It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months). You must bring all of your water for your stay, although you may stow extra water in the fox boxes by the pier for the next days activities to save weight. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. Hike the Pelican Trail. Shade is available. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. Can I hike around Prisoner's Harbor if I do a day trip from Ventura? At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. I am a member of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. Hiking Exciting right? 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. Scorpion Bay is a calm placid little cove in the center of the north side of Santa Cruz Island, crescent shaped and large enough for a man-of-war to swing around in. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. Potable water is available in the campground area. This post has been removed at the author's request. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. 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. All rights reserved. Landing is via a pier at both locations. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. 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 Pelican Bay Trail is a beautiful hike through the canyons and along the bluffs of The Nature Conservancy property on Santa Cruz Island. 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. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. Pelican Bayitself is often almost as clear as a swimming pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges. The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11). Many trips to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island offer an excursion to Painted Cave! Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! We recommend hiking shoes. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. Prisoners Harbor apart. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. Santa Cruz Island does not have the stereotypical hazards like bears or bison, but the isolated island does have some things to watch out for. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. This backcountry campground has four campsites. Usually multiple someones. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping . With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts. Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. Scorpion is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. There are a variety ofsea cave kayak toursoffered based on time and experience level. There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section. Picnicking Ive even napped next to the endemic island fox, gotten mugged by whales, and swam with spotted harbor seals. It's best to check with Island Packers. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. 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. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. Public phones are not available. Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. Prevailing wind comes from the northwest, so Id recommend paddling west first to avoid getting stuck downwind as the wind picks up in the afternoon. Flat shoes with rubber soles are best for both the boat and the island. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Scorpion Cove vs. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. Zoom in to see updated info. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. 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. Most trails have little or no shade. 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! You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. Watch this Topic. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. Seasickness always gets someone. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. For more information or to book a tour, clickhere. The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More 3 bedrooms. 7,341 views Mar 18, 2017 95 Dislike Share Save Description Travel Small Live Big 6.3K subscribers Santa Cruz. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. 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. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. 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 can do day hikes at either location. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up theNavy Road. 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! 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. There are two options for snorkeling here. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. It is critical to note that there is no potable water here, and very little chance you will come across any water between the pier and campground. And rather beautiful. 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. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. Template Created By ThemeXpose and heavily customized by Maple. Santa Cruz includes three mountain ranges; the highest peak of all the Channel Islands (Mount Diablo rising above 2000 feet,) a large central valley/fault system, deep canyons with year round springs and streams, and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. 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. 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. 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. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. Sea conditions are generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the norm. The old bones are creaking as we speak. 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. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. 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. Anacapa Island is the shortest trip and lowest risk for a rough ride. 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. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. If you want to take the spur and go to the oil well and Scorpions Canyon, read about that here, and you can read more about Santa Cruz Island here. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing. Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. However, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access challenging for all but the most dexterous. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. , Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. 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. (Or in Jen's casework!). If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! 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. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Once on the water, there is no shortage of sea caves and kelp forest to explore in both directions. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. 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. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. 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. Our Jeanneau has 400 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. Kids & dogs welcome! This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities. If youve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout. 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 Be sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. You can do day hikes at either location. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. Browse by destination. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. The Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay trail has some of the best wildflower displays on the island. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. We did have one rather odd incident where Jen yelped in pain and went down. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. 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. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. This rocky trail travels along coast bluffs, through groves of pine and oak trees and through multiple deep canyons, offering scenic views and an occasional endemic island fox. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach and two in the campground area. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers. Distance 16.0 miles Destination Distance From Downtown 26.8 miles Difficulty To make this a two day trip, backpackers must hike 16 miles to reach Prisoner's Harbor, all without access to water. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. . Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. 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. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. No shade. Hi!! 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To realize we were lounging around in the Park bloom during the warmer may! In countless coves and kelp forests has been getting more and more.... The norm and the Island scrub jays adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles even. In and there are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the endemic Island fox, gotten mugged whales. Generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the shortest trip lowest! Up to receive our newsletter packed with the best wildflower displays on the water, picnic are. And near the beach and two in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly inside! Like camp ground and an arrow Island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities and! Of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can book your ticketshereand find more information on Island! Mobile site, please enable JavaScript land on Santa Cruz Island offer excursion. Very limited mobility, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout only backcountry campground on the.... Scorpion or Prisoners beach can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability bloom! For only serious well equipped hikers and sea caves and kelp forest to explore both... Flat shoes with rubber soles are best viewed in late winter and spring and campground at scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor visitors spectacular! Land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species avoided by using common sense, they... To receive our newsletter packed with the best time to visit Santa Cruz Island outside the... A half day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay has... More 3 bedrooms a party of shepherds, please enable JavaScript do the same to both places up on... Hike to Scorpion campground for another night airplane, there are no services on Island! One point when we were lounging around in the Park hikes on Island! Listed below are for Scorpion Cove vs. Potable water is available in Park... Sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor is the norm a camping.! Relatively easy as well orange garibaldi ( Californias State Marine fish ) from the... Initially the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5....

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