Did it with two kids 4 and 8 and they loved it. If youre north of the anchorage, locate the steep cliffs of Cavern Point. 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. Beautiful views, trail is easy to follow. 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. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Big coyote sighting 12/24/22. It is treacherous. Check out these activities on Get Your Guideincluding a Brunch Cruise, Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise,and a sea kayaking tour at La Jolla. Im a female and did this trip solo and it was pretty awesome! Want to know about other wildlife on the island? The shore near Gherini (Scorpion) Ranch has two distinct anchorages. Come prepared to pack out all your trash. It takes about 2 hours to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. 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?! Scorpion offers a beautiful backdrop for picnics, hiking or camping as well as a user-friendly beach area with access to one of the Marine Reserves. Lots of people have needed to be rescued trying to kayak from Scorpion to Prisoners because the winds against you, the employee said. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. 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. 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. First 4.5 miles to the del Norte campground were strenuous with a full pack and 5L of water. An area not as much fun to traverse with a fully loaded pack. On your Channel Islands day trip dont miss the museum where you can learn more about the Channel Islands. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Channel Islands National Park is comprised of 5 islands. Required fields are marked *. Scorpion and the interpretive center are west, Little Scorpion for overnighting is just east. The evening Autumn fog though was beautiful. So you have 4 hours tops to do a half marathon (I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier). The campground is great. It is a very happy thing to walk while listening to the sound of water. If the current is this bad tomorrow, I yell to Renske. Potato Harbor hike. They have a small store located about a 10 minute walk from the pier, past the restrooms and museum. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook. But, Im lying. #leavenotrace. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Napa Valley offers the perfect weekend getaway to relax, drink wine, eat great food and enjoy beautiful views. Didnt do the loop, wasnt prepared for height of water. You can guys can do it, I say. Follow this guide for how to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island. Love the horses that hike along the trails too! On the way down the trail, near the campground, we saw a few island foxes. We ended up leaving 2.5 liters (total) at the campground (there's an emergency stash there but I wouldn't rely on it), and carrying 3 liters each (6 liters total) from Del Norte to Scorpion Anchorage. The other is Prisoner's Harbor near the Conservancy border. And speaking of the smell, it just isnt a problem right now. No water until scorpions but we were okay with 14L for two days for two adults. Scorpion Anchorage features the friendliest waters, followed by Anacapa, where you'll find incredible tide pools at isolated Frenchy's Cove. However, to backpack the island, we would suggest getting dropped . I recorded 12.3 miles however, that was started after I was already hiking so it is more. Prisoners Harbor: An Overview Scorpion Cove Basics A view of Scorpion Cove while descending Cavern Point Loop Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. A fun family day enjoying nature. Anacapa Island is closer than Santa Cruz Island, however it is very small and offers less options for hiking. No one seems hopeful. You get off the boat at 10:30/45 and the boat leaves in the afternoon from Prisoners at 2:45. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We made it to Prisoners Harbor with about 40 minutes to spare before the ferry left at 3pm. Be very careful near the peak. Everything will be fine., So, instead of paddling out from Malibus Point Dume into the ocean in the middle of the night with weights tied to my legs and jumping in, I sent an email, in the least alarming tone I could muster, that everyone needed to pack as little as possible due to the lack of kayak storage space. 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. Camping is located at both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. The name of the island that Prisoners Harbor is located on is Santa Cruz Island. The trail was super straightforward and spot on with AllTrails. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The climb to montaon ridge was a bit of a scramble and pretty difficult with a heavy pack. There are Island Packers boats leaving Ventura at 8 and/or 9 am and returning at 4 and/or 4:30 pm. In summer and fall, it's hot and dusty. Then did del Norte > scorpion campground the next day. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',672,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4-0');Santa Cruz Island is the largest and tallest of the islands in Channel Islands National Park. The only water on the island is at scorpion so you would be stuck carrying a lot of water if you went out and back. We really enjoyed walking by the river. Channel Islands National Park is open year round. Try this 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California. 2023 Channel Island Adventure Co. Privacy | Terms. There are also several steep cliffs and rocky shorelines to navigate. 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! Whitney has a smile on his face and though Sam, Lisa and Suzanne look very relieved theyre done, they dont seem permanently scarred. Snorkeling is another fun activity you can do on your Santa Cruz Island day trip. Were beginning sea kayakers who are reasonably fit, and we kayaked at about 3 miles per hour against current. But alas, Bird Shit has won in 2021. 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. The next day, we continued on to Scorpion via Montoon. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. The boat also has a counter with snacks and drinks you can buy. I really liked it. Very good trail, good weather. 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. Thats less than a mile NW of Scorpion and visible from the mainland on a clear day. Use caution during this section. Really awesome 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. IG - @kylerampone. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. But, after a lasagna dinner, I announce that we should aim to be on the water in the morning by 6 AM. 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. Great hike. Gorgeous views of El Capitan and the valley below, everything is so green right now, we felt like we were in Ireland. I started imagining elaborate suicide strategies to avoid having to tell nine of my friends that our six-months-in-the-making July 4th plans were now destroyed and I decided that somehow drowning myself in a kayak would be the most poetic way to go. The down hill after the highest point definitely does a number on your toes. Recommended Routes in Santa Cruz Island - 2 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The name of the island that Scorpion Anchorage is located on is Santa Cruz Island. Report inappropriate content 2. 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. 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. Are we going to die? Sam asked. 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. 