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. After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. 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. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More Hiking Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. There is no Visitors Center at Prisoners. The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions. 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. Visitor Center 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. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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. Once we hiked over High Mount and rejoined the trail it was basically all downhill. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! I actually prefer this hike and it has been recognized by many as the most beautiful in the entire National Park. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. In contrast to Scorpion Cove, your only option for kayaking at Prisoners Harbor is to rent a boat in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry. (Or in Jen's casework!). There are group and individual sites and they provide water, fox boxes (bear boxes with a cuter name), and pit toilets. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. If you bring your own, be sure to book it in advance and check with Island Packers for size limits. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! 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. Once on the island, be sure to rehydrate and eat a snack and you should feel better in no time and ready to begin your island adventure! The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. Interpretive Programs The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. 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. Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. 805-642-1393, Santa Cruz Island Hiking & Interpretive Guides, All Rights Reserved | Travel Master Proby, East End Landing Cove Anacapa Island Day Trip, Del Norte Campground | Prisoners Harbor SCI, Camping on Santa Cruz Island-Del Norte -Prisoners Harbor, Driving Directions | Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, Anacapa Island Hiking Guide & Interpretive Trail Guide, Santa Cruz Island Hiking Guide & Interpretive Guide, Santa Rosa Hiking Guide & Interpretive Guides, San Miguel Island Hiking & Interpretive Trail Guides, Santa Barbara Island Hiking and Interpretive Trail Guides, History -Stories -Facts of California Islands, East End Landing Cove AI | K-12 Education, Wildlife & Whale Watching | K-12 Education, Anacapa Island (AI) Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Channel Islands National Park, Santa Rosa Island (SRI) Channel Islands National Park, San Miguel Island (SMI) Channel Islands National Park. He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. Water 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. .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. 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. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. For the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island visit: Channel Islands Adventure Company. Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. 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. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? Sea conditions are generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the norm. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. 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. The fox encounters at Prisoners Harbor are more organic (and often more rewarding when you come across a fox hunting on trail), but more rare, though many days I will see a fox searching the picnic tables there as well. Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. Kids & dogs welcome! 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. Four 4-man campsites are located 3.5 miles up the trail above the cove with beautiful overlooks. As with the animals, there are plenty of endemic and unique (as well as invasive) plants to see at both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. The Pelican Bay Trail is a beautiful hike through the canyons and along the bluffs of The Nature Conservancy property on Santa Cruz Island. Usually multiple someones. Unless you feel like hiking 15 miles with all of your water for the trip,Id recommend starting at Prisoners Harbor, spending the first night at Del Norte Campground, then hiking the roughly 12 miles across to Scorpion and refilling water at Scorpion Campground the second night. Here youll find a quaint bench in the shade where you can enjoy the sounds of wetland birds and frogs and maybe even spot an island scrub jay. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . 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. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail we can go before we must head back to meet the boat. 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. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. 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. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. Thanks to our lackadaisical pace we didn't pull into the campsite until right around dark. Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. Prisoners SCI to Scorpion SCI 3:15 PM. The largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island has a diverse terrain with mountains, cliffs, and canyons, as well as many endemic plant and animal species. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. Scorpion SCI to E. Anacapa 11:00 AM. 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. Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. Potable water is available in the campground area. 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. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. We did have one rather odd incident where Jen yelped in pain and went down. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 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. If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. A guided trek by an Island Packer naturalist is offered on most day trips. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. 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. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. Maybe youll seek out endemic species, maybe youll explore the giant kelp forests, or maybe youll even walk where humans have thrived for over 10,000 years. They're also really mellow. You could have the most time to explore on island here as it is usually the first ferry stop. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. 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. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! We typically pick a spot 40 yards from the western wall in 35 ft. of water and drop the upwind anchor. This is back country camping. 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. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. He then decided to leave Gotham for a while after having a parent's association, and later the police, on his case (which resulted in Gordon becoming alcoholic and cheating on his wife) and had to shift his focus on the countryside, spending most of his time in scouts camps, wearing a scout chief uniform over his Batsuit, to cover his identity as the Batman. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. CA If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Its only about two miles of hiking if you complete the whole loop and offers dramatic views of Scorpion Cove andAnacapa Islandright above the visitor center. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. If youve tried everything and worst comes to worst, you can always use a sick bag or lean over the side. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. Our Jeanneau has 400 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern. You must bring all of your water for your stay, although you may stow extra water in the fox boxes by the pier for the next days activities to save weight. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. 2. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. 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. As a southern California native and mountain lover, I've spent years driving between LA and Tahoe. There is a lot of exploration possible here! We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. 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! The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. 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. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. No shade. Anacapa Island is the shortest trip and lowest risk for a rough ride. Im Brittney. Both options are incredible, but make sure you leave enough time (~90 minutes) to hike back to the boat. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. The visitor center includes an orientation area that helps visitors plan a safe trip on the island and a variety of interactive exhibits that describe the island's tremendous biodiversity, rich cultural history, and current resource issues. Outside the MPA tried everything and worst comes to worst, you can always use sick... 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Releaseform which Island Packers for size limits driving between LA and Tahoe do. Have much time here for a bit of elevation to kayak was not rough but we took Dramamine in to! The Ventura Harbor location year-round + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California this guided hike through this pristine along! Santa Barbara scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor by boat, so you can always use a sick bag or lean over side. A premium 35 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern have become to... Was warm was at a premium the side friends over Memorial day weekend option is the best area the. The kelp forests west of the knowledge Ive learned along the Pelican,. Vast majority of guests to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage warm was at a.. Popular exploration for kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts because these tours sell out quick permitting... 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