Sykes Hot Springs is a popular backpacker destination located in the Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur. The trek is ten mile each way. The hike starts at 400 ft elevation and hits a maximum of 1500 ft, but over the course of the trip you climb approximately 3000 ft and descended 2000 ft. The destination campsite has hot springs and a stream. There are a number of other campsites along the way. The Pine Ridge Trail mostly weaves through a cover of redwoods, pine and oak. The trail is typically well maintained and extremely easy to follow.
Lizard watching passing hikers at the Pine Ridge Trail head.
Ascending Pine Ridge Trail through sun baked chaparral.
Chaparral gives way to forest on the Pine Ridge Trail.
Terrace Creek Camp, 5.3 miles from the trailhead.
At the five mile mark you will come to Terrace Creek Camp. The area is nicely shaded with a stream for water. The stream can be easily crossed using stepping stones. Just passed the creek the trail has a slight climb as you exit Terrance camp. Around 6.5 miles from the trail head you will start down a series of moderate switch backs which take you to the next creek during which you’ll be passing many colorful wildflowers.
Barlow Flats Campsite.
Once you have passed the creek you are beginning the next up-hill section of this trip. At the seven mile mark you will see a turn-off on the left side of the trail for Barlow Flats campsite. Barlow Flats offers spacious camping on both sides of the river as well as some excellent swimming holes and trout fishing.
Barlow Flats Swimming Hole.
My first view of the morning sky.
I choose to sleep without a shelter as the skies were clear and the night time temperature dropped to a comfortable 50 degree’s. I slept well experiencing little attention from the mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Early morning start on the Pine Ridge Trail offers relief from the afternoon sun.
A short break at cool cascading creek and a chance to refill my canteen.
A small waterfall on the Pine Ridge Trail.
In the next miles or so the hike will get progressively steeper, but is still very pleasant. You know you are near the end of this section when you reach the tree to the right, at the bottom of a switch back. This is a nice place to stop and have a brief snack before climbing up this long switch back. Once you reach the top of the switch back you will have a pleasant mile or two as the trail slowly drifts down toward the river below. Shortly before you get to Sykes the trail will descend a set of steep switchbacks to the river below.
A refreshing swimming hole at Sykes.
Mysterious rock monument at Sykes.
My little camp under the big red woods at Sykes.
My new neighbor a Lady Bug at Sykes.
Chill'n in the Sykes Hot Springs.
To get to the hot springs, walk down stream. You will eventually come to a rock face sticking out from the side of the hill. Continue down the side of the steam until you see a trail heading up the hill. It will look like you could go a bit further than the trail near the river.. You will know you are close when you smell a slight sulfur odor. There is 3 soaking pools. One it typically up the hill, while two are down near the stream.
