Despite Southern California not being the ultimate fall foliage destination, what fall color we do get is pretty stunning, and I do everything I can to soak it in when and where I can. There are a few mountain towns that get quite a lot of attention for their leaf-peeping opportunities, but today I am going to show you a much lesser-known and uniquely fascinating fall foliage spot in Ojai, California.

The Sespe Wilderness is a natural area located in Ojai, encompassing over 200,000 acres within the Los Padres National Forest. In this vast wilderness is a relatively small, but strikingly scenic spot come autumn.
Ezequiel “Zeke” Barragon/Google Reviews
In the middle of bare and chaparral-covered hills and valleys, a long outcropping of cottonwood and sycamore trees along the base of a ridge gives away the presence of water and a lush riparian habitat.
Bamboo Lin/Google Reviews
In fact, this is the site of the beautiful thermal Sespe Hot Springs and the Sespe Creek. The creek is one of the last wild un-dammed rivers in SoCal and it provides the ideal environment for trees to thrive.
Marcus I/AllTrails

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Trees line the creek for miles and turn vibrant yellow and gold come fall. A trail leads through the trees and to several creek-side camps as well as the hot springs.
Spencer K/Google Reviews
Most people expect fall colors in October, but this little oasis in the Ojai backcountry is most dazzling during November or December.
Spencer K/Google Reviews
During summer months, the Sespe Wilderness is popular with hikers, but it seems that few know just how stunning this place is in late fall because the crowds are gone and you may have the area to yourself! Bring your hiking gear and set up at one of the camps to extend your hike over a couple of days and revel in fall colors a little longer.
Kelsey Dobbs/AllTrails
The Sespe Hot Springs - and this little fall wonderland - can only be reached by foot or horseback and there are currently two rugged and challenging trails open that lead to the springs, the Alder Trail and the Johnston Ridge Trail.
Marcus I/AllTrails

This colorful spot in Ojai, California, just may be Southern California’s best-kept fall foliage secret. Have you explored any trails in the Sespe Wilderness? Keep in mind that the trails to Sespe Hot Springs are challenging and you want to be prepared for uneven and wet terrain. Check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List and make sure you are well-prepared before hitting the trail!

This is a great time of year to enjoy the great outdoors, so be sure to take a look at more of SoCal’s best hiking trails.

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Sespe Hot Springs, California 93252, USA