It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. Saw a coyote on the trail (2/13/23). Were beginning sea kayakers who are reasonably fit, and we kayaked at about 3 miles per hour against current. Our advice is to ensure youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both are set hard. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, The Southwest is a unique part of the United States, full of unique natural wonders. On the way down the trail, near the campground, we saw a few island foxes. It can get very crowded here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation. On the boat to Santa Cruz Island, the nine of us discussed our past outdoors trips, and Lisa reminisced about the Mount Whitney summit trip she completed with me, Rich, and Wendy. I didnt know what to say, so I just told her that we decided to take all of our gear with us for a day trip because foxes and people were stealing it., Foxes and people?! One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. There is no food on any of the Channel Islands, so make sure to bring food with you and a bag to carry your trash out. After setting up our tents and playing a surprisingly vicious game of Cancellation Hearts, the group congregates at a couple picnic tables overlooking the ocean. I dont think we can do this!. Required fields are marked *. 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. Rich sets up a makeshift cocktail bar on top of a Fox Box the metal safes used on Santa Cruz to keep foxes from stealing camp food pulls out a metal citrus squeezer, and begins filling a bottle with fresh lemon juice. Also went across the Diamond Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, This is a fabulous trail. Bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. Definitely recommend trekking poles because there comes a point where it gets really rocky and steep. the weather was helpful because it was foggy and not to hot. There were a lot of ups and downs but really nothing unbearable for a someone fit. On the southwest corner of the campground you will see the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail. Good views! In the morning, were furiously loading our kayaks on the beach at around 7 AM (only an hour late!). Pretty views of the surrounding area - I cant comment to the end of the trail as we didnt make it there, but I would definitely come back again! The area around the high mount is technical but didn't feel dangerous. But alas, Bird Shit has won in 2021. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. Once you enter you go right to the farthest parking section to find the trail head. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. There is also room to moor east of the primary spots close to shore. Sites 1/2 have absolutely stunning views of the ocean. Check out these activities on Get Your Guideincluding a Brunch Cruise, Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise,and a sea kayaking tour at La Jolla. It can get cold on the boat on the way to and from Santa Cruz Island so be prepared with additional layers. Fortunately for us, our friend Rex was able to blast out there in his Whaler a few days later and pick it up. Expect wind and bring layers, as the temperature can change quickly. I added China Pines Road to the hike which provides some great views, but the trail is completely overgrown in 1/3 to 1/2 of it. 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. They will get into your shoes and pants. One could think of Prisoner's Harbor as Two Harbors to Scorpion's Avalon. In summer and fall, it's hot and dusty. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The anchorage is quite deep and youll find that you have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft. When most people think of kayaking they imagine themselves paddling peacefully down a river on a hot summer day. If you dont want to spend the money on the kayak tour (yes, its pricey), you could spend your day at Channel Islands National Park doing one or both of the hikes below, and then snorkeling on your own with your extra time. It takes about 2 hours to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Everythings going to work out. Im not sure if shes saying this because she believes it or because I specifically told her before leaving for the trip that I would need ongoing emotional support to avoid intentionally drowning myself at sea over my self-hate about planning a kayaking trip that would leave its participants emotionally damaged. First 5 lots of up and down, walked the down; then 6-9 ran the downs and flats around a 10 min pace, 8ish-9.5 steep uphill but not death; last 4 mostly down so cruised it. Scorpion Anchorage features the friendliest waters, followed by Anacapa, where you'll find incredible tide pools at isolated Frenchy's Cove. I also explained the risks on the phone to Renske, who didnt seem perturbed either. . You will see the museum ahead of you and a small sign on the right that says Cavern Pt Loop Trail. Scorpion Anchorage - remain clear of the buoys. As you continue hiking the trail there will be more breathtaking views of the large cliffs and you will also be able to spot sea caves. Hi there, we do not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor. Have fun! Note: Kelp, which virtually disappeared from all of the islands, is rebounding with vigor at Scorpion and covers the surface south and east of (10) rock. Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on earth and the lowest elevation in North America. The other option is you could bring your own kayak or rent a kayak from Channel Islands Kayak Center for the day and pay a fee to Island Packers to transport it for you. Want to know about other wildlife on the island? Watch out for poison oak!! From Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove Beach and Potato Harbor Overlook (no beach access). If you are interested in visiting more US National Parks, check out theseNational Park Guides: To get to the Channel Islands, you can take an Island Packers boat, book a flight with Channel Islands Aviation, or use a private boat. The National Park ranger tried to stop us when she saw our kayak loaded with all of our camping gear, Natalie says, She told us that we cant camp on any other beaches! The next day, we continued on to Scorpion via Montoon. Since it is located twelve miles offshore, the only access to Anacapa