2004.01.31

Ventana Wilderness

Steve, Breanna and I hiked into Ventana Wilderness to Sykes Hot Springs on Super Bowl weekend. We figured that with the rainy season and Super Bowl weekend combined, it might be the least visited weekend of the year at often crowded Sykes.

2 pages / 30 photos

Big Sur Station, Ventana Wilderness photo

Big Sur Station

Getting ready to hit the trail at Big Sur Station.

Blue Skies, Ventana Wilderness photo

Blue Skies

We hiked in under blue skies, with the Pacific receding as we headed further up the Big Sur river canyon.

Fancy Footwork, Ventana Wilderness photo

Fancy Footwork

Crossing some of the larger tributaries requires fancy footwork to stay dry.

Big Sur River, Ventana Wilderness photo

Big Sur River

Pine Ridge trail crosses the Big Sur just downstream from main Sykes camp. Since camps are strung up and down both sides of the river, river crossings are often necessary to get from one part of Sykes to another. Tevas or water socks come in handy.

Sykes Hot Springs, Ventana Wilderness photo

Sykes Hot Springs

The hot springs are about 1/3 mile downstream from the main Sykes camp. The springs are along the banks of the Big Sur river in an old growth redwood forest. The springs are quite warm -- just about perfect. Here's the upper spring.

Sykes Hot Springs, Ventana Wilderness photo

Sykes Hot Springs

One of two river side pools.

Big Sur River, Ventana Wilderness photo

Big Sur River

Big Sur River, Ventana Wilderness photo

Big Sur River

Sykes Hot Springs, Ventana Wilderness photo

Sykes Hot Springs

Sykes Campsite, Ventana Wilderness photo

Sykes Campsite

One of the many Sykes camps along the river.

Redwoods, Ventana Wilderness photo

Redwoods

Old Madrone, Ventana Wilderness photo

Old Madrone

The Ventana Wilderness is ancient. Some of the old madrone trees are fantastic.

Heavy Mist, Ventana Wilderness photo

Heavy Mist

We hiked out Sunday at noon. By mid afternoon, the weather had closed in, alternating between a heavy mist and light rain.

Dripping Mushrooms, Ventana Wilderness photo

Dripping Mushrooms

In the misty stillness, everything became coated with tiny drops of water.

Redwoods in the Fog, Ventana Wilderness photo

Redwoods in the Fog