The head wrangler of The Alisal Guest Ranch, Tony Thompson, crests Staircase Ridge as a March storm approaches.

 

The Alisal got its name from the Chumash Indians that originally inhabited this paradise, situated in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley.  Alisal in Chumash means "grove of sycamores", and you can find a 300-year-old grove of sycamores on the ranch, along with Nojoqui Falls, a sacred site to the Indians. 

 

The history of ownership is quite interesting.  The Alisa Ranch spans some 13,500 acres and has passed through the hands of:  the Chumash Indians; a Spanish Conquistador; a legendary harness racing/trotter breader, a founding father of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and finally to cattle enthusiast Pete Jackson. 

 

Without actually intending to do so, Pete and his family have, since the early 40's, turned this slice of heaven into a guest ranch.  Over the years The Alisal has hosted a slew of celebrities.  In 1949, Clark Gable and Lady Sylvia Ashley were married in the library.  During the early years, the ranch was a favorite spot for James Garner, Doris Day, Art Linkletter and Don Knotts.  More recent celeb visitors include Kevin Costner, John Travolta, Barbra Streisand and Bo Derek.