SANTA YNEZ TO TRIPPETT

Scott Regberg
Mirror contributing writer

   Both of our regular trail leaders were absent last week for a scheduled hike up the Santa Ynez trail to the Trippett Ranch Overlook. This is an easy hike and one that we’ve been doing regularly for many years. With a little patience, I could probably close my eyes and visualize the entire route. Five minutes into the hike and we’re bumbling around in the dark, nearly last, and wishing trail leader Jerry H. was at the front.
   Old hand Marty, (the usually lazy, often bleeding, regularly complaining member of our group) took the helm and almost immediately took a wrong turn. In his defense, it was a peculiarly dark and moonless night, even the clouds were too scant to reflect ambient light down into the canyon floor.
   Flashlights are a lifesaver to see where your feet are falling, but they also create even deeper shadows and deceptively illuminate the trail in short range. It’s sort of like driving in a dense fog -– you can see the pavement right in front of you but you loose the frame of reference for the bigger picture.
   Not that we ever got really lost, but we could have. Instead, we’d take ten steps the wrong way, turn around, argue and gesticulate about which way to go, eventually figuring out the obvious.
   I don’t think I’ve ever described this hike, but it is one you should try, (Best in daylight.) Take Palisades Highlands Drive up to the first left turn and follow the signs down to a cul de sac. The trailhead is through a gate on the right. Just follow it for about 15 minutes until you reach a signpost that directs you to the Santa Ynez trail to Trippett Ranch. You’ll turn left, go past the Wind Caves -– and simply stay on the trail as it works its way up the hillside.
   Along the way, you’ll enjoy a variety of terrain ranging from streambeds with dense canopies to bare rock outcroppings. As you ascend, you’ll pick up stunning canyon views to the south.
   In about an hour you’ll arrive at the ridge that separates the Palisades from Topanga. If you want to keep it to two hours, turn around. If you’ve got the time and energy, there are a variety of great links you can explore from there –- but that’s another column.
   Fearless readers who are interested in free Monday and Wednesday night hikes should contact Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735.