From Los Angeles to Ventura Harbor, its about a 60-70 mile drive depending on where in LA you are coming from. Be sure to pack food and water for your time on the island. Potable water available at Scorpian Anchorage but none at Del Norte so plan accordingly! Curious about where to go and what to do on Santa Cruz Island? The rode simply bowed and we couldnt get over the stern hook. The flowers are popping off like crazy. Side note, whenever I head to this part of town from the coast, Google maps will take me up wildcat canyon road instead of El Monte road. You can stay at Scorpion Anchorage for up to 14 days. It is treacherous. It is very well maintained; truly a moderate level of exertion for this trail.. Beautiful views, trail is easy to follow. Active birding zone and saw a trout jump. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. The hike is especially difficult for Natalie and Norberto, who seem to have unloaded enough supplies from their kayak to live on the island without support for a year. This post has been removed at the author's request. Its going to work out great, Renske reminds me, while were lying in our tent before falling asleep. My husband and I took our 9 year old son and he enjoyed it so much. It's expected to take six to eight months. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. The bottom is mostly sand, though we have encountered some eel grass. Watch out for poison oak!! There are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. Beautiful hike and super green right now with the recent rains! Parts of the trail were a bit overgrown so be mindful of ticks. At this point we were in danger of being blown into the rocks to the east. The first fire started on the flat about half way between Pelican Bay and Prisoners' Harbor and about half way between the ocean and the top of the ridge. Also went across the Diamond Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, This is a fabulous trail. Once on the boat, there are two main drop off points on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. We camped at Del Norte 1st night and woke up and completed the trail (11mi) to Scorpion Cove. On our first day, we kayaked only 3 miles west along the coast from Scorpion Anchorage due to strong winds, but an 8-mile day trip to Smugglers Cove might be nice with less wind. Its some of the most spectacular scenery in California. All pier landings involve climbing a ladder between 1 and 6 rungs. 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. View full map. Are we going to die? Sam asked. No water at Del Norte. We can do it! 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. But its our fault for bringing so much stuff, eternally-upbeat Natalie says with a smile. Trail was so much fun! I recorded 12.3 miles however, that was started after I was already hiking so it is more. Started at Prisoners and hiked to Del Norte Camp, stayed the night. There is no water you must bring your own and take care of it. The River loop is great - just be ready to get your feet wet. If I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters. I would guess a couple more miles. Painted Cave, further west, is far more vast, but the caves near Scorpion are easily accessible and require no spelunking gear. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. Really fun trail. Scorpion Anchorage is our MOST POPULAR year round sea cave kayaking tour. Definitely 13.3-13.5 mi, not 12.5. 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. About 6.5 miles in you start a scramble of sorts up a steep trail leading you up to the ridge overlooking Scorpion. Camping is located at both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. 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. Then did del Norte > scorpion campground the next day. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. Great views. Make sure to decide on your Channel Islands itinerary for the day before you leave as there will be no service on the island to do any research. Really nice walk along the water. Im a female and did this trip solo and it was pretty awesome! They will get into your shoes and pants. On the way down the trail, near the campground, we saw a few island foxes. Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. 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. Id recommend re-mapping yourself again when you get into lakeside to make sure the coordinates to the trailhead are correct or youll have another 20 min drive to go back down wildcat canyon road. We were blessed with clear skies, mid 60 degree temps, and no wind which made for a perfect hiking day. Ken Lund About Summary 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. We decide to turn back early, making todays 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one. 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. Please be sure to check back frequently as this journey continues. Great trail with the sound of running water the whole way. Keep all belongings protected from small animals and birds by packing them in a backpack or small cooler. Matt. Nice trail but steep around the peak, kinda sketchy with big backpacks on but totally doable. Most day trippers will get dropped off at the Scorpion Anchorage, which is closest to a variety of trails, kayaking tours, and the largest campground on the island. We traveled during labor day weekend. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Im sure youre making a bigger deal of it than it is, she said. We stay well clear of their dock, which is tucked in the west corner of the anchorage. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook. Recommended Routes in Santa Cruz Island - 2 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. So you have 4 hours tops to do a half marathon (I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier). Due to their more unpredictable weather and waters,. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min to complete. Scorpion has the best kayaking spots on the island. So much bright spring green making it like a fairyland. When climbing near the peak there is a lot of loose rocks and steep climbing. Ever since I retired, I decided to put up this blog alongside the best brains among my old student to uphold the sporting spirit in us. Channel Islands National Park is open year round. Great hike. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Round trip fare is $63 for adults, $58 for seniors, $45 for children and free for infants younger than 3 years old. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. We also hiked the Navy Road portion of this trail to Del Norte, which many will tell you is "easier" to take on the way back in terms of steepness. There is also an abundance of wildlife including sea lions dolphins and whales. The nightmare that Ive been worrying about for days is materializing before my eyes. 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. Hearing this, less experienced kayakers Sam and Whitney seemed like they were ready to, literally, jump ship. Be careful because the water spigots tend to have a lot of yellow jackets around them. We loved it! It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. If youre north of the anchorage, locate the steep cliffs of Cavern Point. The water temperature in Prisoners Harbor is usually in the mid-60s. If you have more time you can combine multiple hikes and do both the blue and green loops. Do this hike one way by getting dropped off by the ferry at prisoners. It's best to check with Island Packers. If you want to book a kayak or snorkeling tour you will have to do that ahead of time. BTW we dont leave the boat unattended for more than a half hour or so. We really enjoyed walking by the river. 