Gaviota Hot Springs
- Free
- 2 hr 37 min from Los Angeles
- 0.7 mi hike
Two small warm sulfur springs in the uplands of Gaviota State Park, reached by a somewhat steep climb on the Gaviota Peak Fire Road. The trail starts from a parking lot about 2.5 miles north of the main park entrance, where Highway 1 splits from U.S. 101. The park map puts the springs 0.7 mile from the lot, and the fire road continues on to Gaviota Peak.
- Price
- Free
- Nearest town
- Goleta
- From Los Angeles
- 2 hr 37 min
- Hike (one way)
- 0.7 mi
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Season | Open year-round |
|---|
Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Free public access |
Rules
| Dogs | No |
|---|
On site
| Camping nearby | Yes |
|---|---|
| Land manager | State |
Not stated by the land manager: swimwear, ages.
Soak responsibly
- Pack out everything, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use WAG bags where required.
- No soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the pools; rinse away from the water.
- Check permits and closures with state before you go.
- Keep groups small and give others space. Respect posted dog and camping rules.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
What's here
- two small sulfur springs
- Gaviota State Park
- on the Gaviota Peak Fire Road
- can continue to Gaviota Peak
Getting there
- From Los Angeles2 hr 37 min130 mi
- From Santa Barbara47 min35 mi
- From Santa Barbara (SBA)38 min28 mi
Typical driving time without traffic or snow, to the closest road point; add the hike.
| Elevation | 664 ft |
|---|---|
| Road |
|
| Hike | 0.7 mi one way |
| Trail |
|
| Parking | Trailhead lot at the end of Gaviota Park Boundary Road, about 2.5 mi north of the main park entrance |
Things to do near Goleta
Gaviota State Park beach
Sandy cove where Gaviota Creek meets the ocean, with a campground and day-use area.
Refugio State Beach
Palm-lined coastal campground and beach about 22 miles west of Santa Barbara.
Campgrounds
- Gaviota Campground2.2 mi
- El Capitan Beach Campground11.3 mi
- Cachuma Lake Recreation Area15.6 mi
- River Park15.7 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Little Caliente Hot Springs
A primitive, undeveloped hot spring on the Santa Barbara Ranger District, a short walk from Mono Campground beyond Pendola Station. The Forest Service treats it as day-use only, with no camping at the springs. The Little Caliente Picnic Area and Mono Campground are closed under a storm-damage order through September 15, 2027.
Big Caliente Hot Springs
A day-use hot spring in the Upper Santa Ynez area of Los Padres National Forest, and the only spring on the forest modified with a small concrete retention structure. It sits beside the Big Caliente Picnic Area at the end of a long dirt-road drive from San Marcos Pass. The picnic area is closed under a storm-damage order through September 15, 2027.
Avila Hot Springs
A historic hot springs on Avila Beach Drive, two miles from the beach, where oil drillers struck an artesian hot well in 1907. Its 20-by-20-foot mineral soaking pool is about 2 feet deep and kept near 104F, beside a large heated freshwater pool with double slides. Day passes cover both pools, and the site also offers tent and RV camping.
Little Caliente Hot Springs: 35 mi · Big Caliente Hot Springs: 38 mi · Avila Hot Springs: 54 mi
Sources (6)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.