Full Answer
How long does it take to hike Sykes Hot Springs?
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 9 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is Sykes Hot Springs Clothing Optional?
Like most hot springs, Sykes is a clothing-optional location. However, nudity is never mandatory, and some visitors will wear their swimsuits.
Do I need a permit for Sykes Hot Springs?
Please complete a voluntary self-registration permit at the trailhead at Big Sur Station. Prior to the wildfire/winter storm closure, Sykes Camp was overused by visitors due to the presence of natural hot springs that were impounded into tubs.
How long is the Arizona Hot Spring trail?
3.5 hours to complete loop including an hour soak and river detour. went CCW and glad I did. The right leg was basically sandy all the way down. through some very cool slot canyons.
How long can you stay in a hot spring?
People should avoid staying in a hot bath or hot spring for too long — no longer than 15 minutes — if the outside temperature is cold, HPA Aging and Chronic Disease Control Division head Wu Chien-yuan (吳建遠) said.
Is it safe to swim in hot springs?
Prolonged soaking in water can cause rising in heart rate and a drop in blood pressure. Rapid heart rates might lead to a drastic drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness, fainting, and even cardiac arrest. People with cardiovascular disorders must consult their physician before entering into hot spring water.
Is Sykes Camp open?
There are five camps located along the Pine Ridge Trail in the 12 miles of trail between the Big Sur Station and Redwood Camp. Barlow Flat Camp has the most room and Sykes Camp is most heavily used....At a Glance.Operational Hours:Open year-roundUsage:HeavyBest Season:Spring and SummerBusiest Season:Summer Weekends9 more rows
Is slates hot springs open to the public?
Yes, the Hot Springs are open for public use from 1 am to 3 am every night.
Are Esalen baths open?
Public Night Bathing (1:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.) Reservations for public night bathing are currently closed due to COVID-19. Call 831-667-3000 or email us at [email protected]. Due to the high volume of inquiries we receive, please allow up to 72 hours for a reply.
Is the ladder up at Arizona Hot Springs?
Note (March 2022): The ladder has been replaced. This is a great, 3.25-mile (one-way) hike to hot springs near the Colorado River.
Is Arizona Hot Springs closed?
Arizona Hot Springs is closed from May 15-September 30 each year.
How long is the Gold Strike hot springs hike?
about 3-4 hoursPlan for about 3-4 hours of hiking and scrambling time in each direction, or a full day adventure if you really want to soak up this spring's full potential.
How long does it take to get to Sykes Hot Springs?
This downstream trek should take no more than 15 minutes to get to the Sykes Hot Springs.
How far is the Big Sur Trail to Sykes Hot Springs?
The trek from the Big Sur Trail Head to and from the Sykes Hot Springs is a twenty mile round trip via the Pine Ridge Trail. To enjoy the complete experience of the picturesque trail and the hot springs, it is recommended that you spend the night at one of the camps in the vicinity of the hot pools. There are six campsites for you ...
Why is Sykes Hot Springs so popular?
One of the reasons why visiting Sykes Hot Springs is popular apart from it being one of the premier thermal springs in California is the fact that there are available campsites for visitors to utilize if they want to stay overnight. The trek from the Big Sur Trail Head to and from the Sykes Hot Springs is a twenty mile round trip via ...
Where is Sykes Hot Springs?
Located approximately 10 miles from the Big Sur Park Trailhead and along the Pine Ridge Trail in the scenic Ventana Wilderness in California is the soothing and relaxing Sykes Hot Springs. Sykes Hot Springs is one of the foremost geothermal springs in California and is a major attraction for people who just want ...
How many people can swim in Sykes Hot Springs?
Sykes Hot Springs includes three pools, two are downhill, and one is about 30 feet up the hill, each pool can accommodate a maximum of 4-5 people at any particular time. Clothing is optional at the uppermost pool. So, if you enjoy taking a dip in 102-degree water in the nude, there is an option for you at Sykes Hot Springs.
Why are hot springs closed?
The hot springs are however currently closed due to extensive damage to the trail leading to the springs by a wildfire in 2017. The famous hot springs should be reopened to the public as soon as the damaged trails are restored.
How much does it cost to park at Big Sur?
However, you will be required to pay for parking at the parking lot near the Big Sur Trail Head. The daily fee for parking is $10, and parking is limited to 65 slots at any given time. Also, you will need to secure a campfire permit to use a gas stove while camping in the area.
Trip Video: Backpacking to Sykes Hot Springs
Here is a video I made about the trip. As you’ll see, it was a sweaty hike with a few twists and turns but it sure was beautiful!
Route Summary
Below is a summary of the route to Sykes Hot Springs, though you can find more detailed information in the Trip Report section below.
