Camp
This article originally appeared in section A of the Sunday, November 13th, 2011 edition of the Santa Barbara News-Press.
Songs of the Wilderness 
I subscribe to the _Santa Barbara News-Press_, but not everyone does. Would it be possible to put the text of the articles on this website so that hikers could read what you’re writing without going to the _News-Press website_?
I realize that you might have to get an agreement from the N-P. If you do so, could you also put in the text of all the previous hikes? Having any associated photos would be nice, but not necessary. What would really be good would be the following:
1. A good map, perhaps in the style of the late Jerry Schad
and 2. the names of the relevant 7.5 minute topos. Thanks.
By: Matthew F. Delaney on December 1, 2011
at 2:29 pm
Matthew, thanks for the suggestions. Older article actually do appear on the blog, just scroll down to view them or you can use the search feature in the upper right area of the blog or select from the categories below that to get at specific hikes.
I like the map idea and wish I had a good uncopyrighted resource for them. I can look at adding the topo info and maybe some other basic logistical information.
By: James Wapotich on December 2, 2011
at 9:36 am
[…] The class will be from 11AM-4PM on Saturday, November 17th and 9AM-4PM on Sunday, November 18th is structured such that people wanting to car camp in the area will have the opportunity to do so, as well as have some time for their own exploring – including the nearby Agua Caliente Hot Springs […]
By: Songs of the Wilderness on October 31, 2012
at 3:01 pm