Sespe Wilderness Backpack - SBC
Join us for a three-day backpacking trip through the stunning Sespe Wilderness—home to rugged sandstone formations, lush creekside camps, and one of Southern California’s most iconic backcountry hot springs. This adventure blends moderate mileage with rewarding scenery, a chance to disconnect, and plenty of time to soak in nature.
Trip Cost
SRWC Member: $100
Faculty, Staff, Non-Enrolled CSUSB Student, and Alumni Association: $130
Affiliate: $145
Sponsored Guest: $160
Sign-Up Deadline
March 2, 2026 @ 12pm
Pre-Trip Meeting
March 3, 2026 @ 6pm
Activity Level
3 – Adventurous
Trip Departs From
CSUSB Adventure Center (Student Union South room 114)
Itinerary
Day 1: We’ll meet early Friday morning at 8:00 AM and hit the road for a scenic two-hour drive to the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, the gateway to the Sespe Wilderness. From here, we’ll shoulder our packs and begin our journey toward Bear Creek Trail Camp. The hike is a manageable 4.3 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain, winding past white sandstone formations, open meadows, and flowing water. After setting up camp, we’ll enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars.
Day 2: Rise bright and early for our biggest day of hiking! After breakfast, we’ll trek to Willet Hot Springs, an out-and-back journey totaling 11.6 miles (5.8 miles each way). We’ll take our time exploring the canyon, then reward ourselves with a rejuvenating soak in the warm hot springs. We’ll enjoy lunch before hiking back to Bear Creek Trail Camp for a hearty dinner and another peaceful night in the backcountry.
Day 3: After breaking camp, we’ll say goodbye to Bear Creek and hike the 4.3 miles back to the van. Once packed up, we’ll enjoy a relaxing drive home with a stop for dinner along the way to celebrate a successful trip.
Packing List
Food
6 meals are included, starting with dinner on day 1 (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners)
2 meals are not included (1 lunch, 1 dinner). Bring money.
Hygiene and Comfort
We will be carrying our all our food, shelter, clothing, water and equipment in a pack weighting up to 40lbs. We will be staying in wilderness campsite. We will treat water from a nearby spring or bring enough water from CSUSB. We will dispose of human waste following Leave no Trace. You will have the option to share a tent with one or two people or sleep out under the cover of the stars. Light weight tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, foam pads and ground tarps will be provided to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. The ground consists of soft and hard soil.
Registration Opens 1/6/26 @ 8:00am