more. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. 93001, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. 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 is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. 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. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. 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. 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. Water If you only have time for some of the loop, my recommendation is to begin at the cutoff just before Potato Harbor Lookout enjoying outstanding views the entire way, then turning around in time for the ferry. You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up theNavy Road. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. A third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay Trail. We did have one rather odd incident where Jen yelped in pain and went down. 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. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. 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. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. 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. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! Head east and youll encounter Scorpion Rock and the many large seacaves to explore and swim through along the way. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Common hazards include: The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. Channel Islands Adventure Company will rent you wetsuits and gear on island! Looking for more local adventures? Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. 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. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. 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. For the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island visit: Channel Islands Adventure Company. They're also really mellow. I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should be! A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. Prisoners SCI to Scorpion SCI 3:15 PM. Hikers should not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this hike. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. Shade is available. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. 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. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. Usually multiple someones. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! Landing is via a pier at both locations. Id recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. 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. All rights reserved. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. As a moderate hiker, Id recommend stopping at marker 11 (of 21) or joining a guided hike with an Island Packers naturalist which are usually offered every day. I highly recommend the Pelican Bay Trail in the springtime because of the rich diversity of flowering plant species many of which are endemic to the island. You must bring water with you for your requirements. During summer months, there is a chance to see Blue or Humpback Whales in the deep water, during travels to and from Santa Cruz Island. Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). If you dont own one, dont worry. 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. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. It is single track style, takes about 3 hours to complete round trip, and has more shade than any other trail on Santa Cruz Island. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. It's best to check with Island Packers. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers. Interpretive Programs We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. 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. Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. 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. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. This bird is much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative. Is it possible to see each other on the same trip as in hiking to it? At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. 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. Potable water is available in the campground area. Ventura, Ca 93001 Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. We recommend hiking shoes. 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. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. Travel time is one hour. 16 October 2022; To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. 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 Prisoners. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. 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. 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. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. 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. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. A major factor in choosing Scorpion Cove vs. If you arent up for a strenuous hike, thats okay. 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. It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. During those months, this is my favorite trail on the island! 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 unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! Landing is via a pier at both locations. 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. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing. At over 24 miles long and six miles at its widest, Santa Cruz has over 62,000 acres (96 square miles) and 77 miles of shoreline. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Montaon Ridge Loopis quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. Another main difference here is that Prisoners Harbor lies on a boundary between the National Park Service (NPS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property. In contrast to Scorpion Cove, your only option for kayaking at Prisoners Harbor is to rent a boat in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B All Rights Reserved. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear. This backcountry campground has four campsites. Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. Sea conditions are generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the norm. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions. Large colonies of nesting sea birds, breeding seals and sea lions, and other diverse marine plants and animals can often be seen during transit to the island and from mainland. 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. 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. 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. There is NO FRESH/Potable water at this area of the island. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For the wildlife fan, the Prisoners Harbor day trip offers a good chance to see two animals found nowhere else in the world. Here, you are most likely to catch halibut, calico bass, and barracuda, as well as collect mussels, urchins, and scallops. A population of invasive feral pigs ended up on the island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. . Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. 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. If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. It requires a signed waiver for access due to its location on private property (ask for one in the Island Packers office). Prisoners Harbor apart. Ventura to Prisoners Hbr SCI 9:00 AM. Scorpion Cove vs. (Or in Jen's casework!). As a quick summary, Id say your best chance of seeing a fox is at Scorpion and best chance of seeing a scrub jay or other specific bird species is at Prisoners, though both can be found at both locations. 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. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Re: Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. 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! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. Oxnard, Ca 93035 is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner's Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote . 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. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove.More 1901 Spinnaker Drive 3 bedrooms. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. 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. Fishing 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. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. Ive even napped next to the endemic island fox, gotten mugged by whales, and swam with spotted harbor seals. I have seen plenty near the ranch house andvisitor center at Scorpion as well as in the wetland at Prisoners. Gotta get in better shape! Santa Cruz Island Day Trip & Camper Transport Fares. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. Which one do you recommend? Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. 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. The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. The best months for flower blooms are April and May. Map updates are paused. 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