18 mi, 5 M, 4931 ft; Various

Early bird pack up (abundant water, food, gloves and provisions including overnight gear just in case) and Ventana Wilderness/Los Padres NF hike (off saddle) from Pfeiffer Big Sur SP Lodge to Sykes Hot Springs and back. Expect steep single track and vague trail segments more suitable for hooved wildlife. Expect heat and extreme inclines. Bailout option is to simply reverse and head back to the lodge. Start location: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Lodge, Big Sur, CA 93920 [Route/Map]