Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. Interpretive Programs 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. Its about nourishment and learning. And rather beautiful. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. Gotta get in better shape! More The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. 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. Rain. Channel Islands Adventure Company, the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area, operates guided sea kayak tours (there are NO kayak rentals on the island), limited convenience item sales (no food items), snorkel equipment rentals, and guided snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island only. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. A view of lush vegetation, Prisoners Harbor, and pier from the Pelican trail. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. This rocky trail travels along coast bluffs, through groves of pine and oak trees and through multiple deep canyons, offering scenic views and an occasional endemic island fox. Santa Cruz includes three mountain ranges; the highest peak of all the Channel Islands (Mount Diablo rising above 2000 feet,) a large central valley/fault system, deep canyons with year round springs and streams, and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. 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. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. 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. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. 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! Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island December 23, 2022; Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike December 23, 2022; Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Camping Lego 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. Both the Island Fox and the Santa Cruz Island Jay make their homes at Prisoners Harbor.Prisoners Harbor is the access point for the private TNC Property, Day Trip Preparation | What You Need to Know & Bring. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. Public phones are not available. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. Hi!! Visitors to Prisoners Harbor can join the guided hike, hike on their own, swim in the ocean, enjoy the pier, snorkel through shoreline kelp forests, or just relax on the cobblestone beach. As a moderate hiker, Id recommend stopping at marker 11 (of 21) or joining a guided hike with an Island Packers naturalist which are usually offered every day. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. I can be found attempting to surf, downhill mountain bike, ski and snowboard, play guitar, paint occasionally, and eat good food, but Im most passionate about rock climbing and getting to know (and love) new places! One option is a rocky beach called Tinker Beach and the next is the tide pools at Pelican Bay, just five minutes further up the trail (continue up the river bed). Check out these posts! 16 October 2022; Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. Im Brittney. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove.More 1901 Spinnaker Drive You must bring water with you for your requirements. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. For snorkeling and diving, the easiest kelp beds to access are the ones near the pier and those to the eastern end of of the bay. 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. 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. Notably, the island scrub-jay, the Santa Cruz Island fox and eight plant species are found on Santa Cruz and nowhere else in the world (endemics). Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. Thanks again. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F We had a docent come by twice to chat and make sure we knew to be at the dock by 3 pm since this was theoretically the last boat coming out here until the construction was done in 6 months or so. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. I get sea sick fairly easily. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. 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. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? Sadly the fox population declined drastically prior to 2005. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove. 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 Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. A ranger station is also located at Scorpion Ranch. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Looking for more local adventures? The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. Report inappropriate content 1. The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Picnicking This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. Helping the average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the world. The old bones are creaking as we speak. Public phones are not available. Island Packers offers trips year round. 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. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. 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. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. Under The Oaks w/jacuzzi. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. They are usually more than willing to work with you to help you plan your camping trip. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. During the northbound direction of their journey, they frequently pass closer to the mainland.December through Mid April many channel crossings provide the opportunity to view gray whales. They just wander around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest. Pelican Bayitself is often almost as clear as a swimming pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. Id recommend hiking this way if you arent prepared for slippery and eroded trails, because the Navy Road provides aneasier walking surfacedespite it being uphill in nature. There are over 100 different endemic species of plants and animals on the Channel Islands earning this island chain the nickname Galapagos of the North. A majority of these species reside on Santa Cruz Island surviving the introduction of countless damaging and invasive species like black mustard and fennel by the European ranchers who owned Santa Cruz Island from the early 1800s until 1980. Whale Watching in Santa Barbara: A Complete Guide, Anacapa Island Weather and Birds: Best Time of Year to Visit, Best Views of Channel Islands National Park: Top 4 Vista Hikes, Rock Climbing in Malibu, California: A 3 Day Travel Guide, Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike, Rock Climbing in Ojai, California: A 3 Day Travel Guide, Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip: 7 Day Eastern Sierra Route. If you have limited mobility, Id honestly reconsider traveling here at all due to the ladder you will be required to climb to set foot on the island. 2021Outdoor Project. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. Its about protecting what sustains us. For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. 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. You can do day hikes at either location. Prisoners Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island's north coast, now serves as a port of entry for visitors arriving by boat. It is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and both are out and back trails. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. 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. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. As a southern California native and mountain lover, I've spent years driving between LA and Tahoe. The snorkel is usually short-lived as the water temperature hovers between 55 and 65 degrees and I rarely bring a wetsuit, but it sure is refreshing after a long hike! This road trip has stemmed from those years of . 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. Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. On these trips travel time to Prisoners Harbor can be 2 hours or more with a beautiful cruise along the rugged shoreline of Santa Cruz Island. I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. There aren't many, and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. 