We crossed the water and we had a snack and back home. Peaceful and many shady areas. Camping is located at both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Theres only about three miles left, I tell the group. Trail was near deserted. Scorpion Anchorage is our MOST POPULAR year round sea cave kayaking tour. This was a fun run. The name of the island that Scorpion Anchorage is located on is Santa Cruz Island. Snorkeling is another fun activity you can do on your Santa Cruz Island day trip. If youre planning on kayaking from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage be sure to check the weather and tides beforehand. It can get very crowded here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation. No need to cross the road to start on the other side. 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. At Scorpion Ranch, there is an upper loop and a lower loop of campsites. You can swim, snorkel, dive and kayak here, and there are plenty of hiking options too, starting from Scorpion Anchorage. It's expected to take six to eight months. River crossings are closed by the rangers due to high water. 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. 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. Both 60- and 90-minute boat rides can be booked from both Ventura and Oxnard Harbors. If you start Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise, the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from the pier, past the bathrooms. On our second day, we kayaked 9 miles from Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoners Harbor and then hiked the three (strenuous) miles to the Del Norte Campground on a mountaintop. The swell frequently creeps around the corner in the Island Packers. There is potable water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and food storage bins at this campground. 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. Highly recommend. Del Norte and Scorpion Campground via Del Norte and Montaon Trail, https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/backcountry-beach-camping-on-santa-cruz-island.htm. 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. Didnt do the loop, wasnt prepared for height of water. IG - @kylerampone. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Scorpion Anchorage is just an 18-mile ride off the coast of Ventura County on the 96-square-mile island of Santa Cruz. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. There are also several steep cliffs and rocky shorelines to navigate. Hearing this, less experienced kayakers Sam and Whitney seemed like they were ready to, literally, jump ship. 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. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. The island is volcanic, but did not emerge from the sea for Millenia. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min to complete. The islands were formed by plate tectonics, underwater volcanoes, and changing sea levels. Tomorrow well be easier. I suggest that we play a game before dinner, and Sam suggests that we play the celebrity-guessing game Times Up. You will find many unique sea caves near Scorpion Anchorage, making Santa Cruz Island a unique place to kayak. 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. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook. After you reach the sign almost at the top, its anticlimactic and you start to see houses and backyards, so Id probably stop there next time and then head back. The ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cross the channel. Over all worth it would not recommend kayaking after this hike. I logged the mileage as 13.1 but I did do a little offshoot to El Montanon peak. There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. There are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. beautiful trail . I couldnt have done this trip without my hiking sticks! We really enjoyed walking by the river. Love the horses that hike along the trails too! The extreme conditions of the park made for, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Thats good for the ecosystem, but makes navigating a little tougher. Scorpion in foreground, Little Scorpion in the distance. 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. Once you enter you go right to the farthest parking section to find the trail head. #leavenotrace. The other is Prisoners Harbor near the Conservancy border. Find the great white beacon of Bird Shit Rock. I brought about 5 liters of water in the springtime and was enough for me until I reached Scorpions where there was potable water. MHiked backwards scorpion to Del norte. 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. Gorgeous after the rains and a good steady incline. But alas, Bird Shit has won in 2021. 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 Gain and loss of elevation throughout the trail. You can stay at Scorpion Anchorage for up to 14 days. Flowers starting to blossom. If you have new or amplifying information concerning this anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt. Bring more water than you think. It was scary going down especially with my super heavy backpack. There is no water you must bring your own and take care of it. Very good trail, good weather. Permits not required; its your national park. Both locations have many activities such as hiking, snorkeling, bird watching, ocean kayaking, and camping to check out. Yes you can kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. We stay well clear of their dock, which is tucked in the west corner of the anchorage. To get to Prisoners Harbor, take the Island Packers Ferry. KAYAK RENTAL: The Channel Islands Kayak Center in Ventura sits next to Island Packers, and they rents kayaks for $35/day for single kayaks and $55/day for double kayaks. Suddenly, a strong gust smashes an aggressive wave over our boat, soaking us both completely. my dogs loved it and were in and out of the river. The shore near Gherini (Scorpion) Ranch has two distinct anchorages. Another fire broke out early Friday morning on the ridge west of thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind. 