Big Sur – Ventana Wilderness – Out and Back

20 miles Total

Saturday – 10 miles in to Sykes Hot Spring Camp

Sunday – 10 miles out to Big Sur Station

It’s difficult but well traveled and maintained as if it were a half mile loop in one of our national parks.  Although you don’t necessarily see a ton of folks on trail, they’re in there, crawling around the tubs, waiting in line, calling dibs.  To be honest, it’s off-putting.

Maybe we’re spoiled at this point having soaked all over the eastern sierra and elsewhere.  Honestly, should we be feeling that because we do this all the time, we have more right to it than someone else? No way, these tubs aren’t ours, we didn’t make them and we most certainly do not own this land. So why is there entitlement seething beneath the surface and on the tip of everyone’s tongue upon the realization that you’re not the only one who came out here this weekend?

We all worked hard for this, we all dripped sweat up the steeps and felt our knees pop on the scree filled downs, we all jack-assed heavy packs with more food than we needed; we all did the research, made the effort, rounded up our friends and got here, didn’t we?

Maybe we should all just drop our attitudes and appreciate these places that exist for everyone to enjoy.  After all, this isn’t the hip new bar your friends have been talking shit about lately.

Check your ‘tude at the trailhead.