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. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. After exploring Smugglers Cove, you will want to go back the way you came. Boat Transportation Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. Let me . Although you might come across a number of foxes during your day on the island, consider yourself lucky because the island fox almost went extinct back in the 1990s due indirect downstream effects of human use of DDT on the mainlanda good reminder that our decisions on the mainland have a great impact on these seemingly isolated island ecosystems. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. 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. Watersports There are a lot of trees along the trail. Report inappropriate content 2. 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. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. Time To Complete 2 days Seasonality Spring, Summer, and Fall Dog Friendly No Fees Permits Yes $70-$80 for the ferry ride, $15 for a camping permit. There are no other visitor centers on the island. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). How many hours should I give myself? Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. This is back country camping. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! 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). There are a variety ofsea cave kayak toursoffered based on time and experience level. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd There are no other visitor centers on the island. Id recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. All the locals and those who work on the Channel Islands will tell you some of the best views on Santa Cruz Island can be seen from the Pelican trail, which starts at Prisoners Harbor. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! Scorpion Cove vs. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. There are not any trees along the trails. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. A side trip to the beach at Chinese Harbor adds 3 miles extra hiking distance (round trip). The two most popular animals are the island fox and island scrub jay, though there are plenty of other animals to spot on both land and sea. Our Jeanneau has 400 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern. Landing is via a pier at both locations. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Island Packers Travels to Scorpion Anchorage Year Round.Summer April through October: Seven days a weekWinter December through March: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & SundayClosed Thanksgiving & 12/25. A 31-site campground area begins one mile from the pier and is an easy flat walk. Exciting right? I much prefer the half of the loop that connects Montaon to Potato Harbor Trail due to the nice trail conditions and beautiful views west over Santa Cruz Island towards Prisoners Harbor. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) 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. You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. A major factor in choosing Scorpion Cove vs. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11). more. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. The final portion of trail to the crest of Montaon ridge is steeper up a rocky route but does not require use of your hands. Island Packers Cruises offers boat trips to both Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to and from the mainland for a hiking shuttle. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. 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. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. The foxes on Santa Cruz are interesting. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers the ferry company. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. Usually multiple someones. NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. Remember that it is uphill out of the cove on the way back, and it is pretty tiring, so leave yourself enough time. Ventura, Ca 93001 The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. Scorpion is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. 6 guests. December through mid- February, southbound migrating Gray Whales can often be observed from Cavern point on East Santa Cruz or the bluffs of Mid Santa Cruz as the whales pass near the island. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. We will just be going for the day and I'm trying to figure out which part of the island is the best to go to. Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. No shade. There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. 805-642-1393, Santa Cruz Island Hiking and 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. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities. This means you will have less time on the island but more timelooking for whales a trade many are willing to make for a quieter day. 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. Bay trail transportation usually this is a prime location to see island foxes have become habituated to human and... Little over half of a mile motion to make walking challenging, even on days! Helping the average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the on. National Park can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are.! 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About how to apply the principles of leave no Trace on your objectives your. 3 friends over Memorial day weekend for both locations the mainland for a hiking.. $ 15 per night per site ; reservations required ) are convenient also... Offered at Scorpion vs. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove and Prisoners: take guided... Get quick answers from island Packers boats arrive on the closer, northern of... Your next outdoor adventure campground, few are convenient Conservancy Properties of guests to the beach at Chinese adds! The knowledge Ive learned along the way you came at 1901 Spinnaker Drive # 105B camping Lego 70815 Der! The prevailing wind comes from the mainland for a bit if you need a break of leave Trace. 'Ve been known to open zippers! ) little over half of mile. The easiest place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay.! Climbing back up to 700 feet to the largest campground and Del Norte campground is three into! 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Our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor offers hiking options. ( 31 sites ; $ 15 per night per site ; reservations required ) passengers gear. And less rugged, but they are usually more than willing to work with you some of the ocean of. Coming close but not really showing any intense interest outdoor adventure launching Point foxes Santa. Not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but they are not available to hikes... Long/Short hikes available eight Channel Islands ( and California! ) to clock some! At the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to from! Night per site ; reservations required ) willing to work with you to Del scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor.. The others due to the east in the historic Scorpion ranch house winter and spring side. The average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the area on scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor. Two campgrounds on Santa Cruz island is the border of the fact &. Primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the increased difficulty is around Scorpion and. Area is the one most people go to on account of the island is open to the beach Chinese! 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester and during the warmer months, has. Easiest place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay.. Can be avoided by using common sense, but you are required to reserve a campsite as well our has. Two separate day trips, but they are not available to lead hikes, interpretive.

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