Weekend Hikers and Beyond

Join us for a quick hike to the top and back of Islay Hill.

Islay Hill Summit Trail is a short, steep climb in San Luis Obispo. Hiking to the top usually takes half an hour. Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of downtown SLO and Edna Valley from the summit before returning by the same trail. Parts of the route are rugged, so bring sturdy footwear.

Essentials

Join us for a fun hike on the Spring-to Spring trail at Pismo Preserve. This trail goes through the middle section of the preserve and will take us about 1.5 hours to complete.

⚠️️ Rain cancels this event. It's that time of year. We'll keep you posted here.

Heya hikers, join us as we enjoy a casual coastal walk at Montaña de Oro State Park just before sunset. We plan to follow the bluffs trail — an easy gravel road — from Spooner’s Cove to the Point Buchon junction and back. Bring water, sun protection, and jacket.

Optionally, those who feel hungry or thirsty after the walk can join us for dinner at Beerwood, 690 Santa Maria Ave, Baywood-Los Osos, CA 93402.

Rain cancels this event, but we can always hope.

Essentials

Sykes Hot Springs - BIG SUR (overnight Backpacking trip)

Hike the Pine Ridge Trail to the fabled Sykes Hot Springs. Soak in the Hot Springs at temperatures of approx. 102 °F (38 °C) and then dive into a crystal-clear, cold pool of water in the Big Sur River.

Nestled deep in the Ventana Wilderness, Sykes Hot Springs has been a favorite among locals for more than one-hundred years. It is regarded highly for its beautiful natural setting and the purported health benefits of its geothermal springs. The onset of the hippie counterculture in the 1960s resulted in more people beginning to explore natural attractions as a part of a more laidback lifestyle that valued living in one with nature. After been discovered by hippies the hot pools quickly became popular among hikers and backpackers and hot springs lovers of all kinds.

DISTANCE:
20 miles (There-and-back)
Approximately hiking time: 6 hours (one-way)

Total ELEVATION GAIN (There-and-back):
3,810.00 feet (1,161.29 m)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Difficult/Strenuous. If you have never been backpacking before, you should not try this hike. An alternate camping destination along the same trail is Barlow Flat, nestled in a redwood grove alongside the Big Sur River. It is about 6.7 miles in, for a total of 13.4 miles.

This is a difficult hike. Although we will be following the Big Sur River, it is a steep river gorge with plenty of switchbacks, uphill and downhill.

We will travel through groves of redwoods, pine and oak, crossing streams bordered by large ferns, and ascend frequently into desert-like chaparral, only to drop back down to the river. Be prepared to cross the river three times to get to the camp.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an OVER-NIGHT backpacking trip. Bring your own gear, one dinner, a couple lunches, one breakfast, snacks and water. Generally speaking, you'll need a backpack, sleeping bag, & sleeping pad. Tent is optional. Camp stoves and water filters can be shared. Bear canisters are not required. Bring food you can cook with a camp stove.

PARKING is $10.00 per calendar day, may be paid at the self-registration station or at the BIG SUR STATION (Pine Ridge Trailhead): Located at 47555 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, which is open 9:00am – 4:00pm daily. Discounted parking for those who have National Parks Lifetime Senior Pass. There are 55 parking spots. Leave cash in an envelope or pay at the station (credit cards accepted).
Alternative parking may be available along HWY 1.

DOGS are allowed on the Pine Ridge Trail (but must be leashed, within your voice control at all times, or carried).

Fire permits required for stoves & campfires. They are free online via the link below: