Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 52
PINE RIDGE, SYKES HOT SPRINGS, & BIG SUR
LENGTH AND TYPE: 23.1-mile point-to-point
RATING: Challenging
TRAIL CONDITION: Passable to difficult, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: This arduous hike takes in rugged ridges, steep canyons, and exposed hillsides, rewarding
the faithful with waterfalls, hot springs, and swimming holes.
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
Park at the large turnout on Tassajara Road across from
China Camp. The trailhead is on the camp side of the road, 100 feet south of the park-
ing lot and 150 feet south of the camp entrance. The trail begins on a saddle above
China Camp. It is marked, though encroaching brush often obscures the sign. There's
no water at the trailhead. The first 1.2 miles of the trail are heavily overgrown yet pass-
able.
TRIP SUMMARY:
This trip offers hikers several overnight itineraries within the rugged
northern Santa Lucia Range. If you can arrange a shuttle vehicle, consider two point-
to-point routes that cross the Ventana Wilderness: (1) the Pine Ridge Trail from China
Camp to Big Sur, and (2) the Pine Ridge Trail, Black Cone Trail, and Marble Peak Trail
from China Camp to Arroyo Seco. Highlights on the route to Big Sur include massive
ponderosa pines atop ridges and large meadows, ancient redwood groves along the Big
Sur River, and oak-dotted golden hillsides blanketed in spring wildflowers.
If you can't arrange a shuttle, consider the following out-and-back destinations:
Accessed via China Camp, Pine Valley is well worth a 1.7-mile detour along
the Carmel River Trail. From there a 0.7-mile downstream trek leads to Pine Falls, a
50-foot cascade that fills a deep swimming hole.
Past Pine Valley, the Pine Ridge Trail leads to spectacular views atop Pine Ridge,
reminiscent of a Sierra crest. Expect snow above 4000 feet in the winter and profuse
wildflowers in spring. The trail is lightly traveled between Pine Ridge and Sykes
Camp. Several sections between the ridge and the Big Sur headwaters are heavily over-
grown, and heavy winter rains spawn dangerous trail washouts. Trekking poles are a
good idea.
Redwood Camp offers solitude deep within a redwood-lined canyon, while Sykes
Camp is well-known for its three small 100°F hot springs, which are often crowded
during spring break and on summer weekends.
