The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. Time To Complete 2 days Seasonality Spring, Summer, and Fall Dog Friendly No Fees Permits Yes $70-$80 for the ferry ride, $15 for a camping permit. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). There are no kayak rentals on island, so take care of this in advance. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. (Or in Jen's casework!). 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd 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. Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. Possession of a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required and all California Department of Fish and Game regulations apply. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. There is a lot of exploration possible here! Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. 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. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging. After exploring Smugglers Cove, you will want to go back the way you came. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. For more information or to book a tour, clickhere. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. 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. The two most popular animals are the island fox and island scrub jay, though there are plenty of other animals to spot on both land and sea. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. 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. With this in mind, be sure to wear a helmet (for the swells in the caves) and life jacket and check weather conditions and tides in advance. From the top of Montaon you will be able to see both the eastern and western ends of the island, Anacapa Island, and the mainland on a clear day. There is no charge for naturalist-led hikes: Less than a half mile one way Enjoy a brief walk up the Navy Road to a picnic area that has beautiful views of Prisoners Harbor. There are group and individual sites and they provide water, fox boxes (bear boxes with a cuter name), and pit toilets. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. Ive worked in and around Channel Islands National Park for over four years, so I can help you decide quickly which stop is best for you and the activities youre interested in. A side trip to the beach at Chinese Harbor adds 3 miles extra hiking distance (round trip). To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Depending on the part of the island and time of year that you visit, you may traverse long stretches of trail without seeing other hikers. 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. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Prisoners SCI to Scorpion SCI 3:15 PM. This hike is definitely more challenging than Potato Harbor, but offers great views over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon. You can view the endemic Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay year-round: an easy stroll up the dirt road to the old stream bed at Prisoners Harbor or a rugged hike up Scorpion Canyon should provide a viewing opportunity year-round. Adobe ranch houses, barns, blacksmith and saddle shops, wineries, and a chapel all attest to the many uses of Santa Cruz in the 1800 and 1900s. Locals often wait for October to head out to the islands. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. Their phone number is (805) 658-5730. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. 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. We had one trailrunner go past us obviously just out for the day and planning to meet the afternoon boat home but other than that it felt like we had the island to ourselves. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. 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 Prisoner's. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. 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. To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. We shared a table with two volunteers who were out there releasing harbor seal pups and who shared amusing videos of the reluctant pups being unceremoniously deposited into the ocean. 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 even better views you can take a short detour to the highest point on the NPS-owned side of the island, which sits at 1,808 feet. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. There aren't many, and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. Channel Islands Adventure Company, the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area, operates guided sea kayak tours (there are NO kayak rentals on the island), limited convenience item sales (no food items), snorkel equipment rentals, and guided snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island only. Hiking 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. Interpretive Programs Water 3 bedrooms. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. Watersports Hikers should not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this hike. The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. 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. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. Once on the water, there is no shortage of sea caves and kelp forest to explore in both directions. Many trips to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island offer an excursion to Painted Cave! Both options are incredible, but make sure you leave enough time (~90 minutes) to hike back to the boat. After a few hours the campground had pretty much cleared out leaving just us and the foxes. Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. They're also really mellow. 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. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! The island scrub jay can be spotted pretty easily at both locations, thoughI tend to see the most island scrubs jays on the Pelican Trail at 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. Check out these posts! Hiking options at Prisoners Harbor are much more limited both in number and in time on island, but one of the best hikes on the island is located here as well as a secret hike. Scorpion SCI to E. Anacapa 11:00 AM. A ranger station is also located at Scorpion Ranch. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. 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. Checking the weather in the morning is a must, but weather and wind can still change quickly especially as you eat your lunch in a protected cove. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more.Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! Scorpion Cove vs. Prepare yourself so you can have an amazing day out there! Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. 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. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. Santa Cruz Island Day Trip & Camper Transport Fares. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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. A variety of seabirds can be seen throughout the year (especially around Scorpion Rock), but most birders go to the island to see the endemic island scrub-jay-only found on Santa Cruz Island and no other place in the world. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Ventura The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. This view shows the submarine's line handling crew aft of her. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, Where to Go Hiking in Santa Barbara after Rain: Top 4 Trails, Weather is unpredictable and can often cause, There will most likely be park rangers at Scorpion, but. 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. It is on the border of the Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. Travel time to Scorpion Anchorage is 1-1.5 hours while travel time to Prisoner's Harbor is 2 hours and the boat often also visits the famous Painted Cave area. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! Both the Island Fox and the Santa Cruz Island Jay make their homes at Prisoners Harbor.Prisoners Harbor is the access point for the private TNC Property, Day Trip Preparation | What You Need to Know & Bring. