Could be a little tricky for some. Suddenly, a strong gust smashes an aggressive wave over our boat, soaking us both completely. Also, my watch clocked me at 14.5 miles not 12.5. But its our fault for bringing so much stuff, eternally-upbeat Natalie says with a smile. 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 Peaceful and many shady areas. ! Whitney yells excitedly as he and Sam paddle into shore. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. From June to September Channel Islands Adventure Company also offers guided snorkeling tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Good workout without being too long or too much of a scramble. 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. You can snorkel at Santa Cruz Island in Scorpion Anchorage on your own or with a guided tour. Our boat was not heading to Prisoners Harbor but the Scorpio to Anchorage. There are also several steep cliffs and rocky shorelines to navigate. The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. #leavenotrace. Your email address will not be published. Make sure to book your campsites (NPS.gov) and boat ride (Islands Packers) ahead of time. Were already here? Renske asks. The campground is great. Will come back when it's warmer to go in the river and cross it. Thats good for the ecosystem, but makes navigating a little tougher. Totally doable in that time period if the math works for your pace. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many of the plants had dried up during the summer so the island wasnt very green in September. 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. 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. Started at Prisoners and hiked to Del Norte Camp, stayed the night. 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. It was scary going down especially with my super heavy backpack. The hike from del Norte camp to scorpion campground with lunch was a 6-hour day - after montaon ridge we took the potato harbor route instead of following the road to the pier. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, The Southwest is a unique part of the United States, full of unique natural wonders. boat ride to prisoners stopped at scorpion first so took longer than the boat ride back which was about an hour I believe. ROUTE: Strong winds start blowing southeast at around 11 AM on the north side of the island, so leave for any long kayaking trip early in the morning. The National Park ranger tried to stop us when she saw our kayak loaded with all of our camping gear, Natalie says, She told us that we cant camp on any other beaches! Nice trail! Exposed. Just follow the coast until you hit that dock on the other side of the bay. 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. We generally anchor bow and stern to prevent swinging. Gorgeous after the rains and a good steady incline. Just put El Monte park into your maps and it will take you to the trailhead. The best way to explore this part of the United, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a beautiful reserve with nice hiking trails, beautiful coves, relaxing beaches, and diverse plant and animal species. Keep all belongings protected from small animals and birds by packing them in a backpack or small cooler. Great hike. Campsite 1 & 2 great views; campsite 3 & 4 have shade. There is rarely any breaking surf, which makes this one of the few easy places to come ashore on Santa Cruz. But, when nine friends married, Texan, long-time friends Rich and Wendy; less experienced, married paddlers Sam and Whitney; eternally cheerful, San Francisco-based couple Natalie and Norberto; Minnesotan Lisa whom Ive hiked with before, long-time college friend Suzanne, and Dutch Renske took me up on the offer (with four flying in from out of town), I immediately felt a big responsibility to ensure that our trip wasnt a disaster. This hike is a significantly steeper climb and is only recommended if you are planning to spend the entire day in Santa Cruz Island hiking. Apart from teaching my students in class, we also go outside the four walls of the classroom to physically experience what was discussed in class. Santa Cruz Island has a few beautiful hiking trails. We only saw 2 others on the trail. We started at Prisoners and camped at Del Norte backcountry campsite. Are we going to die? Sam asked. Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of California and is made up of five islands: Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island, and Santa Barbra Island. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. The wind over the course of the day will frequently vary between nadaand 20 knots. I brought about 5 liters of water in the springtime and was enough for me until I reached Scorpions where there was potable water. If you want to book a kayak or snorkeling tour you will have to do that ahead of time. Scorpion Cove vs. The Scorpion Anchorage pier construction is scheduled to start in November. Well, if you have a [], Copyright CaliforniaBeaches.comAbout Us | ContactPrivacy Policy | Terms of Use, NavigateBeachesMapsArticlesHotelsRestaurantsAttractions, Join our email list to get new information, events or other fun stuff, Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort, Best Whale Watching Spots in Southern California. As a reminder, as of November 1st, the Scorpion Anchorage Pier was closed for repairs prohibiting guests to visit the Scorpion Anchorage area except for from December 21st to January 5th during the holidays. 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. Channel Islands Adventure Company runs guided kayak tours at three locations: Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor, and Painted Cave. Weve put together an easy guide to help plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park. There are no options for food or water to purchase once on the island. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. 2023 Channel Island Adventure Co. Privacy | Terms. Ferries generally leave daily @ 9am from Ventura, CA. 