🌲 The Sunset Hike to Sykes Hot Springs — A Big Sur Adventure

🌲 If you’ve ever wanted to hike to Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur, here’s my advice: do it once… and pack light. 😅

The Pine Ridge Trail to Sykes is one of the most beautiful — and most brutal — hikes in California. It’s rated as a hard trail, covering about 11 miles each way (22 miles round trip) with an elevation gain of around 5,400 feet. Depending on your fitness level and pack weight, it can take anywhere from 8 to 13 hours to complete.

We started the hike right at sunset, and those first few miles were absolutely breathtaking. 🌅 On our left, the rugged cliffs of Big Sur dropped away into the Pacific Ocean 🌊, glowing gold and pink in the fading light. On our right, steep ridges and redwoods towered above us. It was one of those rare “wow” moments where exhaustion and awe hit at the same time.

Our group included about five friends, my sister (our unofficial leader), and my son, who was around 10 at the time. We hiked under the dimming sky as the stars began to appear, laughing, sweating, and occasionally questioning all our life choices.

A few hours in, as our legs started to feel like jelly, my sister suddenly stopped, turned around, and said,

“Uh… are we on the right trail? We might be lost.” 😳

Not exactly what you want to hear on a narrow mountain trail in the dark.

The funny thing is — it’s actually hard to get lost on the Pine Ridge Trail. It’s one long, obvious route, with only one section that opens into a wide clearing where people often camp for the night. We were fine — just tired, sore, and starting to run on trail mix and willpower.

Eventually, we gave in and slept right on the trail. 😂

We rolled out our sleeping bags, and my son curled up next to me as the temperature dropped. The forest was quiet except for the sound of the river below. It was cold and uncomfortable but kind of magical — until I woke up to a centipede crawling across his back. 😬

Now, I’m terrified of bugs — especially centipedes — but somehow, mom instincts kicked in, and I flicked it off him before he even noticed. Crisis averted.

When we finally reached Sykes Hot Springs, it was pure magic. The pools sit beside a cold, clear river — a perfect mix of icy and steamy. The air smells like pine and freedom. For a moment, all the exhaustion melts away. ✨

Unless it’s crowded. Then it’s less “peaceful retreat” and more “forest hot tub party you didn’t sign up for.” 😂

The only part that wasn’t magical? The bathroom situation. 🚫💩

To reach the “bathroom,” you hike up a steep hill to what’s known as the “poop spot.” Let’s just say… some people didn’t follow the Leave No Trace rule. It was bad. Like “look away and breathe through your mouth” bad.

So, in the spirit of keeping Sykes beautiful, here’s what to do when nature calls in the middle of nature 👇

💩 How to Poop Responsibly in the Wilderness (“Leave No Trace” Style)

1. Go at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from any water, trail, or campsite.

2. Dig a “cat hole” 6–8 inches deep using a small trowel or stick.

3. Do your business in the hole.

4. Cover it completely with the dirt you dug out.

5. Pack out your toilet paper — animals dig it up.

6. In high-traffic areas like Sykes, use a WAG bag (portable toilet bag).

7. Always follow the golden rule: Leave it better than you found it. 🌿

That trip was a mix of beauty, exhaustion, laughter, and chaos — the kind of hike that makes you question your sanity one minute and fall in love with nature the next.

Would I do it again?
Maybe. But next time, I’m starting at sunrise… and definitely packing a bug net. 😂