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. 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. Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. This species of island fox evolved from the mainland gray fox. Youll likely spot Scorpion Canyon next. Only negative is that people dont pick up after their dogs. 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. The lower loop is about a 1/2 mile hike in and the upper loop is about a mile, depending on where your site is located inside the loop. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Are you spending time in San Diego? Every landmark had personality, every direction I looked was art. It's beautiful right now. Santa Cruz Scorpion Anchorage landings are at a pier. As you continue hiking the trail there will be more breathtaking views of the large cliffs and you will also be able to spot sea caves. Lets just do it. She wrote that she thought we should just ignore the warnings and hypothetical cargo-space problem and just continue with my original plan. Just follow the coast until you hit that dock on the other side of the bay. Lots of shade. When most people think of kayaking they imagine themselves paddling peacefully down a river on a hot summer day. View full map. We decide to turn back early, making todays 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one. We didnt do the whole thing this is definitely longer than 3.6 miles. 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. Your email address will not be published. Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. Great for kayaking and snorkeling! Approaching the ridge was probably the most difficult and treacherous part for someone backpacking (~0.2 miles) with steep cliffs, rocky, unstable trail. And dont miss the loop trail to Potato Harbor. 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. Totally doable in that time period if the math works for your pace. Potato Harbor hike. 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. Stayed the night at Del Norte and hiked about 11 miles to scorpion camp grounds. About 6.5 miles in you start a scramble of sorts up a steep trail leading you up to the ridge overlooking Scorpion. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min to complete. The trail is fairly marked well however there are some spots where the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for some. Wildlife can be spotted at both locations and will vary depending on the time of day and season. This loop trail leaves from the eastern harbor, Scorpion Anchorage (as opposed to Mid Santa Cruz, or Prisoner's Harbor). I saw one group of 4 people near the campground but didn't see anyone else until I was 1 1/2 miles from Scorpion Cove. Due to their more unpredictable weather and waters,. 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. If you drop your boat in the water when the sun just peaks over Anacapa, youll likely find glass-smooth waters and excellent visibility. There is rarely any breaking surf, which makes this one of the few easy places to come ashore on Santa Cruz. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. And the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life. She sounded emotionally scarred. End your day trip to Santa Cruz Island with a nice boat ride back to Ventura. Ken Lund About Summary Night 1 at del Norte (make reservations) then night 2 at scorpion canyon. Check out 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. Little Scorpion is a fraction of a mile east. The maximum number of people that can camp at Scorpion Anchorage is 30. 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. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. Be sure to pack food and water for your time on the island. 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. Scorpion has the best kayaking spots on the island. Really fun trail. However, to backpack the island, we would suggest getting dropped . There are no options for food or water to purchase once on the island. Parts of the trail were a bit overgrown so be mindful of ticks. Try this 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California. There are, Your email address will not be published. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Required fields are marked *. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. Have fun! Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on earth and the lowest elevation in North America. It is a little easier at some points, but I'd say just as steep and even boring after a while being more inland and on a dirt road. Im a female and did this trip solo and it was pretty awesome! Excellent trail be prepared to hike for 2 1/2 hours. Awesome hike! At this point we were in danger of being blown into the rocks to the east. Scorpion Cove vs. On the boat to Santa Cruz Island, the nine of us discussed our past outdoors trips, and Lisa reminisced about the Mount Whitney summit trip she completed with me, Rich, and Wendy. 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. 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. The best place to rent a kayak from to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is from Island Packers. 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 captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see. 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. It is very deep in the center of the bight, which makes anchoring bow and stern problematical. If I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters. It is possible to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage but it is a long and challenging journey. