6. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! Island Packers Cruises is the exclusive concessionaire to the national park. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. 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! You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. 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. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. 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. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. 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 Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. Prisoners SCI to Scorpion SCI 3:15 PM. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. You can do day hikes at either location. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach and two in the campground area. 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. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. 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. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. Lego 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. I am a member of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. Luckily, the boat ride is usually only two hours max depending on your destination, and visitors rarely feel sick on the ride home due to the favorable swell direction. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. 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). Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. 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. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. 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. Watch this Topic. 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. This backcountry campground has four campsites. This view shows the submarine's line handling crew aft of her. 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. 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. This post has been removed at the author's request. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. The final portion of trail to the crest of Montaon ridge is steeper up a rocky route but does not require use of your hands. The other half has very loose and eroded sections. You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers the ferry company. If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. Scorpion SCI to E. Anacapa 11:00 AM. Ventura, Ca 93001 Channel Islands Adventure Company will rent you wetsuits and gear on island! You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. There are two stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. If youve tried everything and worst comes to worst, you can always use a sick bag or lean over the side. There are not any trees along the trails. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. Intensity and duration of the bloom differs a bit each year due to varied rainfall and temperature.Many Channel crossings this time of year include Gray Whale sightings. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. 18 Jul 2022, 05:48 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. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. All Rights Reserved. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or 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. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. You must bring water with you for your requirements. 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. 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. 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. Thanks to our lackadaisical pace we didn't pull into the campsite until right around dark. If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. 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. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. Unless you feel like hiking 15 miles with all of your water for the trip,Id recommend starting at Prisoners Harbor, spending the first night at Del Norte Campground, then hiking the roughly 12 miles across to Scorpion and refilling water at Scorpion Campground the second night. Island Packers Cruises offers boat trips to both Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to and from the mainland for a hiking shuttle. For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of Santa Cruz Island (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. There are also restroom facilities at both locations but no trash facilities, so prepare to pack out all trash. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. There is a lot of exploration possible here! 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. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. 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. Visitor Center These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. Interpretive Programs The foxes on Santa Cruz are interesting. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. 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! Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More 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. 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. Hi!! However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. They're also really mellow. Has anyone else had a problem with sea sickness on this boat? 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. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! A guided trek by an Island Packer naturalist is offered on most day trips. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Its only about two miles of hiking if you complete the whole loop and offers dramatic views of Scorpion Cove andAnacapa Islandright above the visitor center. 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. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. Section Hiking The Desert Trail: Mexican Border to A Return To Cold Water Diving At Crescent Bay. This is back country camping. A third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay Trail. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11). Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Scorpion is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. It's best to check with Island Packers. There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section. Its about nourishment and learning. The island is exceptionally rich in cultural history with evidence of over 13,000 years of Chumash Indian habitation and over 150 years of European exploration. 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. 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. If you make it to the campground, you will have hiked about 7 miles round trip from the pier. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. 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. Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. 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. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. 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. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. However, all surf spots are remote and are best accessed by private boat due to the island's rugged terrain and the hiking distance from the designated landing areas. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. 15. . During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. It is on the border of the Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. Additionally, you can do the hike over one or two days depending on your preference, although the boat schedule will affect which days you will be able to travel to and from the mainland. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. Template Created By ThemeXpose and heavily customized by Maple. Depending on the part of the island and time of year that you visit, you may traverse long stretches of trail without seeing other hikers. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites. 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. Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat. 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. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Its about protecting what sustains us. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. Shade is available. Goods and Services A view of lush vegetation, Prisoners Harbor, and pier from the Pelican trail. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. Which one do you recommend? One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. Ventura Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. 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. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! You can collect invertebrates like spiny lobster, urchins, and scallops, and try to catch fish like calico bass and rockfish. Public phones are not available. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove.More 1901 Spinnaker Drive Browse by destination. 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 There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. I actually prefer this hike and it has been recognized by many as the most beautiful in the entire National Park. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. There are no shops or restaurants on the island. 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. Santa Cruz Island Day Trip & Camper Transport Fares. My personal favorite time of year is October. thank you to all. The Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay trail has some of the best wildflower displays on the island. I get sea sick fairly easily. 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. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. The old bones are creaking as we speak. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. Scorpion Cove vs. Along this road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the endemic Santa Cruz Island pine. 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. As with all the Channel Islands, visiting Santa Cruz Island is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible. Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail we can go before we must head back to meet the boat. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Montaon Ridge Loopis quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. I say first night because, if you remember, there isno water source at Del Norte Campground. Re: Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . An outdoor pit toilet is available for the campground, though you will need to bring your own toilet paper. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. Potable water is available in the campground area. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. 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. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. 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. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. 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