There are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. I guarantee youll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion Campground. There are over 100 different endemic species of plants and animals on the Channel Islands earning this island chain the nickname Galapagos of the North. A majority of these species reside on Santa Cruz Island surviving the introduction of countless damaging and invasive species like black mustard and fennel by the European ranchers who owned Santa Cruz Island from the early 1800s until 1980. 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 On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. Its about nourishment and learning. . They just wander around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest. The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. 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. 3 beds. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. The foxes on Santa Cruz are interesting. 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. There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 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. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. 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. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. The views along the spine were quite nice. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers. 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. 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. 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. 7,341 views Mar 18, 2017 95 Dislike Share Save Description Travel Small Live Big 6.3K subscribers Santa Cruz. Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. 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. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. Prepare yourself so you can have an amazing day out there! At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. 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. Common hazards include: The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. Seasickness always gets someone. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. Rain. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. Most trails have little or no shade. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. I get sea sick fairly easily. 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. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, Where to Go Hiking in Santa Barbara after Rain: Top 4 Trails, Weather is unpredictable and can often cause, There will most likely be park rangers at Scorpion, but. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. 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. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. They're also really mellow. Public phones are not available. 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. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. Browse forums; All. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. Pelican Bayitself is often almost as clear as a swimming pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges. For the wildlife fan, the Prisoners Harbor day trip offers a good chance to see two animals found nowhere else in the world. Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. 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. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. 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. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). 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. The submarine Scorpion ties up alongside tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, Naples, on April 10, 1968. The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible. More There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. You might find a few caves here, in contrast to the many striking caverns at Scorpion, but the draw here is the secluded beaches and protected inlets, where you most likely wont see anyone for hours. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. Im Brittney. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. Looking for more local adventures? I have seen plenty near the ranch house andvisitor center at Scorpion as well as in the wetland at Prisoners. No shade. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. Water Along this road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the endemic Santa Cruz Island pine. To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. 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. 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. On the more adventurous tours, I guarantee youll paddle through some tight caves you wouldnt dare try on your own some Get some speed, lean back, tuck the paddle, and GO! caves. The other campground is called Del Norte. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. Which one do you recommend? Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. There are not any trees along the trails. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. All Rights Reserved. Browse by destination. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. Visitors to Prisoners Harbor can join the guided hike, hike on their own, swim in the ocean, enjoy the pier, snorkel through shoreline kelp forests, or just relax on the cobblestone beach. 93001, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Sea conditions during summer and early fall are often ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. 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. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. 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. 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. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. 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. The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. Shade is available. Scorpion is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. 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. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. more. The trail quickly turned into well established dirt roads and we started to come across the occasional dayhiker doing the Scorpion Canyon loop or heading up to the overlook behind us. Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. 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