Sykes Hot Spring

Getting There

Trailhead is at Big Sur Station, off CA-1 in Big Sur. Pine Ridge Trail is the standard route. As of recent seasons, day-use permits are required and overnight permits at Sykes Camp itself are limited. Always check the current Los Padres National Forest status before planning.

When to Visit

Spring (March through May) offers blooming wildflowers and reliable creek crossings. Fall (October to early November) has cooler hiking weather. Summer can be hot and exposed; winter rains can flood the trail and make creek crossings dangerous.

Fees & Permits

Approximately $5 trailhead permit plus $10 parking at Big Sur Station. Reservations may be required during peak seasons; check recreation.gov. No fees at the springs themselves.

Safety & Etiquette

Strenuous hike with significant elevation gain (2,000+ feet). Carry plenty of water; on-trail water sources can be unreliable in dry years. The trail traverses areas with poison oak; long pants and long sleeves help. Cell service is essentially nonexistent. Tell someone your itinerary.

Nearby

Big Sur itself offers Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand), McWay Falls (80-foot waterfall onto a beach), and Bixby Bridge photo stops. The Henry Miller Library is a Big Sur cultural anchor. Carmel-by-the-Sea is 30 minutes north; San Simeon and Hearst Castle are 60 minutes south.

Last updated: 2026-04-20

Features & Access

🌿 Safety Reminder

Always test water temperature before entering. Avoid springs above 104°F for extended soaking. Stay hydrated, limit sessions to 15–20 minutes, and never soak alone in remote locations.