Natural pools on the Big Sur River surrounded by redwoods at the end of a coastal ridge walk. The California backcountry trip that isn't in the mountains.
The legendary Big Sur backcountry hot springs. Natural pools right on the Big Sur River surrounded by redwoods. The hike in follows Pine Ridge with big coastal views before dropping into the drainage. This was once California's worst-kept secret and got loved to death, so check current conditions before going. When it's open and uncrowded, there's nothing else like soaking in a hot spring under the stars in Big Sur.
Start: Pine Ridge Trailhead (Big Sur Station)
End: Pine Ridge Trailhead (Big Sur Station)
Water: Ventana Camp (mi 3.9), Terrace Creek (mi 5.2), Barlow Flat Camp (mi 6.6), Big Sur River at Sykes Camp
Pine Ridge Trail climbs out of Big Sur Station onto an exposed ridge with ocean views, then rolls in and out of several drainages before dropping through redwoods to the Big Sur River. Ventana Camp (mi 3.9), Terrace Creek Camp (mi 5.2), and Barlow Flat Camp (mi 6.6) all make shorter first-day options if you want to break up the climb. Reach Sykes Camp at the river and soak in the hot springs before dark.
Water: Big Sur River at camp, Terrace Creek, Ventana Camp
Take a morning soak before packing up. The return trip retraces day one: back down to the river crossing, then the climb back up onto the ridge, which is the price of admission for the hot springs. Terrace Creek and Ventana Camp both make good stops if you want to break up the climb or take a swim.
Terrace Creek Camp (mi 5.2) has swimming holes and makes a good rest stop. If extending the trip, continue about two miles past Sykes to Redwood Camp, or push further into the Ventana Wilderness.
Parking at Pine Ridge Trailhead is $10 per day, self-issue at the trailhead kiosk (55 spots, arrive early on weekends). Big Sur Station is just up the road for information. No bear canisters required, but rodents are aggressive: hang your food. A landslide about 1.7 miles in is passable but has a steep dropoff, use caution. The river crossing at the Barlow Flat bypass can be dangerous during or after rain, check conditions before heading out.
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