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. 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. There is no Visitors Center at Prisoners. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. Island Packers offers trips year round. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. here are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Shade is available. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. W swell 6 ft at 13 seconds. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers. You might find a few caves here, in contrast to the many striking caverns at Scorpion, but the draw here is the secluded beaches and protected inlets, where you most likely wont see anyone for hours. During those months, this is my favorite trail on the island! 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. Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? They are also quite intelligent and have learned that humans are not so intelligent, so they tend to hang out near picnic tables and campsites. You can collect invertebrates like spiny lobster, urchins, and scallops, and try to catch fish like calico bass and rockfish. I recommend ending in the campground so that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach. You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers the ferry company. 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. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. Im Brittney. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. Id recommend hiking this way if you arent prepared for slippery and eroded trails, because the Navy Road provides aneasier walking surfacedespite it being uphill in nature. All the locals and those who work on the Channel Islands will tell you some of the best views on Santa Cruz Island can be seen from the Pelican trail, which starts at Prisoners Harbor. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. Four 4-man campsites are located 3.5 miles up the trail above the cove with beautiful overlooks. Fishing This species was critical in the islands recovery from livestock overgrazing as it buries native plant seeds for food and only recovers some of them later. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11). There are also restroom facilities at both locations but no trash facilities, so prepare to pack out all trash. 7,341 views Mar 18, 2017 95 Dislike Share Save Description Travel Small Live Big 6.3K subscribers Santa Cruz. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Del Norte camp provides spectacular views of the coastline back toward Prisoners Harbor, and it is located within a copse of oak trees. The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove. 16 October 2022; Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. The road eventually ended leaving us on an honest to god faint hiking trail involving the occasional bouldery bit. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Hi!! For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove.More 1901 Spinnaker Drive For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. I guarantee youll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion Campground. For those who take comfort in knowing there are others around, there are plenty of helpful Channel Islands National Park rangers, Channel Islands Naturalist Core volunteer naturalists, Island Packers staff, and Channel Islands Adventure Company kayak guides around to give you advice and answer questions, and there always options for guided hikes andguided kayak tours. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island December 23, 2022; Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike December 23, 2022; Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip. .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. The cove will also be closed to boats during. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. Ventura, Ca 93001 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). Island Packers offers trips year round. This rocky trail travels along coast bluffs, through groves of pine and oak trees and through multiple deep canyons, offering scenic views and an occasional endemic island fox. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. Ventura to Prisoners Hbr SCI 9:00 AM. Flat shoes with rubber soles are best for both the boat and the island. Island Packers Cruises is the exclusive concessionaire to the national park. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. As a moderate hiker, Id recommend stopping at marker 11 (of 21) or joining a guided hike with an Island Packers naturalist which are usually offered every day. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. You can do day hikes at either location. It is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and both are out and back trails. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. 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. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. You might want to stay in all day, but the limiting factor will be your core body temperature, (water temperature fluctuates between 50 and 70 degrees) so be sure to pack a 5-7mm wetsuit. All Rights Reserved. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. February through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island are green and the native flowers in bloom. The National Park Service (NPS) has closed Prisoner Harbor until further notice.On going rain run off/creek flow and predictions of more rain has closed this area for visitors safety.NPS will re-assess this area on Monday, February 27, 2023 an we will update this message at that time. The second junction is for the Del Norte Trail and is located 1.5 miles up the Navy Road on the left. Distance 16.0 miles Destination Distance From Downtown 26.8 miles Difficulty To make this a two day trip, backpackers must hike 16 miles to reach Prisoner's Harbor, all without access to water. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. For the wildlife fan, the Prisoners Harbor day trip offers a good chance to see two animals found nowhere else in the world. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail we can go before we must head back to meet the boat. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. If you dont own one, dont worry. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. 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. Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. 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 Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . However, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access challenging for all but the most dexterous. The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. There are over 100 different endemic species of plants and animals on the Channel Islands earning this island chain the nickname Galapagos of the North. A majority of these species reside on Santa Cruz Island surviving the introduction of countless damaging and invasive species like black mustard and fennel by the European ranchers who owned Santa Cruz Island from the early 1800s until 1980. This post has been removed at the author's request. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. 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. 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. Thanks again. 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). And rather beautiful. Scorpion Ranch, 2009 William Barron was a San Francisco businessman and co-owner of the company Barron, Forbes & Co. Dr. James Barron Shaw was hired to manage things, and charged by Barron to start a sheep operation. Scorpion Bay is a calm placid little cove in the center of the north side of Santa Cruz Island, crescent shaped and large enough for a man-of-war to swing around in. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. You can do day hikes at either location. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). 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