About Sykes Hot Springs and Los Padres National Forest
Sykes Hot Springs is along the Pine Ridge Trail, which is a popular trail in Los Padres National Forest, near Big Sur California. Los Padres is about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. The trailhead is at Big Sur Station, which is directly off of Highway 1 and very easy to find.
Map & Permit Info
I used the AllTrails Map. I recommend getting the Pro version of AllTrails so you can download the map to your phone. There is also a paper map available. I’ve also made a Google Maps of my route, however, you shouldn’t rely on this one for navigation.
Trip Report: Big Sur Station to Sykes Hot Springs
I drove from Monterey to Big Sur on Saturday morning. After making a few stops (the most notable of which was at the Big Sur Bakey), I reached Big Sur Station a little before 1:00 pm. After paying for parking at the station (remember to bring cash!), I changed into my backpacking clothing, threw on my backpack and hit the trail.
Tips and FAQs for Hiking to Sykes Hot Springs
Recovering Environment – Pine Ridge Trail and Sykes Hot Springs only opened this September; there was a long period of closure after a wildfire. You will see signs of the fire throughout the hike; for example, there are many trees still standing that have their outer barked completely burnt.
Packing List
Going Ultralightweight was Amazing – I packed extremely lightweight for this trip and it made the hike so much easier. While it would have been nice to have a pair of sandals for the campsite or a change of clothes, it was even nicer only having 20 lbs of gear on my back. You can read more about my lightweight setup here.
How not to take my eight-year-old nephew, and other newbies, on a first-time backpacking trip
IG BEAR LAKE, California — “You can get whatever snacks you want,” I tell my nephew, Luke, as we walk into a grocery store. I’m about to take him on his first hiking and camping trip. “One of the best things about hiking is that you can eat anything you want!”
How to Hike to Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur, California
OVERVIEW: The trip to Sykes Hot Springs in California’s Ventana Wilderness is a 21.6-mile, two-day, round-trip hike. Though Sykes is a very popular California backpacking trip, it is not easy, even for fit hikers: the trail’s relentless, rolling hills require backpackers’ knees to endure a 5,502 total elevation gain (and loss).
Why was Sykes Camp overused?
Prior to the wildfire/winter storm closure, Sykes Camp was overused by visitors due to the presence of natural hot springs that were impounded into tubs. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will no longer tolerate human-made structures and impoundments. Sadly, scofflaws will rebuild impoundments.
How long is the trail from Big Sur Station to Redwood Camp?
Sadly, scofflaws will rebuild impoundments. The USFS is committed to maintaining their prohibition through patrols, education, and removal. The 12-mile stretch of trail from Big Sur Station to Redwood Camp is strenuous.
Is Pine Ridge Trail open?
The entirety of the Pine Ridge Trail is open effective April 13, 2021. The Pine Ridge Trail is once again open to the public after being closed for five years due to the human-caused 2016 Soberanes Fire and damage inflicted by the winter storms of 2017.
Is Sykes Camp illegal?
Since the natural hot springs at Sykes are in federally designated Wilderness and within a protected Wild & Scenic River corridor, the tubs that were built downstream from Sykes Camp were illegal impoundments. Unauthorized structures are inconsistent with the Wilderness character of the region.
06 Jul Sykes Hot Springs
Sykes Hot Springs, WOW…Jodi and I are preparing for our 2016 John Muir Trail hike by doing some gear test runs to see if we have what we need for…THE BIG ONE. We took three days during the middle of the week and went to Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur, California for our first test.
Surprise!
I was caught off guard with how grueling the hike was…even at a low altitude. I quickly realized I needed more muscle work for those sticks just below my buttocks.
What Decision Point?
I really wanted to reach Sykes Hot Springs on the first day but I also realized we needed to listen to our bodies. There are some key decision points along the trail. The first landmark is Ventana Camp Trail. It seemed to take forever to get there…you know…it’s just around the next bend but really about 4.2 miles in.
Which Way To Go?
The official Sykes Hot Springs camp is across the river and to the right. We were told the best sights were to the immediate left hiking down stream toward the hot springs. We chose left and found several prime spots…already occupied.
Sykes Hot Springs
We knew the hot springs were down stream and the trails branched out everywhere. It sounded simple…just walk down stream until you smell sulfur. It seemed to take longer than expected to get to them. At one point in the trail you will need to scramble up a steep AND narrow path.
The People That You Meet
I’ve never been disappointed with the type of people I meet on a hike. OK maybe there is one couple…that I was disappointed in. Todd and I passed their camp at Lake Penner…and their unleashed little dogs…I call them ankle biters…bit Todd’s ankle.
Heading Home
Alas it was time to go home. We packed up with ease and started our journey. I thought it was going to be as rough going out, as it was going in to Sykes Hot Springs…but after a few miles my legs picked up a nice rhythm. I shouldn’t have been surprised…but we seemed to pass about 100 hikers and 14.5 dogs heading to Sykes.
