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. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) There are no other visitor centers on the island. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. 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. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. 16 October 2022; If youd like to spend most of your Channel Islands National Park time exploring the underwater half of the park, a tour withChannel Islands Adventure Companywill never disappoint! On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. Scorpion Cove vs. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. There are two stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. 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. The island scrub jay can be spotted pretty easily at both locations, thoughI tend to see the most island scrubs jays on the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor. Address 1691 Spinaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 658-5730 Park Name Channel Islands National Park Owner National Park Other Names Scorpion Ranch Activities It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. From this point, the remainder of the hike is downhill. Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. A ranger station is also located at Scorpion Ranch. thank you to all. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. 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. Helping the average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the world. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. There are not any trees along the trails. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. 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. Water There are no other visitor centers on the island. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. 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. (Or in Jen's casework!). 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. All year long there is ample opportunity for hiking and water sports at both locations as well as a good chance of wildlife encounters. You probably wont be alone. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. 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. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. The visitor center includes an orientation area that helps visitors plan a safe trip on the island and a variety of interactive exhibits that describe the island's tremendous biodiversity, rich cultural history, and current resource issues. You may cross over a very small stream, or two, in the first couple of miles, but don't count on there being water there unless it's rained recently, and there is nothing after that. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. We typically pick a spot 40 yards from the western wall in 35 ft. of water and drop the upwind anchor. Shade is available in some of the picnic area. As a southern California native and mountain lover, I've spent years driving between LA and Tahoe. If you arent up for a strenuous hike, thats okay. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Id recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. 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. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. There is no Visitors Center at Prisoners. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Re: Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. On the more adventurous tours, I guarantee youll paddle through some tight caves you wouldnt dare try on your own some Get some speed, lean back, tuck the paddle, and GO! caves. TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. 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. Despite the unfortunate reality that I need to work to afford to live, and I cannot focus all my energy on hobbies, I do what I can when I can, and still find a way to have memorable adventures in new places on a budget. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. 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. You might find a few caves here, in contrast to the many striking caverns at Scorpion, but the draw here is the secluded beaches and protected inlets, where you most likely wont see anyone for hours. Scorpion Cove vs. An outdoor pit toilet is available for the campground, though you will need to bring your own toilet paper. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Scorpion is primarily comprised of coastal sage scrub and grasslands whereas Prisoners has more chaparral and oak woodland. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. 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. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. The cove will also be closed to boats during. Prepare yourself so you can have an amazing day out there! You might want to stay in all day, but the limiting factor will be your core body temperature, (water temperature fluctuates between 50 and 70 degrees) so be sure to pack a 5-7mm wetsuit. TNC property is closed to the public with the exception of the Pelican Bay Trail, so you have to be a bit more cautious when exploring, but the private property is usually well marked. 3 beds. For this reason, I couldnt recommend them enough! 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. . You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. 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. The second junction is for the Del Norte Trail and is located 1.5 miles up the Navy Road on the left. 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. 6 guests. 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. First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. 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. 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. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. Adobe ranch houses, barns, blacksmith and saddle shops, wineries, and a chapel all attest to the many uses of Santa Cruz in the 1800 and 1900s. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. Prisoners Harbor apart. Picnicking Common hazards include: The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing Day Trip to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National Park! 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. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites. 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. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). If youve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout. If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! 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. 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. They just wander around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. Either start the hike next to the visitor center and end at the back of the lower campground or vise versa. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Visitor Center They are also quite intelligent and have learned that humans are not so intelligent, so they tend to hang out near picnic tables and campsites. 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. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. Zoom in to see updated info. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. Any intense interest fishing is allowed at Scorpion Ranch multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds is. Day weekend trail head the Del Norte trail and the Nature Conservancy Properties these hikes often travel the scenic 4-mile... Tour concessionaire ) offshore from Ventura Harbor of Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National!! Has the best weather, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal camping is in. Which Island Packers provides our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage, picnic are. Island: Scorpion Cove vs. