Backpacking in Big Sur- Sykes Hot Springs.

~I want to start off by noting this trail is STRENUOUS and I not recommended as a day hike so come prepared with your overnight gear. ~
In this Video I'm going to show you what it's like to backpack in Big Sur via the Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness. The trail re-openend in April 2021 after a 5 year closure due to the Sobranes Fire in 2018. This was my first time back since 2016. I hope you find this video useful on planning your next trip to Big Sur.
Also, a friendly reminder to always LEAVE NO TRACE & pack out what you pack in. The trails and campsites were spotless when we went. Let's all work together to keep it that way :)
A huge thank you to the U.S. Forest Service and the countless non- profit organizations whom worked together to safely re-open numerous trails in Big Sur.
Recreating on Essalen Native Lands 📍
IG: Vagabond.habits
Music: My Go Away Dream
Musician: Not The King
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[@westcoastbestcoast7683]

Great video! Hitting this trail tomorrow!

[@adcno8377]

What an exceptional trip video! I loved how you wove in practical tips, plant and animal knowledge, and acknowledgement of the Essalen people who have tended this beautiful ecosystem for thousands of years - and continue to do so! I have been visiting Big Sur yearly for almost 15 years now, but still have never managed to hike this trail. TBH, I'd always heard that the hot spring was not very hot, and the prospect of a 10 mile hike each way for a luke warm soak put me off! I am more willing to try again now with a "journey is the destination" mindset though, lol 😆 I am so sad to hear that you weren't able to get your soak and that the springs were dismantled. Water is life, and should be treasured and enjoyed freely! Heartbreaking that people were not respecting the place, and equally sad that the response has been to try to criminalize a sacred and natural human ritual of enjoying the spring. I hope that another chance will come!

[@vagabond.habits]

Thank you for your kind words! After some research, I found out the hot springs are still there. I didn't go far enough. 😕 I definitely plan to hike this again. There's beauty on every corner and I hope you are able to experience this trail with your own eyes. Happy hiking!

[@bigsur21]

awesome video thanks so much !

[@skull465]

I'm planning on doing this hike next weekend. Looks fun

[@vagabond.habits]

It truly is! The crowds have thinned over the years so it's much more enjoyable. Also, if this helps, there's multiple water streams along the trail perfect for filtering water so you don't have to carry so much in the beginning.

[@claudiagonzalez8653]

Hey Jessica...cool video. 👋this is your cousin Claudia 😁

[@vagabond.habits]

Hi Claudia! 👋🏼 thanks for watching. I appreciate any support :) Hope you are well 🤎

[@danielbucio9893]

How do I get the paperwork for the permit or do they have it there already to fill out?

[@vagabond.habits]

Check out Ventanawild.org to help plan your trip. The campsites are first come first serve. You will need a campfire permit & cash for parking at the trailhead.

[@Mojorisin1293]

First time and she has a hyperlite..??

[@Mojorisin1293]

And a Zpacks??? Jesus hahahaha

[@vagabond.habits]

We have 8 years of backpacking experience! Backpacking to Sykes was our first trek together. Hope this clears the confusion. 🙂

[@Mojorisin1293]

@@vagabond.habits that makes more sense. I was like sheesh she really dropped thousands and she’s never been backpacking before bold af 😂

[@jessicatorres4828]

I thought the EXACT same thing!

[@josephsaeteurn9158]

that's very disappointing to hear. we are going there labor day weekend and we were looking forward to the hot spring..

[@josephsaeteurn9158]

hmm i just read the AllTrail review and there was a post from 5 days ago and they found the hot springs.

[@skull465]

Yeah these women just don't know what they're doing 🙄

[@vagabond.habits]

@@skull465 don't bring negativity on my page. Please be respectful. 🙏

[@vagabond.habits]

@@josephsaeteurn9158 I believe it. I looked for the springs but must have missed it. When I went the Ventana Wilderness page stated the springs were dismantled by U.S. Forest Service 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@skull465]

@@vagabond.habits i just read the website they said they WANT to dismantle the hot springs but they haven't dont it yet. They claim the hot springs are illegal and lead to excessive people visiting the springs while leaving trash in the area