Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. 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. 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. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. They are usually more than willing to work with you to help you plan your camping trip. However, many visitors arent willing to put in the little bit of extra planning required to enjoy this beautiful harbor, so youll feel much more secluded and engulfed in nature. Map updates are paused. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. An outdoor pit toilet is available for the campground, though you will need to bring your own toilet paper. This post has been removed at the author's request. 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. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. 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. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). February through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island are green and the native flowers in bloom. I say first night because, if you remember, there isno water source at Del Norte Campground. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. 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. Ventura to Prisoners Hbr SCI 9:00 AM. If youre running short on time, there is an option to cut the hike short and descend down Potato Road to the upper campground as a more straight shot to the beach. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. Exciting right? Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts. A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. The Island Fox is only about the size of a house cat and due to the fact they haven't traditionally had any predators they are active during the day. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead. While visitors may explore the national park property on Santa Cruz Island, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, nearby camping, year-round Island Packers boat transportation, extensive kelp forests, and a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Need to pack all water for the hike. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. 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. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. All Rights Reserved. It requires a signed waiver for access due to its location on private property (ask for one in the Island Packers office). 18 Jul 2022, 05:48 The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. 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. A small cooler with a single handle or a backpack will help to protect your food from the small animals and birds that populate the islands year-round. . 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. As I said, most of these can be avoided with a little preparation and common sense, but somehow they are recurring issues out on Santa Cruz Island. It is critical to note that there is no potable water here, and very little chance you will come across any water between the pier and campground. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. 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. Browse forums; All. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. If you dont own one, dont worry. 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. A few more things to note about the camping situation on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion campground is a large campground located about a half mile from the pier down a flat gravel and dirt path. While the island previously had an active ranch, under the current ownership of the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy it is being returned to its prior, natural state. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. Head east and youll encounter Scorpion Rock and the many large seacaves to explore and swim through along the way. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. Both Scorpion and Prisoners are on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, so the rock is primarily volcanic and the beaches are either all rocky or rocky with sections of course black sand, depending on recent weather events. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, nearby camping, year-round Island Packers boat transportation, extensive kelp forests, and a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore. The road eventually ended leaving us on an honest to god faint hiking trail involving the occasional bouldery bit. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. The best months for flower blooms are April and May. On days that the concessionaire boats run to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, guided hikes may be offered by national park volunteers or concessionaire naturalists. We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. 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. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. We recommend hiking shoes. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. 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. Seasickness always gets someone. Is it possible to see each other on the same trip as in hiking to it? 3 bedrooms. Interpretive Programs Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. 2021Outdoor Project. 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. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. The campground was large but had a pleasant vibe to it with the exception of what sounded like a group of college guys a few sites over. Amid schools of calico bass swimming through towering kelp forests, curious spotted harbor seals hiding behind urchin-covered rocks, and bright orange garibaldi popping out of little nooks, you wont run out of interesting things to see. Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Landing is via a pier at both locations. 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). Let me . Watch this Topic. If you make it to the campground, you will have hiked about 7 miles round trip from the pier. I highly recommend the Pelican Bay Trail in the springtime because of the rich diversity of flowering plant species many of which are endemic to the island. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid Campsite List Refresh Table Expand Table Sort: Availability 5 Days 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. 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