Rick's Route carves a distinct path on the towering cliffs of San Ysidro, just uphill and right from the well-known Orangahang climb. This 80-foot single-pitch trad route is a true test of commitment, threading a shallow corner before transitioning into a technical left traverse beneath a compact overhang. The rock dares you to trust your footwork and balance as you negotiate the crux—a move that demands precision and nerve—before reaching a reassuring hold that helps you punch through the roof. From there, the line continues right then left into a broad crack that requires steady hands and confident placements.

Protection is sparse. Two bolts bookend the route, but much of the climb, especially the upper crack section, demands careful gear placements with small cams and nuts, or bold smearing across unprotected sequences. Falls carry consequences, especially below the first bolt where a slip could lead to a harsh landing. This makes Rick's Route a climb better suited for those comfortable with run-out trad climbs seeking an adrenaline spike in striking coastal terrain.

As you make your way up, feel the texture of the limestone beneath your fingertips and the warmth of the sun on your face. The climb’s position toward the southern exposure means mornings bring shadow to the wall, offering cooler conditions and a chance to pick off the crux moves before the day heats up. Vegetation clusters around ledges, with a large oak crowning the finish, offering a natural anchor and a moment to pause and survey the rugged Central Coast landscape.

Approach follows a well-used path through mixed chaparral, moderate in steepness and taking roughly 15 minutes from the nearest parking area near San Ysidro. Carry shoes that grip well on slab sections and bring double rack gear focused on small to medium cams complemented by slings for icicle-type placements. Hydration and sun protection are essential, particularly in summer months where the direct sun can intensify exposure.

Rick's Route is a technical puzzle with an adventurous spirit—part exploration, part calculated risk. The original finish veered uphill right onto the tougher Fine Line, rated around 5.9, but the standard variation leftwards offers a slightly softer exit while maintaining a run-out character. This is not a climb to rush. Taking time with each move and respecting the protection challenges transforms the experience from mere ascent to an encounter with the rock’s raw honesty.

With few votes online but a solid reputation among Santa Barbara locals, this route embodies the ruggedness of California's Central Coast climbing. Less frequented than its neighbors, it offers solitude and a chance to test skills on a demanding line that rewards focus, patience, and adventurous resolve. For climbers seeking to sharpen their trad instincts in a coastal setting rich in texture and challenge, Rick's Route is a compelling, no-frills classic.