However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. The Park is undertaking two large construction projectsthe replacement of the pier at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island and the crane on Anacapa Island. The ride normally takes about an hour to get to Scorpion Anchorage, but if the captain sees marine wildlife they will stop and this can make the ride take longer. Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, Ford Point via East Point Trail and South Road, Torrey Pines via East Point and Torrey Pines Trail, Mount Pleasant via Del Norte and Navy Road Loop. Round trip fare is $63 for adults, $58 for seniors, $45 for children and free for infants younger than 3 years old. Our boat was not heading to Prisoners Harbor but the Scorpio to Anchorage. Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Attractions, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. The Scorpion Anchorage pier construction is scheduled to start in November. Every landmark had personality, every direction I looked was art. Hike from the harbor to del Norte campground took us about 2 hours where we spent one night. This loop trail leaves from the eastern harbor, Scorpion Anchorage (as opposed to Mid Santa Cruz, or Prisoner's Harbor). I hope you have found some useful content on my site today. Ferries generally leave daily @ 9am from Ventura, CA. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail is a nice hike through and up the canyon with different views of the island, the nearby Anacapa Island, and the ocean. It is possible to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage but it is a long and challenging journey. []. This is it! The trail crosses from one geological plate to the other and it was fascinating to see the change in terrain and fauna. Definitely recommend trekking poles because there comes a point where it gets really rocky and steep. The museum walks you through how the Channel Islands were formed, the history of ranching in Santa Cruz, the different animals that adapted to the island, and the conservation efforts of the park today. It's a spectacular hike, and we didn't see a single person on the trail once we left the campground. For more information, please visit: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. No one seems hopeful. Our other favorite activities at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island are hiking the Pelican Trail with a trained naturalist from Island Packers or enjoying the wildlife both on the island and in the water (dont forget to bring a camera!). Another fire broke out early Friday morning on the ridge west of thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind. Weve put together an easy guide to help plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park. Were already here? Renske asks. There was a sign at the beginning of the trail saying the trail was closed up ahead but we were able to hike the whole thing. Scorpion Anchorage is drier & similar to the mainland while Prisoner's Harbor is forested. Were beginning sea kayakers who are reasonably fit, and we kayaked at about 3 miles per hour against current. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. You can swim, snorkel, dive and kayak here, and there are plenty of hiking options too, starting from Scorpion Anchorage. It took about 1.5 hours to finally get on the trail and hiking from the time we left. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Just put El Monte park into your maps and it will take you to the trailhead. We made it to Prisoners Harbor with about 40 minutes to spare before the ferry left at 3pm. But, after a lasagna dinner, I announce that we should aim to be on the water in the morning by 6 AM. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. There's a trip to Santa Rosa or a trip to Prisoners Harbor at Santa Cruz available with Island Packers. Can You Kayak From PrisonerS Harbor To Scorpion Anchorage, Do You Need To Wear A Life Jacket When Kayaking, Can You Use A Kayak Paddle For A Paddle Board. Lets just do it. She wrote that she thought we should just ignore the warnings and hypothetical cargo-space problem and just continue with my original plan. For access to Santa Cruz Island inquire with Island Packers Cruises. Also, the trail starts in the lot. Filtered water is available at Scorpion Anchorage, but no water is available at Prisoners Harbor or Del Norte, so be sure to bring your own. If it werent for the white noise of the relentless wind, wed be able to hear the barking of the California sea lions that we see nearby and the call of falcons flying overhead. Stayed at Del Norte and hiked to scorpion lower loop for our next camp site. For additional information about the joint conservation efforts of Nature Conservancy. Park day fee is $3 to park. This was a beautiful trail no doubt! The Island Fox can be spotted at both locations along with the Island Scrub-Jay. Only about one quarter of this mountainous island is part of the national park (eastern 24%), the rest is managed by The Nature Conservancy and other organizations. All in all its a pleasant hike to do with family. The water was choppy and the workers passed out barf bags which made me laugh, but I definitely felt nauseous and thought about grabbing one. boat