Sykes Hot Springs Trail Head at Big Sur Forest Service Station: Sykes, One of Big Sur's Best Wilderness Hike-In Only Camping Spots.

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Sykes Hot Springs Campground Trail is Opened!!!

After being closed for almost two years because of the 2008 wildfire damage the trail to Sykes Hot Springs & Campground (Pine Ridge Trail) was finally reopened spring 2010. The damage from the fire is still visible and there are many deadfalls on the trail to climb over, under, or circumvent but when I last went the trail was in relatively good shape, you should check with the Ventana Wilderness Alliance website before you begin any Big Sur wilderness adventure.
Not a trip for little kids, old or out of shape folks: This Sykes Hot Springs Campground listing is only for the hardy and adventurous and physically fit hikers and campers; the other campgrounds on in this directory are on paved roads and can be easily reached by RV's or passenger cars; this is for those of you who like to backpack into the Big Sur wilderness. Sykes Hot springs hiking and camping is probably the most popular Big Sur backcountry trail camp adventure so if you are Big Sur wilderness backpacking for some solitude you may be disappointed but normally it is no problem finding a nice camp spot next to the Big Sur River and you could make some new friends. The hike is not an easy one; sometimes steep (400 ft elevation and hits a maximum of 1500 ft,), lots of ups and downs and dead falls, several water crossings and a 10+ mile one-way hike but you can soothe your weary bones in a beautiful natural hot spring pool right next to the river. The full hike takes most hikers four to six hours but there are other nice campgrounds along the way if you want to spread the hike out over a few days. You can leave your car in the parking lot at the Big Sur Ranger Station, when I was there it was self serve $4 per night; the trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot of the station clearly discernible by an information board, bench, and drinking fountain.
Campground Facilities: When you get to the river campground don’t expect anything fancy, a small flat place for your tent, a rock rimed fire pit, and if you are lucky a log to sit on may be all you get; but the river and forest surroundings are wonderful. There are pit toilets and campsites on both sides of the Big Sur River, I like to pick one on the far side of the river because there is less foot traffic; the hot (about 100°F) spring pools are on the side you come in on and so you get traffic from people going to the pools.
Finding the hot spring pools can be a bit tricky especially if you arrive after dark. To find the springs, follow the river down to your left about 3/10 of a mile from the trail till you get to a large steep side trail that will take you above the river, continue to follow the trail and you will descend back down to the river about 100 feet from the hot springs.
If off the beaten path camping is something that interests you should check out this forestry map (www.fs.fed.us...) which shows the locations of well over 50 Big Sur (Ventana or Silver Peak) wilderness campgrounds. If you e-mail me I will give you my favorite Big Sur back country camp but I won't publish the name and location of this hidden jewel of a Big Sur backcountry 4-wheel in escape campsite.

Sykes Big Sur Campers and Trail Hikers Reviews at yelp.com

Pets & Misc. Regulations: This is a U.S. Forestry Campground, dogs are allowed in the campground and on the trails.
Helpful Hints: The best time to visit this wonderful campground is in spring and early summer, pick your dates carefully in summer it can be hot, dusty and buggy sometimes late summer fall too. Temperatures can get over 100° in the summer. Much of the trail was spoiled by the 2008 firestorms and can be affected by winter rain problems... and you should call ahead to the Big Sur Ranger Station (831-667-2315) to make sure it's passable.  Also helps to check the internet blog entries of recent hikers and pre-procure your free fire permit online and you can print it from your computers printer. You are miles from any services so be sure and use a check list and don't forget anything.

Other Recommended Weekend Ventana Wilderness Trips: Weekend hike loops are tricky in the Ventana Wilderness, they're possible, but often involve road hiking. If you plan to hike in it may be best to hike in and retrace your steps back out. Salmon Creek is my favorite trail, Estrella, Spruce, Dutra Flat, and Turkey Springs my favorite hike in camps.
3 to 5 day backpack wilderness outings: I favor Salmon Creek trail hike and the reachable camps along the way but another one of my favorites would be: - Botcher's Gap to Pat Springs - Pat Springs to Double Cone and Back - Pat Springs to Botcher's Gap; Ventana Double Cone trail is mostly high on the ridge offering sweeping scenic views of the Ventana Wilderness.

Before you venture into the Ventana or Silverpeak Wilderness Areas you should always check in with the forums at Ventana Wilderness Aliance to get the latest trail and wilderness campground reports.