By

Ojai Hot Springs

Ojai Hot Springs, also known as Ecotopia and Matilija Hot Springs was a hidden gem of Santa Barbara, California for a long time. Being hidden by California’s natural wilderness, the locals kept it a secrete until about 10 years ago when social media started to talk about this amazing attraction causing tourists from all over the U.S to come check it out. As it became more and more popular it unfortunately suffered from people leaving trash everywhere and because it was on private land, the property owners quickly took over and required reservations to keep the maintain the hot springs habitat.

Ojai Hot Springs
Ojai Hot Springs

Ojai Hot Springs is located in Los Padres National Forest. There are five sectioned off pools formed by rocks and boulders with temperatures ranging from 100 – 106 degrees. For $20 fee you can access the springs for a few hours as well as get a gift from the farm on the property.

Ojai Hot Spring
Ojai Hot Spring

Due to being a primitive warm springs, clothing is optional and many take advantage of soaking in the mineral waters completely nude. What you can expect once you arrive:

  • The largest springs area is over 20 feet wide and is the hottest at 106 degrees.
  • There is a small bridge that takes you to the next springs which has two waterfalls that feed the pool. There is a boulder that sits in the center to give the appearance of a cave where you can swim under to the adjacent pool.
  • Next to the waterfall fed spring is a stream that hovers around 103 degrees. This one has the most sulfur mineral aroma.
  • If you continue down the stream you will find the final pool that stream flows into. This is the coolest pool at 100 degrees.
Ojai Hot Springs Santa Barbara
Ojai Hot Springs Santa Barbara

Directions to Ojai Hot Springs

1. Coming from Los Angeles, take highway 101.
2. Merge onto CA 33 towards Ojai
3. Stay on CA 33 until you get to Matilija Rd.
4. Turn left and continue until you arrive to your destination.
5. From the parking lot it’s only a few hundred feet to the springs.


Address: 2566 Matilija Canyon Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
Season: All Year

Please make sure you book a reservation prior to visiting Ojai Hot Springs as you will be turned away if you don’t. The owners of the land have done an amazing job at preserving this natural attraction in California and is well worth the trip. Happy Soaking!