ride to prisoners stopped at scorpion first so took longer than the boat ride back which was about an hour I believe. Well signed. The boat also has a counter with snacks and drinks you can buy. Look for animals on your way back such as dolphins, whales, and birds. High 70 afternoon hike. There is no street parking. El Montanon Peak (1,808') . Flowers starting to blossom. Was dropped off at Prisoner's Harbor, spent the night at Del Norte Campground, then hiked to Scorpion's Anchorage and spent the night at Scorpion Campground, getting picked up the following day. This species of island fox evolved from the mainland gray fox. Its now a significant obstruction. There are, Your email address will not be published. I prefer the spots in the SW corner of the anchorage but will accept the second tier spots that are farther out. Anchoring at Little Scorpion The anchorage is quite deep and you'll find that you have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft. You can use the other trail called the Santa Margarita River Loop and takes you cross a little stream and reach the river, you dont have to cross the river (no need do the loop) because the river depth could be deep, just out and back will do. An area not as much fun to traverse with a fully loaded pack. The down hill after the highest point definitely does a number on your toes. River crossings are closed by the rangers due to high water. The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore, nearby camping, numerous trails, and year-round Island Packers boat transportation. 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. I planned this trip to be much easier than either of those, I said, trying to keep everyone relaxed. Trail winds through old grazing grounds then connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track. Be sure to pack food and water for your time on the island. Weather conditions can change rapidly, it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of the time of year. Bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. Be aware of weather conditions and bring extra food. The other option is you could bring your own kayak or rent a kayak from Channel Islands Kayak Center for the day and pay a fee to Island Packers to transport it for you. It was the best hike Ive ever done, she said. Parts of the trail were a bit overgrown so be mindful of ticks. From Los Angeles to Ventura Harbor, its about a 60-70 mile drive depending on where in LA you are coming from. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. They will get into your shoes and pants. The high surf also caused minor damage to both the Prisoners Pier on Santa Cruz Island and the Santa Barbara Island landing dock. 2023 Channel Island Adventure Co. Privacy | Terms. At Scorpion Ranch, there is an upper loop and a lower loop of campsites. A little long, and some unsteady rocks. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping reservations must be made in advance. There are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. Bring more water than you think. This definitely felt longer than 12.5! But alas, Bird Shit has won in 2021. Sites 1/2 have absolutely stunning views of the ocean. We will just be going for the day and I'm trying to figure out which part of the island is the best to go to. We got there about 30 minutes before and still had plenty of time to check in and wait before boarding the boat. Check out this blog post: Channel Islands National Park Animals. So you have 4 hours tops to do a half marathon (I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier). Since there is no water we carried 7 liters each (14 liters total) from Prisoner's Harbor to Del Norte Campground. I dont think we can do this!. We crossed the water and we had a snack and back home. Gain and loss of elevation throughout the trail. Anacapa Island is closer than Santa Cruz Island, however it is very small and offers less options for hiking. If the current is this bad tomorrow, I yell to Renske. There are a lot of trees along the trail. CAMPSITES: The National Park on Santa Cruz Island has two campgrounds: Scorpion Anchorage and Del Norte. We only saw 2 others on the trail. Such a beautiful hike! 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. Very beautiful trail that follows the coastline of Santa Cruz Island! The lighthouse on Anacapa Island is located at the entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel. MHiked backwards scorpion to Del norte. All pier landings involve climbing a ladder between 1 and 6 rungs Santa Rosa Bechers Bay landings are on a pier and onto a grated catwalk to a flight of stairs I have at least another hour in me! After about 30 minutes, the rest of the group joins us on the beach. Lots of shade. I invited my friends on this three-day, 24-mile, July 4 kayak-camping trip six months in advance, knowing that it would be easier to get campsites and people to commit well before the trip. The anchorage is quite deep and youll find that you have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft. If you want to make sure you get the best seats you could arrive earlier to get in line sooner. Use caution during this section. Lots of grass with sharp needle like pointers that I was constantly reaching down to pull out. