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A trail that winds through woods and fields along Butano Ridge with great views of the surrounding mountains.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

Point to Point

2,410' 734 m

High

2,094' 638 m

Low

336' 102 m

Up

196' 60 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve is open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset throughout the year. Horses are not allowed on this trail.

Description

The Ipiwa Trail begins at a parking lot along Skyline Boulevard and works its way along Butano Ridge until it emerges at Alpine Pond near Russian Ridge OSP. The trail weaves in and out of oak forests and meadows while providing sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Leaving the parking lot, the trail breaks off to the right and climbs into an oak forest where large trees provide shade, even in the middle of the day. The singletrack dirt trail meanders uphill and emerges from the woods as the trail crosses the Sunny Jim Trail. If you take this trail to the left, you can make it back to your car in another 0.7 miles making a nice 1.2 mile loop.

After crossing the Sunny Jim Trail, the trail climbs gently through a meadow until it reaches the high point at 0.8 miles. From here, the trail begins descending along Butano Ridge, weaving in and out of oak woods. Sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the distance can be viewed on the left-hand side of the trail. Flowers can be seen on the side of the trail through this section, and provide color even late into the summer. The trail passes through an old fence line and passes some old farm buildings on the right-hand side of the trail before the trail crosses the Sunny Jim Trail again at roughly 1.4 miles. After crossing the trail again, the trail ends at the David C. Daniels Nature Center at Alpine Pond.

From here, you can explore the pond area or follow a short connector trail that leads into Russian Ridge OSP. In order to get back to your car, you can follow the trail back to your car or take the Sunny Jim Trail, which runs higher along the ridge you just traversed back to the parking area.

Because the trail moves through fields and woods, this is a nice hike at any time of the day as the trees provide relief from the sun.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers can be seen along the side of the trail throughout the year. Deer can be seen feeding in the evenings. Lizards can be seen scurrying for cover as you approach, and signs warn of rattlesnakes along the trail. Hawks can be seen flying overhead as you enter the woods.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#9017

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#813

in California

#9,017

Overall
8 Views Last Month
1,079 Since Dec 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Facing west towards the Pacific Ocean
Nov 25, 2015 near Ladera, CA
Views of the surrounding mountains spread out before you as you make your way along the trail.
Sep 24, 2017 near La Honda, CA
Looking along the ridge line toward Russian Ridge from the Butano View Trail.
Jan 2, 2021 near La Honda, CA
Looking back at the fields before entering the woods.
Sep 24, 2017 near La Honda, CA
The trail cuts through the fields in Skyline Ridge OSP.
Sep 24, 2017 near La Honda, CA
First time at Skyline Ridge. Heading in!
Sep 26, 2017 near La Honda, CA

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