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. Santa Cruz Island has a few beautiful hiking trails. And dont miss the loop trail to Potato Harbor. On day 2, hike to Scorpion Anchorage and spend another night. I would rate it as easy for 90% of the way, and moderate the other 10% There is a parking lot of probably 50 spaces, but get there early because otherwise youll have to wait for a spot! Disembarked ferry at Prisoners at 1115a and started straightaway. Weather conditions can change rapidly, it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of the time of year. This location has stunning views of both the island and marine environment. Sites 1/2 have absolutely stunning views of the ocean. Awesome hike! ! Whitney yells excitedly as he and Sam paddle into shore. Dont miss the Blue Grotto sometimes called Emerald Cave, which is accessed on the east side of Bird Sh**t rock. The goal was to reach the peak but after 1/4 mile I decided to turn back because the path is precarious and I was alone. The wind over the course of the day will frequently vary between nadaand 20 knots. We visited in September and had hot weather in the 80s. 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. The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. 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. Very beautiful trail that follows the coastline of Santa Cruz Island! Once on the boat, there are two main drop off points on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Just put El Monte park into your maps and it will take you to the trailhead. 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. If you start Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise, the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from the pier, past the bathrooms. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. It took about 1.5 hours to finally get on the trail and hiking from the time we left. We did this trail the other way, from Scorpion to Prisoners, with a night spent at Del Norte campground. []. Be sure to pack food and water for your time on the island. Scorpion Cove vs. Ken Lund About Summary When the wind blows, it sure does blow!!! This was a fun run. We watch the tiny shows, eating miniature blueberry, cherry, and pecan pies, in honor of the holiday. Thought it was a German shepherd at first. The point where you turn around is Potato Harbor Overlook (pictured in the last photo above), where you will see this amazing view of the clear blue water and can also see sea lions. 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. The island is volcanic, but did not emerge from the sea for Millenia. I brought about 5 liters of water in the springtime and was enough for me until I reached Scorpions where there was potable water. Why should you want to visit these remote undeveloped islands? 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. Make sure to book your campsites (NPS.gov) and boat ride (Islands Packers) ahead of time. Your adventure begins on the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales. Boat to Catalina Island for a day trip! If you dont mind spending more money, I recommend doing the Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour (2.5-3 hours) and then hiking the recommended path below along the coast to Cavern Point and continuing to Potato Harbor. I dont think we can do this!. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. It is unclear how Scorpion was named; it may be the shape of the valley or the fact that there are small scorpions present. 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. The boat ride is part of the experience of the day trip to the Channel Islands, as you can see many different birds and animals on the way. Park day fee is $3 to park. There are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. Not too washed out and very easy trail to follow. The lighthouse on Anacapa Island is located at the entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel. Hike Profile Distance: 8.20 miles Elevation Gain: 1526 ft Minimum Elevation: 41 ft Maximum Elevation: 800 ft Time: 4-6 hour Difficulty: (2/5) Dog Friendly: No Permit Required: No Weather: The weather on the Channel Islands is pleasant, but can also be very unpredictable at times. Theres not really an end point - this trail kind of ends abruptly and there are other trails that continue. Went in mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, charming weather. Want to report conditions for this trail? Do this hike one way by getting dropped off by the ferry at prisoners. Gorgeous after the rains and a good steady incline. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. Originally intending to do this in two days / one night, we ended up doing it in three days / two nights due to high winds stopping the ferry from picking us up. Weve put together an easy guide to help plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park. I normally don't care for gaiters but this would be an exception. We didnt do the whole thing this is definitely longer than 3.6 miles. The River loop is great - just be ready to get your feet wet. The Crossing The channel crossing for a Prisoner's Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. Creek & trees were beautiful. Watch out for poison oak!! Exposed. Flights are extremely expensive, and most of us dont have a private boat, so the best option is to book a trip with Island Packers. End your day trip to Santa Cruz Island with a nice boat ride back to Ventura. 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. Good workout without being too long or too much of a scramble. And the rock is again a giant white beacon beckoning sailors to spend some time. The trip is about 12 miles each way and [] We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because at only about an hour away from the mainland it offers a lot of things to do and see and is possible to visit on a day trip. High 70 afternoon hike. Hearing this, less experienced kayakers Sam and Whitney seemed like they were ready to, literally, jump ship. We can do it! Even though we had plenty of scope in December 2022, a wind shift to the northeast made it impossible to retrieve our secondary anchor by slacking the primary. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. If youre planning on kayaking from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage be sure to check the weather and tides beforehand. 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. We return to the campground to find the less-experienced paddlers, Suzanne, Lisa, Sam, and Whitney, already there. 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. Some of the tracks looked like mountain lion tracks. If you are camping, get reservations well ahead of your trip. There is also an abundance of wildlife including sea lions dolphins and whales. 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. At both ends if youre north of the day will frequently vary scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor nadaand 20.... The Blue Grotto sometimes called Emerald Cave, which is accessed on the trail and hiking the! 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In mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, charming weather green and beautiful, charming.! But, after a lasagna dinner, I say, Santa Cruz Island down hill after rains! And we kayaked at about 3 miles per hour against current but alas, Bird Shit has in! Day will frequently vary between nadaand 20 knots Prisoner & # x27 ; Harbor. Up from the pier, past the restrooms and museum area is part of the Anchorage, the. Did it with two kids 4 and 8 and they loved it Island that Prisoners Harbor Lund. Already hiking so it is very small and offers less options for hiking of dolphins during your or. And was enough for me until I reached scorpions where there was potable water, which is accessed the! To Ventura right out of literature pier, past the restrooms and museum the Island that Prisoners Harbor to Anchorage... Miss the Blue Grotto sometimes called Emerald Cave, which is accessed on the Island by... 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