Sykes Hot Springs

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 36.248544, -121.686335 (Sykes Camp . . . HS are 3/8 mile downriver)

Sykes Hot Springs are VERY popular and slightly overrated, though they definitely are clothing-optional.

The hike starts at the Weyland Campground in Phieffer Big Sur State Park and heads east along the ridges overlooking the Big Sur River into the Ventana Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest for 9-10 miles.

The Pine Ridge Trail mostly weaves through a cover of redwoods, pine and oak. The trail is moderately well maintained and extremely easy to follow. [In Nov 2004 there are a number of dead falls, and a small section of the trail just after the 3 mile marker which has been damaged by a slide with two really large tree that you have to get around.] There is no need for a map unless you want to closely monitor your progress. The first 3 miles of the Pine Ridge Trail is a moderately steep climb up from the coast, with the worse being in the first two miles. The sign indicating you have entered Ventana Wilderness is at the 2 mile marker. Around 40% of the first three miles are on exposed hills which can heat up in the spring and summer sun, but you will get a nice view of the ocean in some of the clearings. Once you pass the turnoff for the Ventana campsite, The next four miles are much easier than the first three with only a few hills to climb. Most of this section of the trail weaves in and out pretty micro canyons. At the half way point is the Terrace campsite, a lovely place to stop. The area is nicely shaded, with beautiful scenery and a nice stream for water. Just passed the creek is a trail to Outlaw camp and the continuation of the Pine Ridge Trail which will take you to Sykes camp. There is a a pit toilet just up the trail toward Outlaw camp. At the seven mile mark is the turn off for Barlow Flats campsite. The last three miles has some ups and downs, but not as rigorous as the first three miles.

Once you get to Sykes, you will have to ford the stream to reach both the hot springs and the camp sites. You can camp on either side of the stream. The hot springs are around a 3/8 of a mile to your left, on the same side of the river as the trail from Big Sur. There are two good size pools which hold 3-4 people, one up the hill, and one right by the stream. To get to the hot springs, follow the stream. Most of the way there will be a clear path, but there are three places where the hillside juts out making it impossible to follow the path directly. The first is just a couple hundred feet from the trailhead. I typically just walk across the stream to a jetty which is sometimes an island in the spring when the water is high. Twice more the trail will take you up the hillside and away from the stream to get around small cliffs (both after the pit toilet).

A GPX file of the route in from Big Sur is available for the asking.