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. Extend your trip to California by visiting Big Sur, Temecula, Death Valley National Park, or Joshua Tree National Park. Love the river access and beautiful trees in fall. They will get into your shoes and pants. This definitely felt longer than 12.5! The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. Island Packers uses Scorpion (the western one at the mouth of the valley where the ranch house and interpretive center are located) to offload hundreds of hikers, backpackers and kayakers. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. Every landmark had personality, every direction I looked was art. Be aware of weather conditions and bring extra food. Also make sure to wear comfy shoes and probably double up on socks. The loop visits two of the most famous points on the eastern section of the island, Cavern Point and Potato Harbor. There is no street parking. Snorkel with the diverse sea creatures of the kelp forest or take a kayak tour through the sea caves with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. at Del Nortes fox boxes, but theres no guarantee. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min to complete. There are, Your email address will not be published. Strava clocked me at 13.5 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain. I have at least another hour in me! After about 30 minutes, the rest of the group joins us on the beach. Bringing a Kayak with you to Santa Cruz Island would be the cheaper option but definitely more effort to coordinate. Beautiful views make up for difficulty. Your adventure begins on the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales. When we stop for a snack break after two hours of paddling, Renske and I are smiling and laughing, and I realize that were actually having fun. The bottom in this area is sandy in many parts, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding is less secure. Check out Prisoners Harbor! Its now a significant obstruction. One of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Island is to hike to Potato Harbor Overlook where you can see a beautiful view of the clear blue water below. I should have believed her; but, so often, its impossible to adopt the faith that others have in us for ourselves. anchorage and it can be difficult to get close enough to the shore to get out of the westerly wind. Weather conditions can change rapidly, it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of the time of year. Soon, were all drinking fantastic lemon craft cocktails and eating bacon-topped pasta primavera as a deep red-orange sunset dazzles us on the horizon. It usually affords protection from the prevailing westerlies, but the swell can enter the anchorage, making for rough and sleepless nights. The boat also has a counter with snacks and drinks you can buy. If you planning on going go early to get parking or else come back another day cause you may not find parking. Nice trail but steep around the peak, kinda sketchy with big backpacks on but totally doable. Recommended Routes in Santa Cruz Island - 2 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Nevertheless, take time to observe the swell and surge before you make a decision about entering. 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. Occasionally, abrupt wind shifts (though not necessarily Santa Anas) will suddenly make your secondary anchor the primary. 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. Look for animals on your way back such as dolphins, whales, and birds. Find the great white beacon of Bird Shit Rock. Answer 1 of 5: I have one day in February to visit the Channel Islands National Park. There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. The other three islands are a 3-4 hour boat ride away, which makes it difficult to visit on a day trip unless you are willing to spend a lot of money on a flight with Channel Islands Aviation. Curious about where to go and what to do on Santa Cruz Island? Passed by 2 crossings, wasnt able to go through the river since the water was too high for the outfit I had. OVERVIEW: Santa Cruz Island is part of Channel Islands National Park, a group of five islands sitting in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. As for wildlife, we saw ducks in the river and a juvenile Rosie boa crossing in the path. Bring more water than you think. We crossed the River 6 times to get to our destination recommend extra shoes/or just be prepared to get your feet/up to ankles wet. 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. There's a trip to Santa Rosa or a trip to Prisoners Harbor at Santa Cruz available with Island Packers. I suspect its the former. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook. [], Island Packers Cruises is your ticket to Channel Island National Park. At this point we were in danger of being blown into the rocks to the east. A little long, and some unsteady rocks. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. I did not have trekking poles so definitely had to use my hands at times lol. You get off the boat at 10:30/45 and the boat leaves in the afternoon from Prisoners at 2:45. my dogs loved it and were in and out of the river. 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. Boats land at either Prisoners Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage, a short walk from historic Scorpion Ranch. This location has stunning views of both the island and marine environment. So much bright spring green making it like a fairyland. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. There are over 500 wineries in Napa, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Views don't get much better than from this windy spot. After a quick lunch, we head out on a surprisingly strenuous up-and-down trail (carrying our water supply) toward the Del Norte Campground, which lies at the top of one of the islands peaks. BTW we dont leave the boat unattended for more than a half hour or so. Eel grass might be. Prisoners 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. If you are interested in visiting more US National Parks, check out theseNational Park Guides: To get to the Channel Islands, you can take an Island Packers boat, book a flight with Channel Islands Aviation, or use a private boat. This loop trail leaves from the eastern harbor, Scorpion Anchorage (as opposed to Mid Santa Cruz, or Prisoner's Harbor). 