Sykes Hot Springs

Backpacking journal

Sykes Hot Springs - Big Sur

Sykes Hot Springs are located 10 miles in from Sig Sur Station off Highway 1.

This trail starts off in a gorgeous cool forest and quickly becomes a steep, arrid, switchback hell,... that's the first two miles. The trail then evens out a bit, often tiptoeing over tiny springs and streams. We pass a beautiful redwood grove where a stream passes through providing a nice spot to rest and perhaps eat some lunch at mile 5.
Beyond the redwood grove the trail continues much like it has been, heavily wooded... slightly uphill then downhill, then uphill, then downhill, and then uphill again to the Barlow Flats trailhead.

We follow the trail descending into Barlow Flats at 7.4 miles and set up camp.

The stream just upstream from Barlow Flats

Barlow Flats is set along a stream that flows all year. There are also several great swimming holes that can prove to be very inviting during the hot summer. Barlow Flats is a very "produced" camping spot with several large campsites complete with pit toilets and grilled firepits.

Dana sits on a log next to a perfect swimming hole at Barlow Flats.

The Sykes Hot Springs are further up the main trail approximately 3 miles. When the trail intersects with the river, bust a left and follow the stream pass a large downed tree and keep your eyes on the left side of the river.
Sykes can be busy. You'll usually not be the only ones at the springs. Expect to meet any kind of strangers when you arrive there, and likely you'll have to share space in the tubs.

There are several campsites along the stream near Sykes but they can get crowded and the best ones are always full on the big weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day.

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Dana, Joe, Amy, Brian, Kim and Ryan

Fallen redwoods on the way to Sykes.

Some interesting twisted roots at Barlow Flats.

Often the hot springs will be crowded with weirdos and psychos like these three oddballs.