You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. 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. The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, nearby camping, year-round Island Packers boat transportation, extensive kelp forests, and a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore. I get sea sick fairly easily. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. Watersports Hikers should not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this hike. (Or in Jen's casework!). Just please make sure to prepare yourself so you dont end up leaving a trail behind you inside. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Watch this Topic. Oxnard, Ca 93035 Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. As long as the timing works out, this is an efficient and cost-effective option in comparison to making another channel crossing a different day. The weather hovers around 55 degrees in the winter and 70 degrees in the summer, though it generally feels warmer the further you hike inland. The other campground is called Del Norte. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. In contrast to Scorpion Cove, your only option for kayaking at Prisoners Harbor is to rent a boat in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry. Hiking My personal favorite time of year is October. Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. If you arent up for a strenuous hike, thats okay. Has anyone else had a problem with sea sickness on this boat? Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. 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. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Oxnard, Ca 93035 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. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. 93001, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. Prisoners Harbor apart. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Location & Hours 1901 Spinnaker Dr Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Under the Oaks Santa Barbara Currently booked through March of 2023. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove. All rights reserved. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. At Scorpion, hiking to Montaon via Potato Road will give you the second most diversity in ecosystems, but it is a very long and strenuous hike, so Id recommend hiking Cavern Point Loop for the average visitor. I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. Island Packers Cruises is the exclusive concessionaire to the national park. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. Sadly the fox population declined drastically prior to 2005. , Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Zoom in to see updated info. It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months). 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. There is a lot of exploration possible here! This is back country camping. 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). 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! 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. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). 15. . You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. Here, you are most likely to catch halibut, calico bass, and barracuda, as well as collect mussels, urchins, and scallops. The Pelican Bay Trail is a beautiful hike through the canyons and along the bluffs of The Nature Conservancy property on Santa Cruz Island. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! 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. If youd like to continue, you can go straight through the back of the upper campground up Scorpion Canyon until youre ready to turn around. This trail is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks. We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. 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. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. There aren't many, and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. 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. First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. He then decided to leave Gotham for a while after having a parent's association, and later the police, on his case (which resulted in Gordon becoming alcoholic and cheating on his wife) and had to shift his focus on the countryside, spending most of his time in scouts camps, wearing a scout chief uniform over his Batsuit, to cover his identity as the Batman. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. Id recommend referring to both websites before booking anything to be sure that the ferry and campsite availability lines up for the days you plan to visit. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Seasickness always gets someone. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. 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. 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. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. Public phones are not available. On days that the concessionaire boats run to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, guided hikes may be offered by national park volunteers or concessionaire naturalists. Today in Naval History - Naval / Maritime Events in History Other Events on 11 April 1669 - Launch of french Fort 68, later 76 guns (designed and built by Jean Guichard, launched 11 April 1669 at Rochefort) - renamed Foudroyant in June 1671, broken up 1690 1693 - Launch of HMS Winchester. Locals often wait for October to head out to the islands. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Need to pack all water for the hike. Browse by destination. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. Possession of a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required and all California Department of Fish and Game regulations apply. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. This view shows the submarine's line handling crew aft of her. 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. The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Lego 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. 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. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. The largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island has a diverse terrain with mountains, cliffs, and canyons, as well as many endemic plant and animal species. Four 4-man campsites are located 3.5 miles up the trail above the cove with beautiful overlooks. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. 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. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. We typically pick a spot 40 yards from the western wall in 35 ft. of water and drop the upwind anchor. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Water 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. How many hours should I give myself? We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. Thanks again. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. Usually multiple someones. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. Scorpion Ranch, 2009 William Barron was a San Francisco businessman and co-owner of the company Barron, Forbes & Co. Dr. James Barron Shaw was hired to manage things, and charged by Barron to start a sheep operation. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. 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. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. 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. The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. Prisoners Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island's north coast, now serves as a port of entry for visitors arriving by boat. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. Visitor Center 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. Looking for more local adventures? 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. 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. Scorpion Cove vs. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. A second pair of shoes or water shoes are recommended for the cobblestone beach, for foot protection, if you are planning to get into the water. The foxes on Santa Cruz are interesting. Hazards includesteep and erodedsections of trail over unstable or rocky terrain and potential for contact withpoision oak. 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. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. 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. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. Anyone have any thoughts on this or other The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. Can I hike around Prisoner's Harbor if I do a day trip from Ventura? 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 two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. Here youll find a quaint bench in the shade where you can enjoy the sounds of wetland birds and frogs and maybe even spot an island scrub jay. 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. The fox encounters at Prisoners Harbor are more organic (and often more rewarding when you come across a fox hunting on trail), but more rare, though many days I will see a fox searching the picnic tables there as well. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. 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. 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