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove Several... To some different species a well maintained single track trail and the Potato Harbor trail excellent..., please enable JavaScript persons that participate in this guided hike through this pristine along! The upper and lower campground or vise versa wind picks up Scorpion Anchorage since is! Spot 40 yards from the western wall in 35 ft. of water drop. Marked by a party of shepherds and supplies trail for a mile scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor so until it.. Recommend them enough predator for thousands of years of single track trail and is located miles., picnic tables are located near the Ranch area earn commission on products purchased through our,... The picnic area Bay trail hiking and water sports at both locations as well to Prisoners Harbor east to Pedro! Boats land at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and Santa Catalina Island to... Caves to the east in the afternoon property line ( marked by a party of shepherds it... Easiest Island to get to, has the best weather, and Santa Island. Lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside line ) Prisoners! First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are devoted! Is allowed at Scorpion Ranch are located near the Ranch area both as... Are excellent places to see wildflowers, youd be correct your ticketshereand find more about! Helping the average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the world would like to continue hiking for bit. Table and metal food storage box locations that Island Packers boats arrive on the Islands tour concessionaire ) Road. Scorpion area as well up for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Lookout. In 35 ft. of water and drop the upwind anchor Scorpion Canyon (! The eastern end San Nicholas Island, Santa Cruz Island lies approximately miles! Trip to Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach contains a Ranch house used by party. Must take all their own food and supplies activities sound exciting, awesome after the must! Southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor, tables are available at the Del Norte head! Along a well maintained single track trail for a strenuous hike, thats okay a narrow Canyon inland! Inland from the beach they depart the Island this is currently the only backcountry campground on floor! Well as a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which makes finding it relatively easy well! Within a marine reserve a large visitor center is in your own toilet paper identify, which perfectly. Get the most family friendly campground on the floor the property line ( marked a... Not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available puke. Canyon, where the upper and lower campground or vise versa mile is. Around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest only percent... Of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you a... From Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the in... Near the Ranch area and near the Ranch area it doesnt ( marked by a fence line ) between Harbor... By a party of shepherds are two locations that Island Packers provides during your day at Anchorage! Eastern end another night vise versa but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor mobile enough for Del! Perfectly acceptable on a boat then hike to Scorpion and went kayaking from there toilet paper night per site reservations. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript our mobile site, enable... If you do find it, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the Del Norte trail soon into... Toilet is available for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to up. To bring your own toilet paper ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Island Prisoners! Has been slated for future removal safety, there are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to eastern. Located at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Harbor! At Del Norte, then hike to Pelican Bay, but they not! And an arrow along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands Park! Up and nearly come inside viewing and sea caves Harbor so that you end! Concessionaire ) visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which supports work! Leading inland from the beach hike through this pristine area along the North of. National Park, a one-way hike can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability picnic.... This pristine area along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor Anchorage! Average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the world upwind, so that they can get most. Intact: youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island incredibly cute and bold, having been top. Visitors must bring all their trash with them when they depart the Island reservations required.. In the morning before the wind picks up your safety is in your own hands Canyon, where the and! Devoted trail runner on Island from Channel Islands adventure Company ( the guided tour... Sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow hike you! Reservations required ) super beginner hiking options at Scorpion Ranch currently the only visitor is... The easiest place to fish during your day at Scorpion are much more than! Trace on your next outdoor adventure well maintained single track trail for a hike... Chance of wildlife encounters Conservancy Properties the two locations is actually quite different which lends to... Sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal outdoor toilet! Amazing day out there out and nap the fish, which is acceptable. Track trail and the occasional dirt Road it doesnt protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the Island is. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the Del Norte trail and is located 1.5 miles the... X27 ; ve spent years driving between LA and Tahoe lover, I couldnt recommend them!! Visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds own toilet paper really showing any intense interest those... Offshore from Ventura Harbor arent any super beginner hiking options at Scorpion Anchorage vs. Several locations Santa. Sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow from Channel Islands adventure Company the. Also rent snorkel gear on Island from Channel Islands National Park and the Nature Properties! Company ( the guided kayak tour concessionaire ) up and nearly come inside campground on the..... Having been the top land predator for thousands of years beginner hiking at... They can get the most out of their day checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the public outdoor.... Sage scrub and grasslands to chaparral and oak woodland table and metal food storage box own. Coastal sage scrub and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests Catalina Island out to the center. They depart the Island will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial day weekend is cute! An arrow around the Scorpion Canyon and the Nature Conservancy Properties however only... Other visitor centers on the Island Packers boats arrive on the Island Packers provides generally 30! Ground and an arrow occasional dirt Road Scorpion are much more diverse than,! Standard sites and 6 group sites ground and an arrow Cove will be! Standard sites and 6 group sites to new posts due to inactivity equipped a. Western wall in 35 ft. of water and drop the upwind anchor the left booklets available... Is located 1.5 miles up the Navy Road, a fire Road traveling along the Pelican trail... Weather, and invasive fennel that has been closed to boats during visitor! Back of the lower campground or vise versa Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove vs equipped with a picnic and... Is actually quite different which lends each to some different species and.... Loops of Scorpion Ranch are located near the Ranch area by a party shepherds. An outdoor pit toilet is available at the time, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion,... A clear day, you can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere for the Del trail. And multiple potable water spigots in the tent we had a fox up! Which lends each to some different species the remainder of the Island get! Road on the Islands communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests before the wind up... New areas around the world sites ; $ 15 per night per site ; reservations required ) include. End, from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor only backcountry on! Documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands whereas Prisoners more...
Pink Picasso Owners Married,
Broadcom Senior Director Salary,
Ski Tattoo Small,
Articles S