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Curious about where to go and what to do on Santa Cruz Island? Keep all belongings protected from small animals and birds by packing them in a backpack or small cooler. The main trail from Del Norte Camp to Scorpion Anchorage is in pretty good condition. Nice trail! 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. Definitely recommend trekking poles because there comes a point where it gets really rocky and steep. From Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove Beach and Potato Harbor Overlook (no beach access). Only about one quarter of this mountainous island is part of the national park (eastern 24%), the rest is managed by The Nature Conservancy and other organizations. 0:39 - Turnoff for the Del Norte Trail (times are approximate) (As of November 2019 this location is closed for construction of a new pier and will reopen summer 2020). There is also an abundance of wildlife including sea lions dolphins and whales. 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. Hi there, we do not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor. Rent a kayak from Prisoners Harbor making todays 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one trip solo it... Tucked in the water when the sun just peaks over Anacapa, youll find! Danger of being blown into the rocks to the public rarely any breaking surf, makes. Upper loop and a lower loop of campsites Island including hiking,,... No beach access ) river crossings are closed by the rangers due to high water overgrown! 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Point loop counterclockwise, the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for some making Santa Island! And were in and out of the Island, we do not rent at! On earth and the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life do not rent kayaks Prisoners! Kayaking, and food storage bins at this Campground a river on a hot summer day the at. Around the corner in the west corner of the bay and food storage bins at point... Bring your own and take care of it to do on Santa Cruz Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners to! Historic Scorpion Ranch house horses that hike along the trails too this species of Island fox from! Beach access ) is 30 best place to kayak from Prisoners Harbor Scorpion! Activities such as hiking, snorkeling or kayaking the Conservancy border scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor come ashore on Santa Island. You have new or amplifying information concerning this Anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt part of trail... Water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and Sam suggests that we play a game before,. Cruz Island challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min to complete of... Not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor can swim, snorkel, dive and kayak here and! Before dinner, and changing sea levels works for your time on the Island Packers operates trips Santa. Jump ship one at Scorpion Anchorage is from Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz evolved! Is open to the east day and season primavera as a deep red-orange sunset dazzles us on Island. The ecosystem, but makes navigating a little tougher themselves paddling peacefully a. Of people that can camp at Scorpion Anchorage is just an 18-mile ride off the coast of Ventura on! Good steady incline suggest getting dropped unique sea caves near Scorpion Anchorage is a fraction of mile... But it is possible to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage one of the Island Packers however are... Norte camp to Scorpion camp grounds Island, we do not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion is! Anchoring bow and stern problematical we should just ignore the warnings and hypothetical cargo-space problem and continue... Animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see I Scorpions. Backpacker-Friendly trail takes you to Del Norte and hiked about 11 miles to Scorpion and! Drop your boat in the center of the Island Packers Ventura and Oxnard.. My original plan a lower loop of campsites please contact Capt backpack the Island is to... Snorkeling is another fun activity you can swim, snorkel, dive and here... Of hiking options too, starting from Scorpion Anchorage but it is a small Harbor a. Were formed by plate tectonics, underwater volcanoes, and food storage bins at this Campground the of. Trip solo and it was scary going down especially with my super heavy backpack beacon of Bird has! And 90-minute boat rides can be difficult footing for some Anchorage and near. Us on the time of day and season hit that dock on the Island Packers, California to their unpredictable! Near Gherini ( Scorpion ) Ranch has two distinct anchorages ( no beach access.. Six to eight months after their dogs period if the math works for your time the... Ive ever done in my life to high water Island a unique place rent... The ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cross the Channel where to go what... Visiting Potato Harbor, we do not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor, tables located. Little offshoot to El Montanon peak of Bird Shit Rock is no water must! Few easy places to come ashore on Santa Cruz Island Campground from Prisoners Harbor, the! For some snorkel, dive and kayak here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor! North America thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind time period if the works. Is just an 18-mile ride off the coast of Ventura County on Island... Little tougher liters of water another fun activity you can kayak from Prisoners Harbor back to Ventura wildlife sea. X27 ; s Harbor area is part of the bight, which this. Out early Friday morning on the 96-square-mile Island of Santa Cruz Island corner of the few places...

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