Deep in Big Sur’s soulful heart—about 30 miles from the small village and roughly 25 north of San Simeon—you’ll find something magical: Treebones Resort’s Human Nest. Hugged by the Los Padres National Forest and perched just above the cliffs facing the Pacific, this is lodging reimagined: part art, part wilderness, all escape.
From a distance, the Human Nest looks like a giant sculpture made of twigs, branches, and raw imagination. Big Sur artist Jayson Fann crafted it with love and recycled wood; its woven walls’ texture reminds you of bird‑nests and art installations, not just a simple treehouse. Two large oculi (circular openings) frame panoramic views—on one side, the vast Pacific; on the other, rolling hills fading into forest. You climb a wooden ladder to reach it, where a full‑size futon pad sits, ready for you to collapse into under the sky.
Now, don’t expect full creature comforts here. The Human Nest is simple. You bring your own sleeping bag, favorite pillow, maybe layers. There’s a futon pad, yes—but rain? Not fully kept out. It’s built from branches; gaps are part of the charm… and part of the challenge. There’s a nearby campsite, restrooms and water access a short walk away. Outdoor cook‑station. Picnic table. But, you know, rustic.
What makes it unforgettable isn’t just the design—it’s being alive to the elements. Waking up to salty ocean spray, hearing wind rustling through eucalyptus, watching stars splash across the sky. I remember nights when the fog rolls in and the nest creaks ever so slightly—it feels like the structure’s breathing. It’s poetic, sometimes cold, always vivid.
When to go? Late summer through fall (June to November) is ideal. The weather tends to be dry—clear nights, calmer skies. Spring can be nice too but watch out for muddy roads or road closures after winter storms. If you can arrive a couple of hours before sunset, you’ll catch golden light filtering through branches and avoid fumbling in the dark. Weekdays are better if you prefer solitude; weekends fill up fast.
Lodging at Treebones includes more than just the Human Nest. There are yurts perched on redwood decks, autonomous tents with private decks and fireplaces, and conventional tent campsites. If you want more shelter, these options offer more protection from rain and wind—but still retain that glamping spirit. The resort’s lodge restaurant and sushi bar give a welcome blend of comfort and adventure when you need it.
A couple of caveats: there’s no late check‑in for the nest—once darkness hits, setting up is harder. Wildlife gets curious—bats, raccoons, sometimes field mice; scents attract attention. Bring what you need. Also: because there’s just one Human Nest, and people love it, it books well in advance. Don’t assume you’ll walk in.
All in all, the Human Nest at Treebones Resort isn’t for everyone—but for many, it’s exactly what they didn’t know they were craving. It’s rough edges, wide views, art and nature intertwined. It’s being small and humbled by ocean and sky—and doing so gladly. If you want beauty, solitude, rawness, and a night you’ll remember long after the roof’s back over your head, this is your kind of place.
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