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Dough Flat Trailhead

Fillmore, California · Ventura County · Facility

Open in Spring, Summer and Fall and is within the Winter Seasonal Closure between approximately December 15th – April 30th.Alder Creek Trail (20W11)Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoffFrom the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within ¼ mile. Hik…

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34.52230, -118.89550
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Dough Flat Trailhead

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High77°F
Avg Low56°F
Peak Rain Chance0%
Humidity41%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality43 · Good
Today
☀️
Clear
71°/51°
🌬 15mph
5:44 AM8:01 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
77°/58°
🌬 15mph
5:44 AM8:02 PM
Mon
☀️
Clear
75°/57°
🌬 13mph
5:44 AM8:03 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
78°/55°
🌬 10mph
5:43 AM8:03 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
82°/60°
🌬 10mph
5:43 AM8:04 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Dough Flat Trailhead

Open in Spring, Summer and Fall and is within the Winter Seasonal Closure between approximately December 15th – April 30th.Alder Creek Trail (20W11)Difficulty: moderate from trailhead to Cow Spring Camp; difficult to Shady Camp turnoffFrom the Dough Flat Trailhead, you will enter the Sespe Wilderness within ¼ mile. Hike 2.5 miles north to the Bucksnort Trail Junction. Continue west one mile to reach Cow Spring Camp. Continue 3.2 miles down to Alder Creek Camp. The trail below Dripping Springs becomes narrow and sections of the tread have been destroyed from winter flooding. There are two campsites separated by the creek crossing. Continue west along the creek .8 miles to reach the junction with Sespe River Trail (20W13). Water is usually only available here during winter and spring.Length: 7.5 milesSESPE WILDERNESS - More information on the Sespe Wilderness: www.wilderness.netMaps: Tom Harrison - Sespe Wilderness Map or 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps (Devils Heart Peak)Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary.

How to Get There

Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Dough Flat Trailhead

Heading to Dough Flat Trailhead? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Dough Flat Trailhead?

No central reservation system listed for Dough Flat Trailhead. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252852) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Dough Flat Trailhead?

Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road and drive 14.1 miles to Dough Flat Trailhead. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Be very cautious en route to trailhead. Follow the road, being careful to stay on the main road, the side roads will take you to oil well pads. The Dough Flat parking area is adjacent to the public access corridor of t…