Pine Ridge Trail / Sykes Hot Springs wilderness permit area in Los Padres National Forest - backcountry hiking destination

Walk-UpBackpackingHigh Demand

Pine Ridge Trail / Sykes Hot Springs Permit

Classic Big Sur backpacking to Sykes Hot Springs. Campfire permit required.

How to get Pine Ridge

Pine Ridge is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.

Official permit page

Planning another trip? See the permits we watch.

How to get Pine Ridge

Pine Ridge is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.

Official permit page

Planning another trip? See the permits we watch.

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

Build your full itinerary start to finish

Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.

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No permit needed to start

Pine Ridge Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes

Booking MethodWalk-Up

Demand LevelHigh8/10

Live availability activity →

This permit is not bookable online

You get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone. There is no online reservation to race for, so availability alerts do not apply. We still track key dates and season info for your trip.

Official permit page →

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeBackpacking

Booking MethodWalk-Up

Demand Level8/10

LocationCA

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

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Backcountry Tips

UV index 8. High altitude sun is intense—sunscreen and hat essential.

Today

☀️

85°

64°

Sun

☀️

82°

56°

Mon

☀️

86°

51°

Tue

☀️

81°

57°

Wed

☀️

82°

57°

Thu

☀️

86°

60°

Fri

☀️

93°

64°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

How to Get This Permit

Check the agency page for the process

This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued — and any fee — at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.

Arrive early

Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served, and quotas can fill early on weekends and holidays.

Have backup plans

Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.

Official permit page at U.S. Forest Service

Learn More

Plan Your Trip

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Gear Checklist

Required and recommended gear for Pine Ridge

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Shuttle Services

Trailhead transportation options

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Guide Services

Experienced wilderness guides

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Safety & Planning

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Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Pine Ridge.

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Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Pine Ridge FAQ

How do I get a Pine Ridge permit?

Pine Ridge is not sold online. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.

When is the best time to visit Pine Ridge?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Pine Ridge permit?

This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and reading the official permit page for how this one is issued.

What if I can't get a Pine Ridge permit?

On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.