Backpacking Trip in Big Sur

Big Sur, California

Description

Big Sur is simply beautiful. But what makes Big Sur even more beautiful, is the amazing drive along the Pacific Coast Hwy. If you hop on the road at just the right time, you'll leave the city traffic and mad drivers behind. There is so much to see; many vistas to pull over and enjoy the amazing scenery that the Cali coast has to offer.On the trail: Big Sur remains beautiful. The tall redwood trees are everywhere in site! I wanted to hike this trail for the following reasons:-besides adding stars to our map;-North=Green, more trees, lots of vegetation-Big Sur River, swimming!-Sykes Hot Springs, relaxing after a 10 mile hike

Our journey started 3AM on Wednesday morning. We set out for a 6 hour drive to Big Sur. The drive, as mentioned above, was beautiful! There were a few things I wanted to check out before making way to Pine Ridge trail. While driving, we saw a sign for elephant seals, so glad we decided to pull over and check them out. Apparently, the elephant seals come to shore every May 1 for about 2-3 months while they mate. Over 5.000 seals have been spotted on this beach. The day was July 2 and there were still at least 50 huge elephant seals just laying out on the beach and boy do they stink! Next stop, the famous McWay Falls! Finally! I have been wanting to visit this place for awhile. And just like the pictures, simply beautiful. McWay Falls is located just 20 mins south of Big Sur station, where we shall park our car and head out for Pine Ridge Trail. Arriving to Big Sur station around 1030AM, we double checked our packs for everything that we needed and set foot at the trail-head by 11AM. To my surprise, being a holiday weekend, I had assumed there to be a lot more cars in the parking lot. It was a nice sunny day and temp was about mid 70's. Pine Ride trail starts at the Big Sur Station and 10 miles out is Sykes Hot Springs. You can continue on for another 2 miles and then you will reach Redwood campground. The trail is mostly in the sun and not covered by many trees. Elevation at the trail-head is just a little under 500ft. There are 2 campsites, mile 5 and mile 7 before reaching the hot springs. Since we planned for a 2 night backpacking trip, our goal was to camp at mile 5 or 7 and heading out for Sykes the next day. There was a ranger lady posted at the trail-head and she asked us where we were going, if we had hiked the trail before, and if we had any questions. She told us about the campgrounds and which ones to go to for more privacy, which ones to stay at near the river, and which ones are pretty popular. We thanked her and she snapped our photo at the trail head before we set out. Our packs weight almost 40lbs each, with an elevation gain of 1,000 in just under 2 miles, we we're both feeling it. The sun was overbearing, the flies were buzzing all over our faces. It was mile 4 that I decided I didn't care to make it to the hot springs, that doesn't sound refreshing at all! Luckily, at mile 4- just a mile in a half off the trail and down to the river...a campground called Ventana creek camp. 2nd best campsite ever! Pictured above. We enjoyed the entire site to ourselves and it was right next to the river! Best decision ever made! The next day, we spent treking down the river and exploring other creeks that meet with the Big Sur River. It was a great trip, no regrets! Will be back for the hot springs, maybe in Winter ;)

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Features

Camping

Backpacking

Hiking

Forest

Lake

River

Waterfall

Backpacking Trip in Big Sur Reviews

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