Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

Wallace Chane

Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

10/16/15

We try to do this hike every year. It's been a constant favorite as it's just far enough from the bay area but not far enough that we can do it over 3 days, not to mention it differs every year due to weather, water levels and trail conditions. This said, it used to be a gorgeous and easily hikable trail. Since the Santa Cruz fires there's a few trees to hop over and the path to the actual springs are now obscured. We still go as often as we can and leave the place a bit better than we find it. If you're considering - go early. As in go early in the year, we try to go as soon as the rain stops. Also start-early, because we go in a group with new people nearly every year it takes us anywhere from 4-8 hours to reach camp, I recommend starting no later than 8 or 9am if you want a decent camp site.

5.0

Natala Menezes

Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

10/04/15

In late August the trail was hot, dusty and covered in poison oak. We did the 10-miles in, camped at Sykes, then did 10 miles out the next day. It's a good slog out there - with some nice views of the mountains (but no coastal views). The hot springs were a little "meh" -- but lazying in the river after the sun-exposed hike was nice. Because of the popularity, it can get busy...and we had a variety of neighbors that kept things interesting. There are semi-designated camp spots along the river. I'd recommend going further along the river to find more private camping locations. Definitely bring a filtration system for water.

3.0

Amber Mullins

Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

09/28/15

Let's keep this place clean! It was a beautiful hike in, but the hot springs were littered with beer cans and there was toilet paper strewn about just up the hill from where we camped. This is especially ridiculous considering there is a pit toilet provided less than a mile away. Pack it in, pack it out!

4.0