Backpacking, Big Sur River, Camping, Hiking, Naked, Nature, Naturism, Naturist, Nude hike, Nudism, Outdoors, Sykes Hot Springs, Wilderness. Please do not camp directly across from the springs out of common courtesy, and use only the backcountry toilet at Sykes. If you are looking to stay in a less crowded campground, there are a few along this path. Next day, bright and early, I daytripped over to Sykes Hot Springs. The facilities are housed on an 1800 acre property that serves as a refuge from the bustling outside … The next camp is Barlow, where I pitched my tent. One thing I noticed on the trail was the constant irritation of little black flies. Spent some time trying to get wildlife photos. The springs may be inaccessible when the river is running high, you can see the river at the Big Sur resort before starting your trip. Backpacking to Sykes Hot Springs in the Ventana Wilderness - November 2010. A lot of people there, mostly from local colleges as well as foreign tourists. You will begin your 10-mile trek at the Big Sur Ranger Station, starting on a relatively easy path that parallels the highway. They were not friendly, nor were they hostile, they just acted like they owned the place. As you climb, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and rocky peaks to the east. It is a 2-day, 20-mile out-and-back trip. I assume it would be pretty crowded during the weekends. It’s about protecting what sustains us. The Sykes Hot Springs are awesome, I hope to go back. The last 8 miles of driving to the campground is on dirt roads. Directions from Bend: Travel 23.5 miles south on Hwy. Of course, we also saw makeshift gear setups, poorly outfitted backpackers, day-hikers, and a man who was old enough to be sporting a long, snow-white beard on the trail, so will-power clearly goes a long way on this trail. It’s about nourishment and learning. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Already mid-afternoon but I started anyhow. Soaking in the upper pool for 5 hours drinking beer and staring up the redwood groves. Notes about the hike: Despite the fact that the initial part of the trail that ascends through a lush green forest, the first 3 miles of the hike kinda suck. Perfect for a solitary naturist! The next day we tried to park our car at the overnight parking at the Big Sur Forest Station, where the trail starts, but it was totally full! The Quick and Dirty: Location: Backpacking Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur, CA. Where can you hike in Big Sur? 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. They are often removed by locals who want the springs kept a secret. Too hot in the summer when temperatures soar into the high 90s, autumn brings pleasant 60-70 degree days, with nights dipping into the 40s. Distance and Duration: 10 miles one way on the Pine Ridge trail to Sykes camp, we finished the hike in about 4 hours one way. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The next day we tried to park our car at the overnight parking at the Big Sur Forest Station, where the trail starts, but it was totally full! Located near East Lake in Newberry National Volcanic Monument the Hot Springs Campground offers 52 campsites with vault toilets, and drinking water. Bears are a common occurrence at all campgrounds in Newberry Caldera. yeah." your own Pins on Pinterest So at least one part of the Alphabet (Google's parent company) that is Google knows where the Sykes hot springs is (if not the campground). Unfortunately, as a result of the 2016 Sobranes Fire, most trails & camps including Sykes remain closed. I met plenty of hikers. Good introductory backpacking. In complete view high on the side of the canyon.of. Estimated opening is mid 2020.. 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