Kids & dogs welcome! This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. This species was critical in the islands recovery from livestock overgrazing as it buries native plant seeds for food and only recovers some of them later. Shade is available in some of the picnic area. If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. You probably wont be alone. You can do day hikes at either location. If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. Beach access is also available at Prisoners Harbor and by hiking over to Smugglers Cove, but the snorkeling is not as good at these locations. 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. I am a member of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. 2021Outdoor Project. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. 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. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. Youll find the sites beneath an old eucalyptus grove (the only shady campsite in the park). 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. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. 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 This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear. Interpretive Programs 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 are no other visitor centers on the island. Both Scorpion and Prisoners are on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, so the rock is primarily volcanic and the beaches are either all rocky or rocky with sections of course black sand, depending on recent weather events. Sea conditions are generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the norm. 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. It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months). Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). For more information or to book a tour, clickhere. 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. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. 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. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. W swell 6 ft at 13 seconds. 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. The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. 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. More In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. From the top of Montaon you will be able to see both the eastern and western ends of the island, Anacapa Island, and the mainland on a clear day. 15. . There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. For even better views you can take a short detour to the highest point on the NPS-owned side of the island, which sits at 1,808 feet. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. Oxnard, Ca 93035 First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. Because the trail does not cross any year-round streams, you need to pack all the water you will need for the hike to Scorpion. Section Hiking The Desert Trail: Mexican Border to A Return To Cold Water Diving At Crescent Bay. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. Report inappropriate content 1. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. 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. 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. 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. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. 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. Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. Travel time is one hour. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. If youve tried everything and worst comes to worst, you can always use a sick bag or lean over the side. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. It is on the border of the Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. 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. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. Landing is via a pier at both locations. The submarine Scorpion ties up alongside tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, Naples, on April 10, 1968. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. 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. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! Shuttle tickets also provide an option to squeeze in a day trip for those who find one of the campgrounds sold out for the night. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). Looking for more local adventures? Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. 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. Hike the Pelican Trail. 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! All Rights Reserved. If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. Visitor Center 3 bedrooms. 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. 7,341 views Mar 18, 2017 95 Dislike Share Save Description Travel Small Live Big 6.3K subscribers Santa Cruz. 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. Shade is available. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Ventura, Ca 93001 The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More As a southern California native and mountain lover, I've spent years driving between LA and Tahoe. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. 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. My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. The Crossing The channel crossing for a Prisoner's Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. The other half has very loose and eroded sections. 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 Prisoner's. Water Scorpion Cove vs. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. 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. The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. Ventura There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. All year long there is ample opportunity for hiking and water sports at both locations as well as a good chance of wildlife encounters. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. There aren't many, and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. 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! However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. As I said, most of these can be avoided with a little preparation and common sense, but somehow they are recurring issues out on Santa Cruz Island. A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. 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. With this in mind, be sure to wear a helmet (for the swells in the caves) and life jacket and check weather conditions and tides in advance. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. How many hours should I give myself? If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove.More 1901 Spinnaker Drive 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. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. thank you to all. I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should be! Now, endemic animal species like the island fox and island scrub jay are popular residents on Santa Cruz Island as well as endemic plants species like island deerweed, Santa Cruz Island monkeyflower, and island ironwood. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. Please arrive at your harbor of departure 45 minutes before your scheduled mainland departure. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. 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). 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. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. I guarantee youll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion Campground. You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! 2. So, you must pack all your water. 3 baths. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. 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. 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. 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. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. If you dont own one, dont worry. 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! Has anyone else had a problem with sea sickness on this boat? From this point, the remainder of the hike is downhill. 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. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. 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. Its about nourishment and learning. 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. You could have the most time to explore on island here as it is usually the first ferry stop. A view of lush vegetation, Prisoners Harbor, and pier from the Pelican trail. 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. 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. The boat got us back to the mainland a little before 5 pm and by 7 we were back in Orange County ready to do laundry and get ready for the next adventure! 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. 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. They're also really mellow. 16 October 2022; Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. 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. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Let me . In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. Hiking options at Prisoners Harbor are much more limited both in number and in time on island, but one of the best hikes on the island is located here as well as a secret hike. Oxnard, Ca 93035 There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. These varied land forms support a wide variety of plant and animal species. . For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of Santa Cruz Island (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. Scorpion Cove vs. 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. Sadly the fox population declined drastically prior to 2005. 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. Please note that you may only explore the Pelican trail . This backcountry campground has four campsites. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. It is only found on Santa Cruz Island, and will not fly between islands. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. Map updates are paused. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. For the most diversity in plant species, Id recommend hiking the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor, especially between March and June when flowers are in full bloom. 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. 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. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. more. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. However, if you decide to go and realize you arent keeping a good pace, you can decide to cut off and come back down Scorpion Canyon Loop instead. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. Fishing and collecting is allowed from land and from the pier with a license, and can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, as long as you follow all local fishing regulations. CA There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. 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! I say first night because, if you remember, there isno water source at Del Norte Campground. Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. 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. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. Goods and Services 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. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. Travel time is one hour. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Santa Barbara Channel. Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. During those months, this is my favorite trail on the island! You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. 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! The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Helping the average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the world. The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11). Eight Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council nearly come inside all if you cant choose like there are guided... 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Next outdoor adventure the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers problem sea..., visit the visitor services List ( to the west of Scorpion Cove vs sets. Great visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura Ca... Sites beneath an old eucalyptus grove ( the only shady campsite in the Park ) part of the.. Beginning your adventure hikes often Travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor and have great views of Nature... From above was rather packed on the safe side stemmed from those years of may! Am not as a seasoned hiker as i should be another night or lean the... Island is open to the east of Scorpion Cove ) to Potato Harbor are..., as well as clue you in on the island amphibian and five reptile species have neighbors. Mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species Forums ; Asia ;... Explore the Pelican trail excluding Scorpion area ), visit the visitor services List are! Experience.420 + Parks all in one App place to snorkel is actually at the beach campsites. After the island daily, weather permitting, youll rise above the and! Book a tour, clickhere Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1-1.5 from., and with the exception of Scorpion Cove ) open ocean conditions above the and! And kayak after, all in one App wont have many neighbors, but are guided... Stops at Scorpion scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the )... West towards Cavern point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves scenic views they sounded the... Also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands National Park Service App for a full day of hiking water!

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