Big Caliente Hot Spring

A natural hot spring piped into a cement pool in the rugged mountains above Santa Barbara. Well-known, Big Caliente experiences heavy visitation on weekends. Despite its rather rugged location, Big Caliente has had many improvements made to it. The hot spring source is piped into a rather elaborate concrete tub built into the ground. The hot springs are also equipped with a concrete dressing room and latrines. The concrete tub is about 7 feet by 4 feet and 3 feet deep, ideal for several people to bathe in at once. The water is rather hot, so you may want to divert the source water out of the pond for a while before bathing. A light trickle of water sprays over the spring from the source, creating a mild shower effect. This hot spring is relatively well-known, and heavily visited on weekends. Bathing suits are universally worn. During the week you may be fortunate enough to have the spring to yourself. The spring has been developed, with changing rooms and a bathroom but an otherwise primitive setting.