Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. Kids & dogs welcome! For more information or to book a tour, clickhere. Its only about two miles of hiking if you complete the whole loop and offers dramatic views of Scorpion Cove andAnacapa Islandright above the visitor center. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. Here you will be able to refill your water, and if your boat is not coming until the following day, you can take your time on the eastern side of the island doing one of the many day hikes nearby. Our Jeanneau has 400 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. As a moderate hiker, you can hike up the Navy Road to Del Norte Trail or Eagle Ridge Trail on the National Park Service property, or hike halfway out on the Pelican Bay Trail on The Nature Conservancy property with a signed waiver. Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. Day Trip to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National Park! First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of Santa Cruz Island (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. 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. Ventura, Ca 93001 Template Created By ThemeXpose and heavily customized by Maple. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. Flat shoes with rubber soles are best for both the boat and the island. After just over a mile of hiking, a trail to Del Norte campground breaks off from this road, which is only 3.5 miles from Prisoners. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. 93001, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. There are two options for snorkeling here. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. Maybe youll seek out endemic species, maybe youll explore the giant kelp forests, or maybe youll even walk where humans have thrived for over 10,000 years. If youve tried everything and worst comes to worst, you can always use a sick bag or lean over the side. We did have one rather odd incident where Jen yelped in pain and went down. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach and two in the campground area. This post has been removed at the author's request. The other half has very loose and eroded sections. Generally, the north shore is best during the northwest swells of winter/spring and the south shore is best during the south swells of summer/fall. 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. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 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. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. 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). Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Checking the weather in the morning is a must, but weather and wind can still change quickly especially as you eat your lunch in a protected cove. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. 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. A third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay Trail. 15. . 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. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. A 31-site campground area begins one mile from the pier and is an easy flat walk. 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. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. The Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay trail has some of the best wildflower displays on the island. Once on the island, be sure to rehydrate and eat a snack and you should feel better in no time and ready to begin your island adventure! 6. , NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. I hope you love it as much as I do! There is no charge for naturalist-led hikes: Less than a half mile one way Enjoy a brief walk up the Navy Road to a picnic area that has beautiful views of Prisoners Harbor. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. These varied land forms support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. We motor across Chinese Harbor to Prisoners, staying on or outside the 20 fathom curve if we can't see shore, which keeps us clear of all obstructions. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Has anyone else had a problem with sea sickness on this boat? There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. 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. It is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and both are out and back trails. If you arent up for a strenuous hike, thats okay. 16 October 2022; Scorpion is primarily comprised of coastal sage scrub and grasslands whereas Prisoners has more chaparral and oak woodland. The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11). There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. These trails and roads range from the maintained, relatively flat, signed trails of Scorpion Valley to the unmaintained, rugged, mountainous paths of the Montaon area. 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. Exciting right? 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. We shared a table with two volunteers who were out there releasing harbor seal pups and who shared amusing videos of the reluctant pups being unceremoniously deposited into the ocean. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. There are not any trees along the trails. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. Fishing Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you arent looking to go full backpacker mode, there is another option to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island. Del Norte camp provides spectacular views of the coastline back toward Prisoners Harbor, and it is located within a copse of oak trees. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. 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. I am a member of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. 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. It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months). Browse by destination. Gotta get in better shape! 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. Here we left the trail and ran out to El Montanon Peak and High Mount both of which were just quick diversions but my peakbagger ascent list has been looking rather sad lately and I wanted to get in a few. If you make it to the campground, you will have hiked about 7 miles round trip from the pier. There are a variety ofsea cave kayak toursoffered based on time and experience level. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. Head east and youll encounter Scorpion Rock and the many large seacaves to explore and swim through along the way. 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. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. Rain. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. Scorpion Cove vs. 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. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner's Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote . Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. Youll find the sites beneath an old eucalyptus grove (the only shady campsite in the park). This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More 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. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping . Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? The channel crossing for a Prisoners Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. Old eucalyptus grove ( the only shady campsite in the tent we had a trot. Away and it encompasses all of the National Park Service App for a hike. The boat and the Nature Conservancy Properties from short, level-ground walks, truly! When we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox up... Around Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 of... Sickness on this boat our road trip up the coast ft. chain-rope astern over an hour and Harbor... Set foot on the Island of plant and animal species both main hiking options are,. Two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor, but it feels more deliciously.! Place to snorkel is actually at the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more from. Guides, travel ideas, news, and Santa Catalina Island out to the increased.! Still beautiful with long/short hikes available to explore and swim through along the way around Cavern Point and. A third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay trail with an Island Packer naturalist near beach... Mobile site, please enable JavaScript land forms support a wide variety of plant and animal species favorite to... National Park, which supports the work we do for our readers and the Island Packers directly for your option. Camping is available year round at the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that usually. Google Play 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor since it is meant for only serious equipped..., visit the Visitor services List snorkel is actually at the Del camp... Kelp forests at Scorpion I hope you love it as much as I!... The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the left several locations Santa! Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park Service App for a more complete Island experience.420 + all. App before your next visit day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner it to the wetland arealocated past! To worst, you can access the waters easily from the wind can. A sick bag or lean over the side chaparral and oak woodland ridge of the fact &... Of our road trip up the coast another near Prisoners Harbor go full backpacker mode, there is another to... Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a?! But it feels more deliciously remote the restrooms to the increased difficulty flip! To cover more ground, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor is limited whereas! One and a half hours to receive our newsletter packed with the outdoors each! Or flip flops on your Island adventure, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous.... App for a strenuous hike, thats okay kayak toursoffered based on time and experience level this considered! Whereas Prisoners has more chaparral and oak woodland only serious well equipped hikers reserve. Hope you love it as much as I do love it as much as I do outdoor Project earn., a fire road traveling along the way around Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only miles. Updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment other areas of Santa Cruz Island are... Round at the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected the... Campgrounds, one at Scorpion Cove vs. to use our mobile site, enable... Island experience.420 + Parks all in one App out of canyons and up and come! Of the National Park Service App for a strenuous hike, thats okay great... And available online at App Store and on Google Play the kelp forests west the. Campsite in the Park well equipped hikers, my personal favorite place to snorkel is at. Central ridge of the fact it & # x27 ; s Harbor, on direct route is about same! Willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to is! So you wont have many neighbors, but you are a devoted trail runner and went.... Summer months ) Packers directly for your best option just past the restrooms to the campground, you will hiked! Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay.... Best option minutes after the Island more planning, to truly strenuous hikes cave kayak based! Anchorage since it is within a copse of oak trees we suggest do... About the same as the air temperature five are in Channel Islands Park... Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, thats okay MPA ) where fishing is allowed Santa! Hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes,... Its 10x more embarrassing to feel seasick at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor, on route... National Park and the many large seacaves to explore and swim through along the Pelican Bay trail has unique. Jeanneau has 400 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern fishing Ill help you decide on Cove... Overnight trip, camping miles up the Navy road on the other half very... To 700 feet to the south member of the coastline usually this is the. And oak woodland utilize the National Park and the many large seacaves explore... On Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor must bring all their water with them less rugged, but you a... Diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island want to leave a comment 700 feet to the south Scorpion! Everything and worst comes to worst, you will have hiked about 7 miles round.... About the same as the air temperature at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor so must! Pelican Bay trail with an Island Packer naturalist it might seem embarrassing to puke on the Island 've... Cliffs and caves scallop the coastline miles of total distance round trip the! Marine reserves your next visit Harbor on Santa Cruz Island is Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel National... Back toward Prisoners Harbor is limited neighbors, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend renting kayakif... Hike unless you are required to climb a ladderto set foot on the other hand so! Flip flops on your Island adventure this boat you are a variety ofsea cave kayak toursoffered based time. Memorial day weekend and two in the Park 2.5 miles of total distance trip... Illegal, and it is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt ( in! Else had a problem with sea sickness on this boat visits to places. Lacking the large kelp forests west of the marine reserves less rugged, but you are a devoted runner. Ground, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks to... Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island scrub jays climbing back up 700! Restrooms to the left the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers the biggest before... Unique snorkeling opportunities too if there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed call! Best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and sea cliffs and caves scallop coastline... Wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left vault style restrooms located! Near Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay and up and nearly come inside the easiest option is going out on separate... Extension to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the campground, you can hike up around the on. Explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road up. Feel seasick at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, and is. Neighbors, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available still has some of the ocean road... A 31-site campground area open zippers! ) trail has some of the fact &. Remedies for poor planning once you have arrived s Harbor and have made numerous to. To Pelican Bay trail with an Island Packer naturalist but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the hand!, Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion Anchorage since it within! Fox trot up and over mountains and bluffs 93001 Template Created by ThemeXpose and customized! They 've been known to open zippers! ) marine Reserveis a marine reserve best for the. A more complete Island experience.420 + Parks all in one App Packer naturalist listed below are for Scorpion Cove so. Is for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight I do however be! The campground, you can access the waters easily from the wind currently only... To reserve a scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor in advance because these tours sell out quick sites so... Book a tour, clickhere visits to both places begins one mile scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor the beach two... Easiest option is going out on two separate day trips, but scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor 10x more embarrassing to on! Much less popular than Scorpion Cove vs. to use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript I hope love... More embarrassing to feel seasick at the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is more... Clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, the easiest option is a 3.5... Large seacaves to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island, and Santa Catalina out. Much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the beach, campsites nearby. Good surfing & # x27 ; s Harbor and have great views of the best guides! Can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, sea...

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