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. The video explains our method and describes our trepidation. First 4.5 miles to the del Norte campground were strenuous with a full pack and 5L of water. Backpacking Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Harbor Updated: January 05, 2020; Post By: Matthew Hengst; January 3rd to 5th, 2020. 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. Im a sports expert and lover. Make sure to book your campsites (NPS.gov) and boat ride (Islands Packers) ahead of time. Friendly rangers. Bring lots of sunscreen and a camera to capture the beautiful views :]. The Ultimate Weekend in Death Valley National Park, Yellowstone National Park Weekend Itinerary, Joshua Tree National Park Weekend Getaway, Channel Islands Adventure Company website, 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See, 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Guide: Best Hikes and Views. Since it is located twelve miles offshore, the only access to Anacapa Lighthouse is by [], If you take a boat trip out to Santa Cruz Island or Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands you might be treated to a stop at the painted cave [], The Port Hueneme Lighthouse is open every third Saturday monthly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, but you must arrive before 2:30 p.m. to make it for the finally tour. Pass that point is an easy 4 mile stride downhill to the scorpion campground. We arrived around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a parking spot. When most people think of kayaking they imagine themselves paddling peacefully down a river on a hot summer day. One could think of Prisoner's Harbor as Two Harbors to Scorpion's Avalon. Hiking Santa Cruz Island was incredible, but we felt like the first loop was enough for us to get a good taste of the island by land. 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. To get to Prisoners Harbor, take the Island Packers Ferry. Tomorrow well be easier. I suggest that we play a game before dinner, and Sam suggests that we play the celebrity-guessing game Times Up. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. I added China Pines Road to the hike which provides some great views, but the trail is completely overgrown in 1/3 to 1/2 of it. They have regular trips to all of the islands and whale watching excursions too. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. Your adventure begins on the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales. The rode simply bowed and we couldnt get over the stern hook. Rentals include paddles, flotation jackets, and helmets, but dont expect the equipment to be well-organized when arriving on Santa Cruz, because no representatives from the rental company work on the boat or the island. Beautiful green fields, glorious views and no one else out since a big storm is coming this afternoon. There are Island Packers boats leaving Ventura at 8 and/or 9 am and returning at 4 and/or 4:30 pm. The island is volcanic, but did not emerge from the sea for Millenia. But, now, sitting with Renske in the ocean on our first kayaking day, surrounded by strong winds and whitecaps, its not even clear that at least we have each other. Though newly-Crossfit-trained Rich and Wendy are battling the waves furiously nearby, the rest of the group has already turned back to the beach. On the other hand, if its late in the day and were the only ones looking for a spot, well sometimes use a single hook in the center of the anchorage. But its our fault for bringing so much stuff, eternally-upbeat Natalie says with a smile. The trail is fairly marked well however there are some spots where the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for some. BRING WATER, lots of motivation, and your sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful. The name of the island that Scorpion Anchorage is located on is Santa Cruz Island. The trip is about 12 miles each way and [] You can find accommodations in Ventura or nearby cities such as Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Malibu. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Scorpion Anchorage on NPS property, lies on the east end of the island, and Prisoners Harbor to the west, at the border of National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. Weather conditions can change rapidly, it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of the time of year. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Really fun trail. There are two bathrooms on the boat which arent bad, but I wouldnt recommend going when the boat is moving since it can get bumpy. Great for kayaking and snorkeling! Prisoner's Harbor is one of the main anchorages in Channel Islands National Park and the closest to Santa Cruz Island making it a popular destination for kayakers. Hi there, we do not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor. Approaching the ridge was probably the most difficult and treacherous part for someone backpacking (~0.2 miles) with steep cliffs, rocky, unstable trail. Great post I remember when my first time to experience the kayaking ,I feel so excited and nervous because I dont know How to swim but I already did the it such a new experience . Anything to help us forget tomorrows inevitable middle-of-the-ocean-emergency-rescue, I think. Round trip tickets cost an obscene $79 (plus $28 per kayak transported), proving that a world with boat transportation monopolies is a bad world indeed. Dan . Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. Wildlife can be spotted at both locations and will vary depending on the time of day and season. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Its some of the most spectacular scenery in California. As the sky transitions from yellow to purple to navy, we can just barely make out the July 4 fireworks on the mainland. Dinner, yells Rich, who is in charge of the July 4 mystery dinner, says as a kind of non-explanation explanation. And, look, Lisa and Natalie seem to have recovered enough that they wanted more. Privately, though, I wondered whether Im only capable of planning outdoor adventure trips that scar people for life. Its possible to hike to Chinese Harbor Beach and continue west all the way to Prisoners Harbor, but that is a very long shade-less trek. I packed 6.25 litters of water and used about 4. Beautiful regardless of the gales. Santa Cruz Island is the largest island in Channel Islands National Park with 61,972 acres, measuring 22 miles long and 2-6 miles wide. Good workout without being too long or too much of a scramble. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Whitney has a smile on his face and though Sam, Lisa and Suzanne look very relieved theyre done, they dont seem permanently scarred. the weather was helpful because it was foggy and not to hot. Reservations can be made online at recreation.gov, [] While kayaking is our favorite adventure on the island, there are plenty of other activities to do such as hiking to see wildflowers and island foxes or having a picnic at Prisoners Harbor. At this point we were in danger of being blown into the rocks to the east. The climb to montaon ridge was a bit of a scramble and pretty difficult with a heavy pack. Campsite 1 & 2 great views; campsite 3 & 4 have shade. There was a sign that said trails closed ahead so we did not end up hiking here today. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. Along the way kayakers will pass by sea caves rocky reefs and kelp forests. Went in mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, charming weather. The trail is pretty overgrown at points and covered with foxtails. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. As were only two or three boat lengths from a lee shore, we are skittish about taking the whole family ashore. Did it with two kids 4 and 8 and they loved it. There is also room to moor east of the primary spots close to shore. The transportation to Santa Cruz Island is with Island Packers and goes out of Ventura Harbor. The weather in Prisoners Harbor is usually sunny and warm. We did find some emergency water left by other hikers (thank you!) Lots of running water lots of beautiful trees very quiet. You should book your trip ahead of time on the Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up. In the morning, were furiously loading our kayaks on the beach at around 7 AM (only an hour late!). Loved the sound of water all along the trail. You will see the museum ahead of you and a small sign on the right that says Cavern Pt Loop Trail. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Want to report conditions for this trail? Great trail with the sound of running water the whole way. IG - @kylerampone. We stop to watch a large group of sea lions playing in the water, one of whom comes a couple feet from our boat to investigate. Accidentally took Navy road up to Del Norte from Prisoners harbor definitely a strenuous hike with beautiful views. Both locations have many activities such as hiking, snorkeling, bird watching, ocean kayaking, and camping to check out. Even with a helmet,you could still be crushed if youve picked a cave with poor clearance. The campground is great. First 5 lots of up and down, walked the down; then 6-9 ran the downs and flats around a 10 min pace, 8ish-9.5 steep uphill but not death; last 4 mostly down so cruised it. Filtered water is available at Scorpion Anchorage, but no water is available at Prisoner's Harbor or Del Norte, so be sure to bring your own. Many of the plants had dried up during the summer so the island wasnt very green in September. No there is no fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. There is no shade on this trail, so dress accordingly and have sun protection. Check out Prisoners Harbor! We appreciated the thick marine layer as the trail has no shade. Scorpion Anchorage features the friendliest waters, followed by Anacapa, where you'll find incredible tide pools at isolated Frenchy's Cove. Daily @ 9am from Ventura, CA signs, it is best to bring layers and jacket. Ferry left at 3pm much easier than either of those, I announce that we aim. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the morning by 6 AM the campground campground... Change in terrain and fauna & 2 great views ; campsite 3 & 4 have shade the... Original plan the transportation to Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor east to Pedro! Pass by sea caves rocky reefs and Kelp forests Islands Packers ) ahead of time to check and... 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