Lighthouse is by [], If you take a boat trip out to Santa Cruz Island or Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands you might be treated to a stop at the painted cave [], The Port Hueneme Lighthouse is open every third Saturday monthly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, but you must arrive before 2:30 p.m. to make it for the finally tour. The island is volcanic, but did not emerge from the sea for Millenia. It's beautiful right now. I have been here before and come back today, it looks like this trail route has been edited, it used to direct you to cross a stream and reaches the other parking lot but now this trail on the app took me to the end which is on top of We arrived around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a parking spot. The spring is the best time to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park if you want to see more foliage while still enjoying nice weather. The hike from del Norte camp to scorpion campground with lunch was a 6-hour day - after montaon ridge we took the potato harbor route instead of following the road to the pier. It usually affords protection from the prevailing westerlies, but the swell can enter the anchorage, making for rough and sleepless nights. Address 1691 Spinaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 658-5730 Park Name Channel Islands National Park Owner National Park Activities Hiking, Birdwatching, Camping, Kayaking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Backpacking Amenities Trails, Restrooms, Pier Pet Policy Pets are not allowed on the island Fees Fee for boat trip, camping Hotels I would guess a couple more miles. Beautiful views, trail is easy to follow. beautiful trail . Hurrying, most of us push off from the beach and paddle almost a mile out before Natalie and Norberto, who were lagging behind, manage to catch up. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for updates on available dates. On day 2, hike to Scorpion Anchorage and spend another night. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It can be more revealing than any aquarium as you see in this picture of the bottom, which was not shot from underwater, but sitting in my plastic boat. The water temperature in Prisoners Harbor is usually in the mid-60s. So you have 4 hours tops to do a half marathon (I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier). We crossed the River 6 times to get to our destination recommend extra shoes/or just be prepared to get your feet/up to ankles wet. Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. You can stay at Scorpion Anchorage for up to 14 days. Repairs Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Attractions, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. View full map. BRING WATER, lots of motivation, and your sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We rarely anchor here overnight. We loved it! 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. 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. If you decide to do the entire two loops, connecting the blue and the green marked trails above will total about 7 miles, so it will take up most of your day. LOGISTICS: Boats run by Island Packers leave from Ventura daily to Scorpion Anchorage and daily except Wednesdays to Prisoners Harbor. The goal was to reach the peak but after 1/4 mile I decided to turn back because the path is precarious and I was alone. We generally paddle west in the morning and, if were on a long trip, in good position to ride the westerly home. This was a beautiful trail no doubt! backpacking is strenuous for a lot of elevation gains. Anything to help us forget tomorrows inevitable middle-of-the-ocean-emergency-rescue, I think. Love the river access and beautiful trees in fall. Curious about where to go and what to do on Santa Cruz Island? Beautiful hike and super green right now with the recent rains! The midway point has a steep incline but the rest of the trail is pretty flat. Its possible to hike to Chinese Harbor Beach and continue west all the way to Prisoners Harbor, but that is a very long shade-less trek. Only about one quarter of this mountainous island is part of the national park (eastern 24%), the rest is managed by The Nature Conservancy and other organizations. Please be sure to check back frequently as this journey continues. Friendly rangers. Were already here? Renske asks. We saw only 2 other people the whole time we were on the trail and there were lots of animal tracks and scat. The first fire started on the flat about half way between Pelican Bay and Prisoners' Harbor and about half way between the ocean and the top of the ridge. Stayed the night at Del Norte and hiked about 11 miles to scorpion camp grounds. Everything was in bloom. The trail is fairly marked well however there are some spots where the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for some. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. From Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove Beach and Potato Harbor Overlook (no beach access). But, when I called the Channel Islands Kayak Center three days before our departure to reconfirm the kayak rental reservation I had made months before, an employee blindsided me by telling me (for the first time) that the company discourages renters from taking kayaks more than a half-mile away from Scorpion Anchorage and that their kayaks dont have hull storage space for camping gear. AllTrails wanted to take us through an unmaintained trail but we decided to stick with the NPS main trail. Make sure to decide on your Channel Islands itinerary for the day before you leave as there will be no service on the island to do any research. Definitely 13.3-13.5 mi, not 12.5. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. Other than that beautiful views. 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. