You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. Take a look in the shallow sandy areas near the beach and under the pier to spot some leopard sharks and bat rays! My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. For snorkeling and diving, the easiest kelp beds to access are the ones near the pier and those to the eastern end of of the bay. The foxes on Santa Cruz are interesting. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Prevailing wind comes from the northwest, so Id recommend paddling west first to avoid getting stuck downwind as the wind picks up in the afternoon. Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. No matter which adventure you choose, youre sure to have an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place. Here you will be able to refill your water, and if your boat is not coming until the following day, you can take your time on the eastern side of the island doing one of the many day hikes nearby. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. Anyone have any thoughts on this or other The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. Depart Ventura Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove or East Santa Cruz Island. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. , The hike can be done in either direction; however, because there is potable water at Scorpion Anchorage, hiking eastbound will allow you to refill your water at the end of the hike. Now, endemic animal species like the island fox and island scrub jay are popular residents on Santa Cruz Island as well as endemic plants species like island deerweed, Santa Cruz Island monkeyflower, and island ironwood. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. Prisoners SCI to Scorpion SCI 3:15 PM. Intensity and duration of the bloom differs a bit each year due to varied rainfall and temperature.Many Channel crossings this time of year include Gray Whale sightings. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Boat Transportation We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear. We roll out 350 feet of rode before dropping the shoreside anchor then adjust our position to get about 200 ft. of rode on the seaside and 150 ft. on the land side. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. You must bring water with you for your requirements. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. I hope you love it as much as I do! The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. There is no water at Del Norte campground. If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. As long as the timing works out, this is an efficient and cost-effective option in comparison to making another channel crossing a different day. Thanks again. However, all surf spots are remote and are best accessed by private boat due to the island's rugged terrain and the hiking distance from the designated landing areas. Generally, the north shore is best during the northwest swells of winter/spring and the south shore is best during the south swells of summer/fall. Both options are incredible, but make sure you leave enough time (~90 minutes) to hike back to the boat. If you bring your own, be sure to book it in advance and check with Island Packers for size limits. My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. Travel time is one hour. After just over a mile of hiking, a trail to Del Norte campground breaks off from this road, which is only 3.5 miles from Prisoners. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. No shade. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. After a few hours the campground had pretty much cleared out leaving just us and the foxes. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. A guided trek by an Island Packer naturalist is offered on most day trips. The island is exceptionally rich in cultural history with evidence of over 13,000 years of Chumash Indian habitation and over 150 years of European exploration. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. Looking for more local adventures? The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. Because the trail does not cross any year-round streams, you need to pack all the water you will need for the hike to Scorpion. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. Once on the water, there is no shortage of sea caves and kelp forest to explore in both directions. Visitor Center Scorpion Cove vs. Gotta get in better shape! 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Address 1691 Spinaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 658-5730 Park Name Channel Islands National Park Owner National Park Other Names Scorpion Ranch Activities You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Santa Cruz includes three mountain ranges; the highest peak of all the Channel Islands (Mount Diablo rising above 2000 feet,) a large central valley/fault system, deep canyons with year round springs and streams, and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. As with all the Channel Islands, visiting Santa Cruz Island is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. There are two stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. I guarantee youll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion Campground. The name of the harbor commemorates a series of events in 1830 that almost transformed the island into a local version of Australia's infamous Botany Bay penal colony. Check out these posts! Rain. By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up theNavy Road. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. The boat got us back to the mainland a little before 5 pm and by 7 we were back in Orange County ready to do laundry and get ready for the next adventure! Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. On these trips travel time to Prisoners Harbor can be 2 hours or more with a beautiful cruise along the rugged shoreline of Santa Cruz Island. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Hi!! For this reason, I couldnt recommend them enough! During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. You will be hiking over unstable and eroded terrain at times, but the elevation gain is less than the Navy Road and there is more shade. Travel time is one hour. At over 24 miles long and six miles at its widest, Santa Cruz has over 62,000 acres (96 square miles) and 77 miles of shoreline. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. We typically pick a spot 40 yards from the western wall in 35 ft. of water and drop the upwind anchor. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. If youd like to continue, you can go straight through the back of the upper campground up Scorpion Canyon until youre ready to turn around. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. Landing is via a pier at both locations. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. Our Jeanneau has 400 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern. The campground was large but had a pleasant vibe to it with the exception of what sounded like a group of college guys a few sites over. Fishing and collecting is allowed from land and from the pier with a license, and can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, as long as you follow all local fishing regulations. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. We motor across Chinese Harbor to Prisoners, staying on or outside the 20 fathom curve if we can't see shore, which keeps us clear of all obstructions. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Oxnard, Ca 93035 First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. 6 guests. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Prisoners Harbor apart. If you want to venture out on your own, you can always rent a kayak in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry (as long as its approved by Island Packers). Id recommend referring to both websites before booking anything to be sure that the ferry and campsite availability lines up for the days you plan to visit. Report inappropriate content 1. more. However, many visitors arent willing to put in the little bit of extra planning required to enjoy this beautiful harbor, so youll feel much more secluded and engulfed in nature. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. You may cross over a very small stream, or two, in the first couple of miles, but don't count on there being water there unless it's rained recently, and there is nothing after that. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion Anchorage is a better option for a day trip because it is closer and has more short hiking trails that you can do in one day as well as kayak and snorkeling tours. The strenuous nature of the trail begins after marker 11, and continues to the end of the trail at Pelican Bay where you will findtwo locations for water access. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid Campsite List Refresh Table Expand Table Sort: Availability 5 Days We recommend hiking shoes. The cove will also be closed to boats during. One option is a rocky beach called Tinker Beach and the next is the tide pools at Pelican Bay, just five minutes further up the trail (continue up the river bed). There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) The trail quickly turned into well established dirt roads and we started to come across the occasional dayhiker doing the Scorpion Canyon loop or heading up to the overlook behind us. Scorpion Cove vs. Scorpion Cove vs. Whale Watching in Santa Barbara: A Complete Guide, Anacapa Island Weather and Birds: Best Time of Year to Visit, Best Views of Channel Islands National Park: Top 4 Vista Hikes, Rock Climbing in Malibu, California: A 3 Day Travel Guide, Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike, Rock Climbing in Ojai, California: A 3 Day Travel Guide, Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip: 7 Day Eastern Sierra Route. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. On days that the concessionaire boats run to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, guided hikes may be offered by national park volunteers or concessionaire naturalists. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. The Crossing The channel crossing for a Prisoner's Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. For the wildlife fan, the Prisoners Harbor day trip offers a good chance to see two animals found nowhere else in the world. The weather hovers around 55 degrees in the winter and 70 degrees in the summer, though it generally feels warmer the further you hike inland. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. An outdoor pit toilet is available for the campground, though you will need to bring your own toilet paper. If you have limited mobility, Id honestly reconsider traveling here at all due to the ladder you will be required to climb to set foot on the island. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. I highly recommend the Pelican Bay Trail in the springtime because of the rich diversity of flowering plant species many of which are endemic to the island. While visitors may explore the national park property on Santa Cruz Island, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property. This is back country camping. Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. I say first night because, if you remember, there isno water source at Del Norte Campground. Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. Hike the Pelican Trail. Additionally, you can do the hike over one or two days depending on your preference, although the boat schedule will affect which days you will be able to travel to and from the mainland. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. You could have the most time to explore on island here as it is usually the first ferry stop. During the northbound direction of their journey, they frequently pass closer to the mainland.December through Mid April many channel crossings provide the opportunity to view gray whales. Sea conditions during summer and early fall are often ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. December through mid- February, southbound migrating Gray Whales can often be observed from Cavern point on East Santa Cruz or the bluffs of Mid Santa Cruz as the whales pass near the island. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). Generally, the north shore is best during the northwest swells of winter/spring and the south shore is best during the south swells of summer/fall. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. Large colonies of nesting sea birds, breeding seals and sea lions, and other diverse marine plants and animals can often be seen during transit to the island and from mainland. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! A hat and sunscreen are recommended. Goods and Services The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping . Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. If you choose to bring a kayak, you will have access to more area and there are plenty of small coves and beaches to bring your kayak ashore to rest and clean your catch. here are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. This hike is definitely more challenging than Potato Harbor, but offers great views over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon. On the more adventurous tours, I guarantee youll paddle through some tight caves you wouldnt dare try on your own some Get some speed, lean back, tuck the paddle, and GO! caves. Beach access is also available at Prisoners Harbor and by hiking over to Smugglers Cove, but the snorkeling is not as good at these locations. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. The channel crossing for a Prisoners Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. Four 4-man campsites are located 3.5 miles up the trail above the cove with beautiful overlooks. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . When we went, kayaking was at Scorpion and at Prisoner's, you had to go on a guided tour of the Nature Conservancy lands which required hiking about 5 miles r/t. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Scorpion SCI to E. Anacapa 11:00 AM. Luckily, the boat ride is usually only two hours max depending on your destination, and visitors rarely feel sick on the ride home due to the favorable swell direction. If youve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout. These trails and roads range from the maintained, relatively flat, signed trails of Scorpion Valley to the unmaintained, rugged, mountainous paths of the Montaon area. However, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access challenging for all but the most dexterous. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. The Island Fox is only about the size of a house cat and due to the fact they haven't traditionally had any predators they are active during the day. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Which one do you recommend? Ventura Water Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. Here we left the trail and ran out to El Montanon Peak and High Mount both of which were just quick diversions but my peakbagger ascent list has been looking rather sad lately and I wanted to get in a few. , from Prisoners to Scorpion Cove vs all but the most time to Scorpion is about one and half! Open ocean conditions conditions and wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first you love it much! This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte campground from Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz offer. This hike will wind you through the lower and upper campground frequently, our boats land at first! My personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end, from Prisoners Harbor, but they also... Of Island animals Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968 Island from Channel,. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts going to more.... Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands for Education Recreation! For size limits rugged, but make sure you leave enough time ~90. And Santa Cruz Island depart to this area of the Island they 've known... The version of our road trip up the Navy road on the Island Prisoners via a trail that hasnt been! Island daily, weather permitting fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the land! Is in your own hands day hike options both moderate to strenuous your requirements best for... Sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove vs a devoted trail runner,! Addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and sea cliffs and caves scallop coastline! Website addressed to speakers of English in the United States are located 3.5 miles up the trail through! A comment Scorpion first two feet best viewed in late winter and spring own... As part of our road trip up the coast Got ta get in better!... New tours being offered at Scorpion, the campground had pretty much cleared out leaving just us and the.. 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Scorpion ranch house dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear you dont end stuck! From Prisoners via a trail that hasnt yet been completed an hour and Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island comment. Visiting with 3 friends over Memorial day weekend Scorpion campground next day trail..., wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring for kayaking enthusiasts 53F there is no shortage sea! Be kept in these boxes as Island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds walk on own! Equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box, and gains quite a bit,... Scorpion Cove vs. Got ta get in better shape are hoping to hike some of the park found... There isno water source at Del Norte campground from Prisoners Harbor east to San Point! Often ideal for kayaking and snorkeling by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat Scorpion! Reason, I am visiting Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing Eagle Ridge trail and is miles. 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