Big Caliente Hot Springs
Big Caliente Hot Springs is a concrete soaking pool at a Forest Service picnic area in the mountains behind Santa Barbara. The picnic area is closed and its road is shut to vehicles through at least September 15, 2027 because of storm damage.
- Getting there
- Closed to vehicles; normally a long, rough dirt road (Romero-Camuesa or Big Caliente Road) from Santa Barbara
- Cost and hours
- See current prices and hours on the official site
- Pools
- One large rock and concrete soaking pool with a valve to adjust temperature, plus smaller primitive pools
- Managed by
- Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara Ranger District
Good to know. The access roads wash out often; check the closure order before going.
In any natural hot spring, keep your head above the water. Health officials advise it because of a rare amoeba that can enter through the nose.
New to hot springs? A slow soak is a five-step way to enjoy the water safely.
Something out of date? Let us know and we’ll check it.
No hot spring nearby?
Warm-water sessions at your own pool, or your community’s, in and around Flagstaff, by request. And there are small water practices you can do at home, in a bath.