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Pine Ridge Trail (Ventana Wilderness)

Monterey · Managed by Los Padres National Forest (USFS) · Region: Ventana Wilderness
Difficulty 44/100 · Strenuouspoint to point#big-sur#ventana-wilderness#hot-springs-history#point-to-point
Distance
22.3 mi
Total gain
4,700 ft
Net gain
0 ft
Net loss
0 ft
Elevation
300–5,000 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

The Pine Ridge Trail is Big Sur's backcountry classic: 22 miles through the Ventana Wilderness from China Camp to the Big Sur River, past redwood canyons, ridgeline views, and the famous Sykes hot springs. The Forest Service calls it one of the most iconic trails in the Los Padres.

Highlights

  • The Ventana Wilderness's redwood canyons and coastal ridgelines
  • Sykes Camp's hot springs, the trail's legendary destination
  • A complete point-to-point across the Santa Lucia Range
  • No permits, no quotas — just a campfire permit and a shuttle plan

How hard is Pine Ridge Trail (Ventana Wilderness)?

CaliPeaks rates this route 44/100 (Strenuous). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 4,700 ft puts this trip at 39% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 22.3 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 5,000 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 4 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: China Camp Campground · parking: China Camp trailhead (or Big Sur Station on the other end); $10 per vehicle per calendar day
  • Water: Water sources are available throughout the trail; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Big Sur and Monterey have services at either end.
  • Shuttle: Point-to-point — arrange a car spot or shuttle between China Camp and Big Sur Station.

Permits

No wilderness permit is required for this route (per Los Padres National Forest (USFS)).

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings, and forest-wide fire restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, October, November.

Snow: Year-round; avoid summer heat and winter storms.

Heat: The ridges bake in summer — spring and fall are ideal.

Bugs: Poison oak is the real hazard; ticks in spring.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Closed as of August 2026 due to the Timber and Plaskett Fires — check the Monterey closure order before planning
  • Poison oak lines the trail in many sections
  • Water is seasonal in late summer despite the "available throughout" listing
  • Big Sur's Highway 1 access can close after storms

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Pine Ridge Trail 3E06. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/trails/pine-ridge-trail-3e06. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (22.32 mi), elevation range (300–5,000 ft), difficulty rating, China Camp trailhead coordinates, no-permit policy, campfire permit requirement, and August 2026 closure due to the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
  2. Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order with Exceptions. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/alerts/monterey-ranger-district-emergency-closure-order-exceptions. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Current emergency closure affecting the Monterey Ranger District, including portions of the Ventana Wilderness.
  3. Los Padres Fire Use and Firearm Restrictions. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/alerts/los-padres-fire-use-and-firearm-restrictions. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Current fire-use restrictions for the forest.