If you start Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise, the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from the pier, past the bathrooms. Follow this guide for how to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island. But, when nine friends married, Texan, long-time friends Rich and Wendy; less experienced, married paddlers Sam and Whitney; eternally cheerful, San Francisco-based couple Natalie and Norberto; Minnesotan Lisa whom Ive hiked with before, long-time college friend Suzanne, and Dutch Renske took me up on the offer (with four flying in from out of town), I immediately felt a big responsibility to ensure that our trip wasnt a disaster. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. The maximum number of people that can camp at Scorpion Anchorage is 30. Apart from teaching my students in class, we also go outside the four walls of the classroom to physically experience what was discussed in class. The lighthouse on Anacapa Island is located at the entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel. Yes you can kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. 9a departure. Get picked up from the scorpion dock the next morning. Ken Lund About Summary this was very difficult because of the climbing uphills. Lots of grass with sharp needle like pointers that I was constantly reaching down to pull out. I saw one group of 4 people near the campground but didn't see anyone else until I was 1 1/2 miles from Scorpion Cove. The Park Service planted the rock a few years back and, though they didnt expect their efforts to cover the islet, they were probably ecstatic at the success theyd achieved. As were only two or three boat lengths from a lee shore, we are skittish about taking the whole family ashore. Just follow the coast until you hit that dock on the other side of the bay. From Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove Beach and Potato Harbor Overlook (no beach access). It's expected to take six to eight months. All pier landings involve climbing a ladder between 1 and 6 rungs Santa Rosa Bechers Bay landings are on a pier and onto a grated catwalk to a flight of stairs However kayaking can [], Perhaps youve seen ocean kayaks paddling along the coast and thought to yourself Those look like a lot of fun. Want to know about other wildlife on the island? It is treacherous. Very quiet. Scorpion and the interpretive center are west, Little Scorpion for overnighting is just east. I hiked this memorial weekend and first 2 days were overcast. We get accustomed to an effective paddling rhythm, our kayaks moving surprisingly quickly across the surface of the water. Calm, peaceful, and very easy. Why should you want to visit these remote undeveloped islands? My dogs especially loved this trail. Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoner's Harbor Backpacking2 days15 mi(one-way) Itinerary Trailhead directions Scorpion Anchorage 11.9 mi 2,600 ft gain Del Norte Campground 3.1 mi 400 ft gain Prisoner's Harbor Reservations This trip requires aSanta Cruz Del Norte Campground. And speaking of the smell, it just isnt a problem right now. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. Eel grass might be. Find the great white beacon of Bird Shit Rock. A good part of this trail is overgrown with wild grass whose pointy seeds will get into your hiking boots - gators strongly recommended. Depart Ventura Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove or East Santa Cruz Island. This was a beautiful trail no doubt! No shade. But remember, for a yacht on a single hook, this is, at best a fair weather anchorage. The hike is especially difficult for Natalie and Norberto, who seem to have unloaded enough supplies from their kayak to live on the island without support for a year. Hiking, camping, sea kayaking, and snorkeling are the top reasons to visit the island. Yes there are other kayakers that you can kayak with from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. I am 42 yr old man that weighs 205 lbs. We appreciated the thick marine layer as the trail has no shade. KAYAK RENTAL: The Channel Islands Kayak Center in Ventura sits next to Island Packers, and they rents kayaks for $35/day for single kayaks and $55/day for double kayaks. Del Norte and Scorpion Campground via Del Norte and Montaon Trail, https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/backcountry-beach-camping-on-santa-cruz-island.htm. The loop visits two of the most famous points on the eastern section of the island, Cavern Point and Potato Harbor. Was dropped off at Prisoner's Harbor, spent the night at Del Norte Campground, then hiked to Scorpion's Anchorage and spent the night at Scorpion Campground, getting picked up the following day. It's beautiful right now. There is barely any shade on this trail so make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. Then the following morning hiked to Scorpion and stayed another night. Anything to help us forget tomorrows inevitable middle-of-the-ocean-emergency-rescue, I think. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail is a nice hike through and up the canyon with different views of the island, the nearby Anacapa Island, and the ocean. Hike from the harbor to del Norte campground took us about 2 hours where we spent one night. Since there is no water we carried 7 liters each (14 liters total) from Prisoner's Harbor to Del Norte Campground. Great for kayaking and snorkeling! The companys service is generally good, though plan for the fact that the crew asks all passengers to help unload the boats cargo hold upon docking, which can take 30 minutes. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Del Norte Campground (starting location) is approximately 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor where the boat from the mainland drops visitors off. There are two bathrooms on the boat which arent bad, but I wouldnt recommend going when the boat is moving since it can get bumpy. My husband and I took our 9 year old son and he enjoyed it so much. The boat ride is part of the experience of the day trip to the Channel Islands, as you can see many different birds and animals on the way. ROUTE: Strong winds start blowing southeast at around 11 AM on the north side of the island, so leave for any long kayaking trip early in the morning. Did this trek over 3 days and 2 nights. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. We stop to watch a large group of sea lions playing in the water, one of whom comes a couple feet from our boat to investigate. We arrived around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a parking spot. The trail crosses from one geological plate to the other and it was fascinating to see the change in terrain and fauna. Channel Islands Adventure Company runs guided kayak tours at three locations: Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor, and Painted Cave. Theres a small free parking lot right at its start. We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because at only about an hour away from the mainland it offers a lot of things to do and see and is possible to visit on a day trip. If you are prone to sea sickness or arent sure, I highly recommend taking sea sickness medication like Dramamine at least 30 minutes before the boat ride. There are only four sites there are the view was spectacular. Overall, the trail is beautiful, especially when youre on the ridge and can see the ocean down both slopes. We crossed the water and we had a snack and back home. Went in mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, charming weather. Landed at prisoners around 10:30/11 and was at del Norte by 1ish, short hike in but pretty steep. On the other hand, this is where you can bring your dinghy or kayak ashore with ease. First 4.5 miles to the del Norte campground were strenuous with a full pack and 5L of water. Channel Islands National Park is comprised of 5 islands. The water temperature in Prisoners Harbor is usually in the mid-60s. Hiking Santa Cruz Island was incredible, but we felt like the first loop was enough for us to get a good taste of the island by land. Anacapa Island is closer than Santa Cruz Island, however it is very small and offers less options for hiking. I recorded 12.3 miles however, that was started after I was already hiking so it is more. The ride normally takes about an hour to get to Scorpion Anchorage, but if the captain sees marine wildlife they will stop and this can make the ride take longer. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. Very beautiful trail that follows the coastline of Santa Cruz Island! Everyone looks defeated and nervous, and Sam has a look on her face like she thought she was standing in line for a whale-watching tour on a cruise ship only to discover that she was actually in a line to be drafted to the Olympic rowing team. On the southwest corner of the campground you will see the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail. Once you get to the campground if you have more time you should continue to Scorpion Canyon. Bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. OVERVIEW: Santa Cruz Island is part of Channel Islands National Park, a group of five islands sitting in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. There's a trip to Santa Rosa or a trip to Prisoners Harbor at Santa Cruz available with Island Packers. BRING WATER, lots of motivation, and your sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful. The bottom in this area is sandy in many parts, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding is less secure. I started imagining elaborate suicide strategies to avoid having to tell nine of my friends that our six-months-in-the-making July 4th plans were now destroyed and I decided that somehow drowning myself in a kayak would be the most poetic way to go. At this point we were in danger of being blown into the rocks to the east. So much bright spring green making it like a fairyland. Night 1 at del Norte (make reservations) then night 2 at scorpion canyon. The Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. The trip is about 12 miles each way and kayakers must contend with strong tides and currents as well as wind and waves. It's a 1-mile climb to captivating Cavern Point. I carried 9L with me because there is no water at Del norte. All others must anchor out and it is best to stay well clear of the mooring field, which like the pier, is for official use only. The wind over the course of the day will frequently vary between nadaand 20 knots. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. You can use the other trail called the Santa Margarita River Loop and takes you cross a little stream and reach the river, you dont have to cross the river (no need do the loop) because the river depth could be deep, just out and back will do. Really fun trail. If you see a shark while kayaking from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage you should stay calm and paddle towards the shore. 2023 Channel Island Adventure Co. Privacy | Terms, Spring in Channel Islands National Park - Channel Islands Adventure Company | Kayaking & Snorkel. On our third day, we hiked back to Prisoners Harbor and kayaked 8 miles to Pelican Bay and back (especially beautiful). Its going to work out great, Renske reminds me, while were lying in our tent before falling asleep. We kayak through a towering rock archway and into dark sea caves stretching into the island. Both locations have many activities such as hiking, snorkeling, bird watching, ocean kayaking, and camping to check out. Good facilities as well. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island, is a perfect way to spend a vacation day. LOGISTICS: Boats run by Island Packers leave from Ventura daily to Scorpion Anchorage and daily except Wednesdays to Prisoners Harbor. Is where you can kayak with from Prisoners Harbor where the boat from the dock! 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