Planning a solo trip to Sespe in two weeks

Hi All,

Looking for advice on planning a solo backpacking trip to Sespe Hot Springs. The river is very high and so the Piedra Blanca trail is out, I called the Ojai Ranger Station and they recommended the Johnston Ridge Trail but noted that the gate for the road to trailhead would be closed until late April. I need to capture video of the algae at Sespe hot springs for a video research project and so I need to do it in the next two weeks probably some stretch of days between March 26-31. The rangers told me the best bet is to mountain bike the road to the trail(around 12 miles) and then stow the bike and hike the Johnston Ridge into the springs. I've only done Piedra Blanca to Willet springs and Alder Creek Trail to Sespe. I am assembling what I need to do this trip alone since none of my friends are fit/crazy enough to attempt this. I have several questions:

Has anyone done this bike/hike route before? Any tips would be appreciated?
Has anyone done this hike from any route during this time of year before? Again advice on what to expect would be great.
Are mountain lions, bears, coyotes, snakes an issue this time of year? Seems like the warm climate means they are active year round and the wilderness area means they are pretty numerous compared to other parts of socal.

I have a GPS for emergency contact and a bear bag for food and toiletries. Is there anything to use at night for warding off animals?
All info is very much appreciated.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/18/2019 01:43PM by paulespo.