Why Is Sykes Hot Springs Closed?

The river can become impassable during winter and spring due to high, swift water. More about the hot springs: Wildfire, winter storm damage, and deadfalls damaged the Pine Ridge Trail leading to its closure from 2016 to 2021. For these reasons, “Sykes Hot Springs” needs to become nothing more than a distant memory.

Are dogs allowed at Sykes Hot Springs?

Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail is a 18.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Big Sur, California that features hot springs and is rated as difficult. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Is the Pine Ridge Trail Open in Big Sur?

Area Status: Open Completely traversing the Ventana Wilderness from 5,000-foot-high Chews Ridge to Big Sur Station, the Pine Ridge is the most popular trail in the Ventana Region.

Is Sykes Hot Spring closed?

Note: Good news! 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 Ventana Wilderness open?

Most of the Ventana Wilderness is now open, although the western Pine Ridge Trail, Terrace Creek Trail & spurs remain closed (see attached map). Have fun out there, but be safe & remember that we are still in Level 3 Fires Restrictions- NO CAMPFIRES in the backcountry.

Can dogs hike in Big Sur?

Dogs are not allowed on State Park trails but are allowed in the picnic or day use areas, some campgrounds and on paved roads throughout the park. Dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times and may not be left unattended.

Do I need a permit to backpack in Big Sur?

Unlike California’s national parks or the Eastern Sierra Mountains, Big Sur does not yet require permits for intrepid hikers looking to spend a night among the big trees and stunning ocean vistas. This makes it an excellent option for last minute backpacking trips coming from Los Angeles, Sacramento, or San Francisco.

Are hot springs in Big Sur open?

Big Sur has two hot springs which are open to the public; Sykes Hot Springs and the hot springs located at the Esalen Institute. A third hot springs is located at the Tassajara Zen Center which is accessible by way of Big Sur and an 18 mile hike over the rugged Ventana Wilderness.

Can you camp for free in Big Sur?

The Los Padres National Forest is home to Big Sur and there are lots of places on the side of the road that you are allowed to camp for free. Big Sur campgrounds can fill up months in advance, so car camping on public BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) is a great back-up or last-minute trick.

Can you walk down to McWay Falls?

2) Can you actually hike down to McWay Falls? Unfortunately it is illegal to go down there. The reason why is because of the many dangers including deaths that have happened from people trying to do that. There is no road or path that leads down there and you would literally be risking your life to scale down there.

Can you camp in Ventana Wilderness?

The campground offers 40 single campsites, as well as three group sites (for up to 40 people) and can accommodate RVs and trailers that are up to 45 feet long.

Are dogs allowed in Ventana Wilderness?

Dog are permitted on a leash no more than 6 feet long, or otherwise restrict its freedom to roam at will. At night keep your dogs and other pets inside an enclosed vehicle or in a tent. Developed campgrounds are for people, not animals. Please do not bring more than two dogs or other pet to any one campsite.

Is Ventana Wilderness part of Los Padres National Forest?

The Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest is a federally designated wilderness area located in the Santa Lucia Range along the Central Coast of California.