Gaviota Hot Springs is a rustic and primitive rock walled tub in the Los Padres National Forest along the central coast of California. This hot springs is also known as Las Cruces Hot Springs, is clothing optional and day use only. Accessibility is good, you can drive up to the hot springs parking area where there is a fee for parking. Once at the hot springs it is about a mile hike uphill on a dirt road. There are two hot springs areas. The main hot springs is cemented rock walled tub, that fits about 6 people. The hot water comes out of the hot springs like carbonated soda water. The temperature of the hot springs is about 100 degrees, though it varies according to the season. The hot springs area is the runoff from the main pool. It is about 95 degrees depending on the season.
This hot springs is pet friendly, though dogs need to be on a leash, and no dogs IN the hot springs. There have been mountain lions that have been spotted in the area, so be careful and plan accordingly. The hot springs are not privately maintained so there is a lot of algae and moss, and a sulfur smell. This hot springs is managed by California State Park, so the gate for parking closes at dark. Nearest camping is Gaviota Beac State Park.