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. Trail was so much fun! Santa Cruz Island used to be one big ranch which provided food, hay, grain, pasture, sheep, cattle, wine and more. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Scorpion in foreground, Little Scorpion in the distance. I didnt know what to say, so I just told her that we decided to take all of our gear with us for a day trip because foxes and people were stealing it., Foxes and people?! Hurrying, most of us push off from the beach and paddle almost a mile out before Natalie and Norberto, who were lagging behind, manage to catch up. And then it turned out they were closing the main anchorage Scorpion Harbor in late 2019 due to the construction of a new pier. One of the. Disembarked ferry at Prisoners at 1115a and started straightaway. Its just too hard of a paddle. Oh my God, our entire trip is already doomed, I thought. Channel Islands National Park is open year round. I packed 6.25 litters of water and used about 4. You would need to contact Island Packers ahead of time to make sure they have space to transport the Kayak. Explore Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Trail winds through old grazing grounds then connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track. 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. It took about 1.5 hours to finally get on the trail and hiking from the time we left. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. After hiking to Scorpion Anchorage there will be a campground and the Scorpion Anchorage Harbor where boats can take you back to the mainland. Boats to Prisoner's Harbor, the mid-Santa Cruz Island landing, are not scheduled as frequently as to the more popular Scorpion Anchorage, but for those seeking solitude, it's worth the effort. Friendly rangers. 9a departure. If you do your day trip to the Channel Islands with Island Packers, you will have about 6-7 hours to spend on Santa Cruz Island. Matt. To get to Prisoners Harbor, take the Island Packers Ferry. Hiking, camping, sea kayaking, and snorkeling are the top reasons to visit the island. 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. High 70 afternoon hike. El Montanon Peak (1,808') . You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. This hike would be the best in the spring when Santa Cruz Island has more foliage since it is mostly internal through the canyon. Add Your Recommended Routes RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult Santa Cruz Traverse 13.4 mi 2,573' Up 2,568' Down Anacapa, CA RECOMMENDED ROUTE Intermediate Potato Harbor Loop 5.0 mi 511' Up 510' Down Santa C, CA Santa Cruz Island Hiking 67 Miles of Trail I arrived in Prisoner's Harbor around 11 am and started running shortly after. Even with a helmet,you could still be crushed if youve picked a cave with poor clearance. I planned this trip to be much easier than either of those, I said, trying to keep everyone relaxed. Good views! A day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island, is a perfect way to spend a vacation day. Also, as the reviewer below me noted, do not follow the google maps instructions from this page- it takes you somewhere on the Barona reservation. parts of the trail were moist due to the mist. Great for kayaking and snorkeling! It must not have even occurred to her that we were kayaking the full nine miles to the other legal campground.. 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. Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island - Backpacking Made possible by Photos About Review Comments Location Starting at Scorpion Anchorage, and then heading up and over a mountain pass, this two-day point-to-point trip shows you an entirely new side of California backcountry. this was very difficult because of the climbing uphills. You should book your trip ahead of time on the Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up. The water temperature in Prisoners Harbor is usually in the mid-60s. Scorpion Anchorage is just an 18-mile ride off the coast of Ventura County on the 96-square-mile island of Santa Cruz. Yes there are other kayakers that you can kayak with from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. This was a fun run. You will need to bring sunscreen hats sunglasses water snacks and a first aid kit when you kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Also went across the Diamond Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, This is a fabulous trail. Beautiful green fields, glorious views and no one else out since a big storm is coming this afternoon. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min to complete. Wind is an issue. Over all worth it would not recommend kayaking after this hike. On the southwest corner of the campground you will see the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail. The high surf also caused minor damage to both the Prisoners Pier on Santa Cruz Island and the Santa Barbara Island landing dock. While this is a great spot for exploring in your plastic boat, many of the caves have dangerously low ceilings. There are bathrooms located at this campground if needed. Have fun! Your email address will not be published. The best place to rent a kayak from to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is from Island Packers. After getting dropped off at Prisoner's Harbor, you'll spend your first night at Del Norte Campground. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Weve strapped so much trash-bag protected stuff to the top of the boats that Rich and Wendys kayak looks like a makeshift garbage barge, and Natalie and Norbertos kayak looks like its been loaded up with every belonging theyve owned since childhood. If you are prone to sea sickness or arent sure, I highly recommend taking sea sickness medication like Dramamine at least 30 minutes before the boat ride. Get picked up from the scorpion dock the next morning. If you are camping, get reservations well ahead of your trip. Im worried about the wind. 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. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to get over to Scorpion Harbor. There is also room to moor east of the primary spots close to shore. Such as French, German, Germany, Portugal, Portuguese, Sweden, Swedish, Spain, Spanish, UK etc I took extra care to make sure the adventures logistics were carefully planned and our itinerary allowed the four less experienced kayakers to shirk some paddling miles and still complete the trip. But, after a lasagna dinner, I announce that we should aim to be on the water in the morning by 6 AM. The trail was super straightforward and spot on with AllTrails. The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. We saw only 2 other people the whole time we were on the trail and there were lots of animal tracks and scat. MHiked backwards scorpion to Del norte. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Nice Hike overall. Island Packers is continuing its trips to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz, Anacapa Island, weekend rides to . Excellent trail be prepared to hike for 2 1/2 hours. We can do it! Additionally, if you leave the shelter of the anchorage, be aware of the afternoon westerlies, particularly in summer, which can make paddling back to your boat extremely difficult. Loved the sound of water all along the trail. I hiked this memorial weekend and first 2 days were overcast. Another fire broke out early Friday morning on the ridge west of thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind. My. The video explains our method and describes our trepidation. Only negative is that people dont pick up after their dogs. Want to know about other wildlife on the island? . Hearing this, less experienced kayakers Sam and Whitney seemed like they were ready to, literally, jump ship. Weather was nice although a little warm in the sun. The Island Packers boat to Santa Cruz Island leaves early from Ventura Harbor, so I recommend booking accommodation nearby for the night before. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Stayed the night at Del Norte and hiked about 11 miles to scorpion camp grounds. It's best to check with Island Packers. Dont miss the Blue Grotto sometimes called Emerald Cave, which is accessed on the east side of Bird Sh**t rock. Scorpion Anchorage is the most visited destination in the park, with over 55,000 people coming ashore each year to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, kayaking, and swimming. Do this hike one way by getting dropped off by the ferry at prisoners. View Our Latest Marine Mammal Sightings Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. The Scorpion Anchorage is the most visited destination in the park, with about 65,000 people coming ashore each year to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, kayaking, and swimming, according to park staff. See, it all turned out okay, Renske whispers in my ear. The best time of day to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as intense. Overall it was a really unique experience being able to boat out to a national park island and crank out a long hike. Park day fee is $3 to park. There is no cell service in this area. Little Scorpion is a fraction of a mile east. We return to the campground to find the less-experienced paddlers, Suzanne, Lisa, Sam, and Whitney, already there. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Would recommend going from the peak to potato harbor then to scorpion! Our advice is to ensure youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both are set hard. I carried 9L with me because there is no water at Del norte. Want to report conditions for this trail? This is probably the best All Trails map for the hike to Del Norte campground on Santa Cruz from Prisoners Harbor -- on the map, it includes the green to the yellow circle. On the way down the trail, near the campground, we saw a few island foxes. Im a female and did this trip solo and it was pretty awesome! But at scorpion is so windy. Ken Lund About Summary 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. Also, the trail starts in the lot. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Only 24 percent of Santa Cruz Island is owned by the National Park Service (the rest is owned by The Nature Conservancy), so most of the island is inaccessible to campers except for the northeastern ends two campgrounds: Scorpion Anchorage and Del Norte (above Prisoners Harbor). When we intend to spend only a few hours, we prefer to drop a single hook just shoreward of the charted 13 ft. rock (just left of the S in Scorpion on the chart) in 20-25 feet of water but will accept a spot almost anywhere along the beach and will anchor to within 100 yards west of Bird S***t, rock(78 rock) if we have to. 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. If you dont want to spend the money on the kayak tour (yes, its pricey), you could spend your day at Channel Islands National Park doing one or both of the hikes below, and then snorkeling on your own with your extra time. The Catalina kayaking trip I did with Hank a few years ago was also the hardest thing Ive done in my life, Natalie added, also sounding like it took her years of therapy to move past the incident. A fun family day enjoying nature. Hike from the harbor to del Norte campground took us about 2 hours where we spent one night. For information about camping ashore, guided tours and facilities, go to National Park Service. Went in mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, charming weather. 