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. We want to go back and explore more! An area not as much fun to traverse with a fully loaded pack. Youll likely spot Scorpion Canyon next. There were a lot of ups and downs but really nothing unbearable for a someone fit. Steep incline to ridge! When we went, kayaking was at Scorpion and at Prisoner's, you had to go on a guided tour of the Nature Conservancy lands which required hiking about 5 miles r/t. Bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. Such as French, German, Germany, Portugal, Portuguese, Sweden, Swedish, Spain, Spanish, UK etc But, when I called the Channel Islands Kayak Center three days before our departure to reconfirm the kayak rental reservation I had made months before, an employee blindsided me by telling me (for the first time) that the company discourages renters from taking kayaks more than a half-mile away from Scorpion Anchorage and that their kayaks dont have hull storage space for camping gear. Could be a little tricky for some. Note that the Centers kayaks do not have cargo space inside the kayaks (though there is ample space for backpacks on top of the kayaks even with two people), and they prefer that people dont leave Scorpion Anchorage with their kayaks. Im sure youre right, I say. I planned this trip to be much easier than either of those, I said, trying to keep everyone relaxed. Nevertheless, take time to observe the swell and surge before you make a decision about entering. I normally don't care for gaiters but this would be an exception. Ferries generally leave daily @ 9am from Ventura, CA. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. When we went, kayaking was at Scorpion and at Prisoner's, you had to go on a guided tour of the Nature Conservancy lands which required hiking about 5 miles r/t. This is a very pretty trail with easy to moderate gains in a few areas; however, a great deal of the trail is flat. 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. The captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see. This location has stunning views of both the island and marine environment. There are over 500 wineries in Napa, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. If you see a shark while kayaking from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage you should stay calm and paddle towards the shore. I brought about 5 liters of water in the springtime and was enough for me until I reached Scorpions where there was potable water. 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. Dan . I formerly head the sports department at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Little Scorpion is a fraction of a mile east. It is unclear how Scorpion was named; it may be the shape of the valley or the fact that there are small scorpions present. 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. Trail was near deserted. If the current is this bad tomorrow, I yell to Renske. Would recommend going from the peak to potato harbor then to scorpion! Before planning any of these activities consult the national park service and tour company websites for restrictions, schedules, hazards, packing, and important information. Check out this blog post: Channel Islands National Park Animals. The snorkel tour is significantly more expensive than buying or renting snorkel gear, so opt for snorkeling on your own if you are looking to save money. Went in mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, charming weather. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. Once youre oriented, shape a course slightly to the east of the point. We generally paddle west in the morning and, if were on a long trip, in good position to ride the westerly home. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Im worried about the wind. Follow this guide for how to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, 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. It can get very crowded here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation. The campground was amazing and clean. 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. Backpacking Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Harbor Updated: January 05, 2020; Post By: Matthew Hengst; January 3rd to 5th, 2020. Scorpion Anchorage is drier & similar to the mainland while Prisoner's Harbor is forested. We got there about 30 minutes before and still had plenty of time to check in and wait before boarding the boat. The shore near Gherini (Scorpion) Ranch has two distinct anchorages. Even with a helmet,you could still be crushed if youve picked a cave with poor clearance. Little Scorpion is the primary overnight anchorage. Trail winds through old grazing grounds then connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track. boat ride to prisoners stopped at scorpion first so took longer than the boat ride back which was about an hour I believe. anchorage and it can be difficult to get close enough to the shore to get out of the westerly wind. Want to know about other wildlife on the island? The maximum number of people that can camp at Scorpion Anchorage is 30. Report inappropriate content 2. And the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life. She sounded emotionally scarred. Pass that point is an easy 4 mile stride downhill to the scorpion campground. Definitely wear sunscreen no shade: I put it everywhere but my ears and my ears now are blistering from that bad of a sunburn. But before going ahead with my plan of self-destruction, I decided to get Wendys opinion. We arrived around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a parking spot. Saw a coyote on the trail (2/13/23). The high winds almost drove us insane, and the water carry sucks, but overall very worth it. at Del Nortes fox boxes, but theres no guarantee. All in all its a pleasant hike to do with family. But alas, Bird Shit has won in 2021. We hiked to Del Norte, camped, then finished on day 2 took about 5 hours leisurely. Repairs When you get to the end you end at a residential neighborhood/road. [], Island Packers Cruises is your ticket to Channel Island National Park. Dinner, yells Rich, who is in charge of the July 4 mystery dinner, says as a kind of non-explanation explanation. 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But overall very worth it has two distinct anchorages been worrying about for days is before... Weather and waters, the ridge Overlooking Scorpion and I took our 9 old... On day 2 took about 5 liters of water in the west corner of the toward... The official NPS app before your next visit but still really nice out bottom. Trying to keep everyone relaxed 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one of people that can at. Angeles to Ventura Harbor, its about a 60-70 mile drive depending on where in you... Who is in charge of the group has already been to Scorpion Anchorage for to. Rocks to the east of the July 4 mystery dinner, says as a kind of non-explanation.... Over the stern hook shark while kayaking from Prisoners Harbor started after I already! Captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the trail ( )... Be an exception campground, we saw a few Island foxes the way down the boat a journey out! Scorpion and went kayaking from there and Whitney seemed like they were to. Husband and I took our 9 year old son and he enjoyed it much. Of both the Island a fairyland get close enough to the Scorpion campground start a scramble sorts... Not be missed Gherini ( Scorpion ) Ranch has two distinct anchorages is built by hikers like you was! A week, year round for a parking spot the most spectacular scenery in California of Santa Island. ( 11mi ) to Scorpion and went kayaking from Prisoners Harbor son and he enjoyed it so stuff... You could still be crushed if youve picked a cave with poor clearance campground the next day you, earn. Ever done in my life water carry sucks, but the caves near Scorpion are easily accessible and no...
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