Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
3,810.00 ft (1,161.29 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
20.80 mi (33.47 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

 NOTE: THE TRAIL TO SYKES HOT SPRINGS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO DAMAGE FROM WINTER 2017 STORMS. CALL THE USFS MONTEREY DISTRICT OFFICE IN KING CITY (831) 385-5434 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

What better way to relax after a strenuous 10-mile hike than to take a dip in a soothing hot spring? Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur is one of the most famous and popular backcountry hot springs in California, and it is easy to understand why. Sykes in nestled deep in the Ventana Wilderness, a 234,000-acre protected area that was first established in 1969. Sykes became popular during the counter-culture movement of the 1960s, and it has since has become a favorite destination for backpackers and locals alike.

Unfortunately, recent popularity has been working against it. Although there are only seven official campsites by the springs, holidays and summer weekends can bring hundreds of campers, and many do not respect the natural beauty of the Big Sur River. Trash and erosion has become a big problem. However, if you pick your departure dates well, you can find yourself mostly alone at the springs.

You will begin your 10-mile trek at the Big Sur Ranger Station, starting on a relatively easy path that parallels the highway. After about a mile you will begin a 1,200 foot ascent, climbing above a massive and awe-inspiring canyon eroded by the Big Sur River. As you climb, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and rocky peaks to the east. For the next 7 miles the trail traverses along the cliff edge. If you are looking to stay in a less crowded campground, there are a few along this path. At approximately 8 miles into the hike the trail climbs again to reach a height of 1,700 feet. The last mile to the river is all downhill. Once you reach the Big Sur River, don't expect to see any signs for Sykes. They are often removed by locals who want the springs kept a secret. You can find campsites both upstream and downstream. For more secluded sites, follow the river upstream. 

The hot springs themselves are located downstream about a half mile. You will need to walk through the river in places, so bring sandals or water shoes. Keep walking, you can't miss the springs. There are two lower springs. If you climb 20 feet up the hill, there is one more spring that is often clothing-optional. Take your pick and enjoy the natural spa!

Note that poison oak is ubiquitous in the area. Please do not camp directly across from the springs out of common courtesy, and use only the backcountry toilet at Sykes. Campfire and camp stove permits are free and required.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Beautiful canyons and forests. Relaxing hot springs. Good introductory backpacking.

Cons

Can be extremely crowded. Trash is an issue. No group restrictions.

Trailhead Elevation

309.00 ft (94.18 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Old-growth forest
Big vistas
Wildlife
Bird watching
Hot springs

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

03/20/2023
As of March 2023, the Pine Ridge Trail is open but the tubs for dipping in the springs are gone. The man-made rock and concrete impoundment that trapped the natural Sulphur springs in a basin alongside the river was destroyed by high water during the forest closure. The springs at Sykes Camp are in federally designated Wilderness and within a protected Wild & Scenic River corridor.

The man-made basin was an unauthorized and illegal man-made structure that is inconsistent with the wilderness character of the region. They created an "attractive nuisance" that on weekends drew hundreds of visitors who damaged the the Big Sur River environment. The excessive visitors left uncovered feces and of hundreds of pounds of trash and abandoned gear behind.

The tubs drained limited management resources due to the need for repeated visitor education, enforcement of fire restrictions, and the constant clean-up required. For these reasons, if you are thinking of visiting the Sykes hot tubs, choose an alternative location. The tubs are a distant memory. You get to enjoy this protected area without the tubs. (From the Ventana Wilderness Alliance - https://www.ventanawild.org/plan-a-trip/sykes-camp-sykes-hot-springs)
02/09/2018
Is the camp ground and trail still closed?
02/27/2017
Unfortunately, as a result of the 2016 Sobranes Fire, most trails & camps including Sykes remain closed. http://www.ventanawild.org/plan-a-trip/sykes-camp-sykes-hot-springs
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