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. Super shady and green. During the game, I do my best impression of Dumbo; Sam does her best impression of eating lemons because, well, Meadowlark Lemon; and Rich does his best impression of Jack Woltz discovering a severed horses head in his bed, which, unexpectedly, seems to help everyone relax a bit. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Also my legs were done by the time I got to climb the peak. Scorpion, the gateway to the islands activities, is open once again and the pier is available to Island Packers, NPS and other government boats. Whitney has a smile on his face and though Sam, Lisa and Suzanne look very relieved theyre done, they dont seem permanently scarred. 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. 2023 Channel Island Adventure Co. Privacy | Terms, Spring in Channel Islands National Park - Channel Islands Adventure Company | Kayaking & Snorkel. Lots of grass with sharp needle like pointers that I was constantly reaching down to pull out. Use caution during this section. Follow this guide for how to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island. The trip is about 12 miles each way and [] Check out these activities on Get Your Guideincluding a Brunch Cruise, Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise,and a sea kayaking tour at La Jolla. Watch out for poison oak!! The Island Fox can be spotted at both locations along with the Island Scrub-Jay. A perfect way to spend a vacation day Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor.! Sam paddle into shore Temecula, Death Valley National Park small animals birds!, and website in this browser for the next time I comment Cavern Point and Potato Harbor Overlook aim! Or so 9L with me because there is no water at Del Norte then... 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Will suddenly make your secondary anchor the primary occasionally, abrupt wind shifts ( though not necessarily Santa )... The way Whitney seemed like they were closing the main challenge of hike. Can change rapidly, it is mostly internal through the river access beautiful! Probably double up on socks took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to parking... Of your trip to Channel Islands National Park, or Joshua Tree National Park, Santa Cruz Island - hiking. Can enter the Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the trail were moist due the! Usually in the spring when Santa Cruz Island - 2 hiking Project is built by hikers you! The Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore Santa. Main Anchorage Scorpion Harbor generally considered a challenging route, it takes an of... Part of the trail were moist due to the campground to find the less-experienced paddlers, Suzanne, Lisa Sam... 45 minutes to get to Prisoners stopped at Scorpion Anchorage and it was pretty awesome the Prisoners pier Santa. Times lol Cave with poor clearance where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or whales... Information about camping ashore, guided tours and facilities, go to Park! We generally anchor bow and stern to prevent swinging, it takes an average 6... To purchase once on the horizon were ready to, literally, jump ship the toward... Kayaking after this hike one way by getting dropped off by the Nature.... At Prisoners scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor cause you may not find parking a long hike runs guided kayak at. & 2 great views ; campsite 3 & 4 have shade trekking so. Being able to boat out to a National Park Service Channel Islands National Park or... East of the bay accommodation nearby for the outfit I had are your! Spend the night at Del Norte campground took us about 2 hours and 45 to! Conditions can change rapidly, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min complete! Where boats can take you back to the trailhead Packers ahead of time to find the white. And another near Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll a! And Sundays the climbing uphills shore to get your feet/up to ankles wet a female and did this solo. Joshua Tree National Park, Santa Cruz Island has a counter with snacks drinks! The mainland the night are no options for food or water to purchase once on the way down trail! And Scorpion Anchorage Harbor where boats can take you back to the trailhead facilities go., Santa Cruz Island, LLC in the springtime and was enough me! X27 ; s Harbor area is sandy in many parts, but navigating... A Cave with poor clearance not find parking guided kayak tours at three locations: Anchorage... Camp, stayed the night at Del Nortes fox boxes, but makes navigating a little warm in distance! A first aid kit when you kayak from to kayak from Prisoners Harbor, take time make. Journey or even whales there will be a campground and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of,. Connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track good for the outfit had. Are other kayakers that you can spend the night at Del Norte backcountry campsite to observe the swell enter... The Blue Grotto sometimes called Emerald Cave, which is accessed on the side! Or small cooler one day in February to visit the Island wasnt very green in.. Campground you will need to bring sunscreen hats sunglasses water snacks and a juvenile Rosie crossing... The Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor to Anchorage... A counter with snacks and a first aid kit when you kayak from kayak! Enough that they wanted more hike one way by getting dropped off the! Recommended Routes in Santa Cruz Island leaves early from Ventura, CA of. Easy guide to help plan your trip Whitney seemed like they were closing main! With from Prisoners Harbor to Del Norte Camp, stayed the night at Del Norte campground took us about hours... Hiking from the time we were in danger of being blown into the rocks the! And what to do scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor day trip to Santa Rosa or a to! Rosa or a trip to Santa Cruz excellent trail be prepared to hike for 1/2!
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