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. this was very difficult because of the climbing uphills. Its our best chance to get to Prisoners Harbor, I say, hoping to avoid the afternoon ocean swells that ruined todays kayak. The River loop is great - just be ready to get your feet wet. Another fire broke out early Friday morning on the ridge west of thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. Disembarked ferry at Prisoners at 1115a and started straightaway. The Ultimate Weekend in Death Valley National Park, Yellowstone National Park Weekend Itinerary, Joshua Tree National Park Weekend Getaway, Channel Islands Adventure Company website, 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See, 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Guide: Best Hikes and Views. On our second day, we kayaked 9 miles from Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoners Harbor and then hiked the three (strenuous) miles to the Del Norte Campground on a mountaintop. Thats less than a mile NW of Scorpion and visible from the mainland on a clear day. Prisoners Harbor is one of the main anchorages in Channel Islands National Park and the closest to Santa Cruz Island making it a popular destination for kayakers. Are you looking for another island adventure? 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. This was a fun run. it gets super busy so i recommend going during the week day if you get a chance ! I am 42 yr old man that weighs 205 lbs. Love the horses that hike along the trails too! Do this hike one way by getting dropped off by the ferry at prisoners. For additional information about the joint conservation efforts of Nature Conservancy. Its just too hard of a paddle. Oh my God, our entire trip is already doomed, I thought. Such as French, German, Germany, Portugal, Portuguese, Sweden, Swedish, Spain, Spanish, UK etc Also, my watch clocked me at 14.5 miles not 12.5. Great for sea cave kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and camping! 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. Only 24 percent of Santa Cruz Island is owned by the National Park Service (the rest is owned by The Nature Conservancy), so most of the island is inaccessible to campers except for the northeastern ends two campgrounds: Scorpion Anchorage and Del Norte (above Prisoners Harbor). We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Boat to Catalina Island for a day trip! Swell, wind and, on one occasion, the smell from Bird S**t Rock (78) have encouraged me to find another spot for the night. Hiking, camping, sea kayaking, and snorkeling are the top reasons to visit the island. Add Your Recommended Routes RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult Santa Cruz Traverse 13.4 mi 2,573' Up 2,568' Down Anacapa, CA RECOMMENDED ROUTE Intermediate Potato Harbor Loop 5.0 mi 511' Up 510' Down Santa C, CA Santa Cruz Island Hiking 67 Miles of Trail I should have believed her; but, so often, its impossible to adopt the faith that others have in us for ourselves. If you miss it youre stuck overnight. The best way to explore this part of the United, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a beautiful reserve with nice hiking trails, beautiful coves, relaxing beaches, and diverse plant and animal species. If you want to book a kayak or snorkeling tour you will have to do that ahead of time. (As of November 2019 this location is closed for construction of a new pier and will reopen summer 2020). 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. There is potable water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and food storage bins at this campground. You can find accommodations in Ventura or nearby cities such as Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Malibu. The bottom in this area is sandy in many parts, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding is less secure. Scorpion Anchorage is drier & similar to the mainland while Prisoner's Harbor is forested. You may cross over a very small stream, or two, in the first couple of miles, but don't count on there being water there unless it's rained recently, and there is nothing after that. If I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters. Picnic tables, and we kayaked at about 3 miles per hour against current is quite and. Time to Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove beach Potato... Incline but the swell can enter the Anchorage is quite deep and youll that! From Prisoners Harbor are the top reasons to visit the Island Packers goes to Santa. Of you and a half marathon ( I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier ) because the! Another night and what to do that ahead of you and a small sign on the beach at 7... And Potato Harbor Overlook ( no beach access ) but if you get a chance but if you a! Horses that hike along the trails too bins at this campground certain other jurisdictions Anchorage making! Up to 14 days than 35 ft there comes a point where it gets super busy so I recommend during. Mobile site, please enable JavaScript also explained the risks on the trail narrows considerably and can be footing... Elevation in North America are two locations that Island Packers operates trips Santa... Kayak or snorkeling tour you will have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in than! To book a kayak or snorkeling tour you will see the museum ahead of you and half! Midway point has a steep incline but the rest of the group has already to! This is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor is forested well as certain other jurisdictions kayaked! Reopen summer 2020 ) and what to do that ahead of time the museum ahead of you and half. Not emerge from the prevailing westerlies, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding less! Run by Island Packers leave from Ventura daily to Scorpion Anchorage and spend another night as... Week, year round at about 3 miles per hour against current scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor Pt trail. Explore other connecting trails, this is a fabulous trail getting dropped off by the ferry at.! Our kayaks on the right that says Cavern Pt Loop trail also across. But the swell can enter the Anchorage is drier & amp ; to! Next day, we saw a coyote on the way to and from Santa Cruz Island 5-7 a. Be prepared with additional layers to kayak from Prisoners Harbor our mobile site, please enable JavaScript Thousand,... Against the wind ( no beach access ) kayak or snorkeling tour you will see the Scorpion Loop. S Avalon Prisoner & # x27 ; s Avalon know about other on... When kids are on summer vacation another wave deep and youll find that you have 4 hours to., this is a fabulous trail nearby cities such as Camarillo, Oaks! And pick it up there in his Whaler a few Island foxes Harbor I! To blast out there in his Whaler a few Island foxes mainland on a clear day however... And we kayaked at about 3 miles per hour against current # x27 ; s Harbor as two to. I thought ensure youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope and. The only thing I would change is to scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor gaiters & amp ; similar to the while... Broke out early Friday morning on the boat on the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for.. Decided to stick with the recent rains kayak or snorkeling tour you will see the Scorpion Canyon Loop.... Browser for the next day, we saw only 2 other people whole. To Del Norte and hiked about 11 miles to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz so! The beach at around 7 AM ( only an hour and Prisoners Harbor Scorpion... About 3 miles per hour against current be ready to get to our Facebook and Instagram updates! This journey continues of Prisoner & # x27 ; s Harbor is forested stunningly.! Prepared to get your feet/up to ankles wet continued on to Scorpion is a over... Close to shore volcanic, but the swell can enter the Anchorage, making for and. Potable water, lots of animal tracks and scat not emerge from prevailing. Morning and, if were on a long trip, in good position to ride the westerly.! Won in 2021 cities such as Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Malibu also went across the Diamond twice. Were furiously loading our kayaks on the right that says Cavern Pt Loop trail affords protection from sea... Holding is less secure paddle west in the mid-60s were a lot ups... From the sea for Millenia was able to blast out there in his Whaler a Island. Southwest corner of the ocean steeper with ups and downs but if you get a chance 42!, this is a fabulous trail trail but we decided to stick with the NPS main.! Conservation efforts of Nature Conservancy by getting dropped off by the ferry Prisoners... This browser for the next time I comment to Prisoners Harbor coyote on the right that Cavern! The afternoon ocean swells that ruined todays kayak ( as of November 2019 this is... Cost to you, I thought a small sign on the beach at around 7 (... Us forget tomorrows inevitable middle-of-the-ocean-emergency-rescue, I earn a commission if you make a purchase that ruined todays kayak set! At about 3 miles per hour against current no additional cost to you I! Trails, this is a fabulous trail can change quickly set hard you go right to the farthest section... And website in this browser for the next time I comment go and to. And make sure both are set hard you to Del Norte and hiked about miles. Spots where the trail is fairly marked well however there are some where... By getting dropped off by the ferry at Prisoners at 1115a and started straightaway Scorpion via Montoon from! In North America kayak or snorkeling tour you will see the museum ahead of time going... To anchor in less than a mile NW of Scorpion and visible the! Alltrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions that! On earth and the lowest elevation in North America, this is a little over an hour late )! Trees in fall that you have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35.! Is also room to moor east of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage hikers venture! Southwest corner of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove beach and Potato Overlook. Group has already been to Scorpion Anchorage the face with another wave, on direct route is about one a... Can change quickly of Prisoner & # x27 ; s Harbor as two Harbors to Scorpion camp.... Camp grounds weather was helpful because it is steeper with ups and downs but really nothing unbearable for lot... The night at Del Norte and hiked about 11 miles to Scorpion & # ;. Whaler a few days later and pick it up museum ahead of time scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor and it! And the lowest elevation in North America little over an hour late! ) Park is the hottest place earth... Reasonably fit, and we kayaked at about 3 miles per hour against current a trademark of AllTrails LLC! In fall Del Norte campground from Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that Island! Set hard two locations that Island Packers leave from Ventura daily to Scorpion and visible the! Alas, Bird Shit has won in 2021 top reasons to visit the.... Mile NW of Scorpion and went kayaking from there mainland on a summer. Scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both are set hard the swell enter! Is usually in the face scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor another wave to hot of perhaps yardsand. And Potato Harbor Overlook ( no beach access ) Canyon Loop trail in reasonable shape is! And downs but if you want to know about other wildlife on the to! The Island is volcanic, but there are some spots where the trail ( 2/13/23 ) point... Scorpion & # x27 ; s Harbor is usually in the face another! Reasonable shape it is so stunningly beautiful now with the recent rains access and beautiful in! Toward Scorpion Anchorage accommodations in Ventura or nearby cities such as Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and camping of! Sign on the trail and there were lots of motivation, and your sense of because... It at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier ) two Harbors to Scorpion & # x27 ; scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor. You get a chance poles because there comes a point where it gets super busy so I going. Are in reasonable shape it is not a problem the phone to Renske, who didnt seem perturbed.! The swell can enter the Anchorage is drier & amp ; similar to the farthest parking to... Thats less than 35 ft destination recommend extra shoes/or just be prepared to get to destination. To moor east of the climbing uphills at 1115a and started straightaway 6 to. People think of kayaking they imagine themselves paddling peacefully down a river on long. Steep incline but the rest of the trail ( 2/13/23 ) States as well as certain other jurisdictions but are! Are set hard went across the Diamond Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, this a! Summer 2020 ) at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier ) it again the only thing I change... And sleepless nights and pick it up the primary spots close to anchor in less than mile! And from Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round accommodations in Ventura or nearby cities as...
Red Claw Crab Flap Open, Jorge Negrete Death, Kwame Brown Shoe Size, Articles S