Upper Caliente Camp South Los Padres National Forest

• Camp Type: Trail Camp
• Topo Map Link: Hildreth Peak
• Elevation: 2173 feet
• Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
• County: Santa Barbara County
• Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
• Longitude: -119.5576752
• Latitude: 34.55749356
• Water Sources: Water is flowing in Caliente Creek during the Spring months. Expect no flow near camp for the rest of the year.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Reservations: Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
06-24-2023	Andy Hamill	Flowing
03-30-2022	Addison Jerlow	Flowing
04-25-2021	James Wapotich	Flowing
05-02-2020	Matty Cal	Flowing
01-15-2017	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
02-13-2016	Torrey Beckstrand	Trickle
12-08-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
04-22-2014	Valerie Norton	Flowing

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Description:

Upper Caliente Camp is a few miles up Caliente Canyon from the Big Caliente Trailhead.  The camp is located on a flat west of Caliente Creek, just after a gentle climb through a meadow to a rock outcropping above the Oasis pool. At camp you will find a picnic table, as well as a few unique benches cemented around a fire ring. Water is seasonal at best, and shade can be scarce too.  There are a few immature juniper trees around camp but other than that, you are exposed and open to the elements. It's best to stay at this camp in the spring when temperatures are lower and water available. That being said, Caliente Canyon is still a beautiful canyon with a wild and rustic feel to it.

Survey Photos:

• 
  Valerie Norton - 04-22-2014
  
• 
  Torrey Beckstrand - 02-13-2016
  Caliente Camp
• 
  Torrey Beckstrand - 02-13-2016
  Caliente Pool
• 
  Matty Cal - 05-02-2020
  
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  Matty Cal - 05-02-2020
  
• 
  Matty Cal - 05-02-2020
  lion print
• 
  Addison Jerlow - 03-30-2022
  

Submitted Camp Reports

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 06-24-2023 - by Andy Hamill

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	06-24-2023
Surveyor Name:	Andy Hamill
Camp Description:	This has been a heavy rain year, so lots of water in Agua Caliente creek just down hill from the camp and 6+ feet of water in the pool farther downstream.  The water temperature was pleasant and very nice for a swim.   Camp is on an exposed plateau above the creek. No shade in camp. Doesn't look like it's seen much use lately. The camp was overgrown with star thistle.  The picnic table and benches were in good condition, and the two shovels at the camp we very helpful for clearing star thistle. The Caliente trail is severely overgrown and hard to follow once you get past the dam above Big Caliente. We found it easier to hike up the creek.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Strong flow up to 3+ feet deep just down hill from the camp. Pool downstream is even deeper.
Weather Conditions:	Clear, sunny

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 03-30-2022 - by Addison Jerlow

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	03-30-2022
Surveyor Name:	Addison Jerlow
Camp Description:	Camp in great shape. Meadows green and full of wildflowers and the star thistle isn't awful yet. Good flow in creek at crossing before camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	strong flow a few inches deep
Weather Conditions:	low 70s, upper 40s
Images:

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 04-25-2021 - by James Wapotich

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	04-25-2021
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	Some water in the crossing before camp, better water just above the Oasis
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 05-02-2020 - by Matty Cal

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	05-02-2020
Surveyor Name:	Matty Cal
Camp Description:	Plenty of cold and flowing water in the Agua Caliente Creek near the upper camp and the impressive pool below.  The meadow was spectacular with native flowers in bloom including Mariposa Lilly.   The trail was overgrown and hard to follow through the cottonwood bog, but manageable. Lots of critters, great birding, many migrating birds have arrived to this canyon or were moving through.  Plenty of fresh tracks in the creek - deer, mlion, fox, others...overall a spectacular chance to spend some time in a canyon that has gotten less available to the public due to the ongoing road closures these past few years.   A real treat.   -mattycal
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Cold and Flowing
Weather Conditions:	slight breeze, sunny, cool in the shade...hot when exposed. A classic day
Images:	lion print

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 01-15-2017 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	01-15-2017
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 02-13-2016 - by Torrey Beckstrand

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	02-13-2016
Surveyor Name:	Torrey Beckstrand
Camp Description:	The meadows are turning green.  The camp is clean.  Not much shade mid day. But the pool is all brown and murky.   Not good for swimming.  Bummer
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Water trickling into the pool. Pool is brown mess.
Weather Conditions:	72 no wind perfect hiking
Images:	Caliente Camp Caliente Pool

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 12-08-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	12-08-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	No water
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Upper Caliente Camp Survey - 04-22-2014 - by Valerie Norton

Link:	Upper Caliente Camp
Date:	04-22-2014
Surveyor Name:	Valerie Norton
Camp Description:	Lots of space and the usual amenities. Fire ring does not have tools, so you will need to bring your own to keep it legal.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	could be better, but quite sufficient
Weather Conditions:	sunny, 75F
Images:

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