Natural hot spring · California
Sykes Hot Spring
Monterey County, California · 18 miles south of Carmel Valley Village, CA
Also searched as:Sykes Hot Spring · Sykes Hot Springs Trail
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- Not recorded
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Carmel Valley Village, CA (18 mi / 29 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
About Sykes Hot Spring
Sykes Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in Monterey County, California, about 18 miles south of Carmel Valley Village, CA. The nearest large city is Soledad, CA, roughly 24 miles away as the crow flies.
No reliable water temperature is on record for this spring yet. Test the water with your hand before getting in, and if you measure it, send us the reading.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
Map and directions
Red marks Sykes Hot Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 36.25128, -121.69033.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Carmel Valley Village, CA. The spring is about 18 miles (29 km) south of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Soledad, CA, about 24 miles (39 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Salinas, CA.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Sykes Hot Spring
- Tassajara Hot Springs 144°F
- Esalen Institute Hot Springs Not recorded
- Dolans Hot Spring 99°F
- Gilroy Hot Springs 106°F
- Franklin Hot Springs Not recorded
- Pecho Warm Springs 95°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sykes Hot Spring?
Sykes Hot Spring is in Monterey County, California, about 18 miles south of Carmel Valley Village, CA. The GPS coordinates are 36.2513, -121.6903.
Can you soak at Sykes Hot Spring?
Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
How do I get to Sykes Hot Spring?
Head for Carmel Valley Village, CA; the spring is about 18 miles south of town. Enter the GPS coordinates 36.2513, -121.6903 into Google Maps or Apple Maps, or use the directions buttons at the top of this page. Mountain and forest roads can close in winter or after storms, so check with the land manager before you go.
What hot springs are near Sykes Hot Spring?
The closest listed spring is Tassajara Hot Springs, about 8.1 miles east. Esalen Institute Hot Springs is about 9.2 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.