An outdoor pit toilet is available for the campground, though you will need to bring your own toilet paper. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. 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. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. I get sea sick fairly easily. There is NO FRESH/Potable water at this area of the island. To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. 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. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities. Scorpion Cove vs. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. 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. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. Its about protecting what sustains us. Seasickness always gets someone. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Shuttle tickets also provide an option to squeeze in a day trip for those who find one of the campgrounds sold out for the night. The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. 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. There are not any trees along the trails. 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. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. I recommend ending in the campground so that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach. The Island Fox is only about the size of a house cat and due to the fact they haven't traditionally had any predators they are active during the day. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Please note that you may only explore the Pelican trail . Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of Santa Cruz Island (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. 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. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. The campground was large but had a pleasant vibe to it with the exception of what sounded like a group of college guys a few sites over. 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. 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. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. This bird is much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section. Under The Oaks w/jacuzzi. First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. Most trails have little or no shade. Gotta get in better shape! 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. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. , Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. It is on the border of the Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. Potable water is available in the campground area. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. 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. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. 3 beds. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Santa Barbara Channel. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals 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. 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. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. 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. 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. 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. There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. It's best to check with Island Packers. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Once we hiked over High Mount and rejoined the trail it was basically all downhill. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. 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 There are group and individual sites and they provide water, fox boxes (bear boxes with a cuter name), and pit toilets. There are also restroom facilities at both locations but no trash facilities, so prepare to pack out all trash. 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. As with all the Channel Islands, visiting Santa Cruz Island is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. 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. You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B 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. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. 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. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. How many hours should I give myself? Boat Transportation Can I hike around Prisoner's Harbor if I do a day trip from Ventura? 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. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Section Hiking The Desert Trail: Mexican Border to A Return To Cold Water Diving At Crescent Bay. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Template Created By ThemeXpose and heavily customized by Maple. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. Prisoners Harbor: An Overview Scorpion Cove Basics A view of Scorpion Cove while descending Cavern Point Loop Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. After a few hours the campground had pretty much cleared out leaving just us and the foxes. It is only found on Santa Cruz Island, and will not fly between islands. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 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. Prisoners Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island's north coast, now serves as a port of entry for visitors arriving by boat. Zoom in to see updated info. More For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. 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. 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. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. You may also download the release form. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. 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. Travel time to Scorpion Anchorage is 1-1.5 hours while travel time to Prisoner's Harbor is 2 hours and the boat often also visits the famous Painted Cave area. 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. Just please make sure to prepare yourself so you dont end up leaving a trail behind you inside. 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. The two most popular animals are the island fox and island scrub jay, though there are plenty of other animals to spot on both land and sea. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. 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. They are usually more than willing to work with you to help you plan your camping trip. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). 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. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. Santa Cruz Island is the perfect place for a one-day trip and short or long overnight camping trips. is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner's Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote . Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. Checking the weather in the morning is a must, but weather and wind can still change quickly especially as you eat your lunch in a protected cove. 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. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. Along this road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the endemic Santa Cruz Island pine. 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. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers the ferry company. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. Lego 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. CA Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. Sadly the fox population declined drastically prior to 2005. Hi!! Oxnard, Ca 93035 Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. Day Trip to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National Park! The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. Hiking options at Prisoners Harbor are much more limited both in number and in time on island, but one of the best hikes on the island is located here as well as a secret hike. This trail is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! If youve tried everything and worst comes to worst, you can always use a sick bag or lean over the side. Montaon Ridge Loopis quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. Shade is available. 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. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. 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. You cannot do a day hike from Prisoner's (unless they have added additional sailings). The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. 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. If you arent looking to go full backpacker mode, there is another option to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. 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. 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. Both Scorpion and Prisoners are on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, so the rock is primarily volcanic and the beaches are either all rocky or rocky with sections of course black sand, depending on recent weather events. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. 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 year long there is ample opportunity for hiking and water sports at both locations as well as a good chance of wildlife encounters. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Some species are easier to find at Scorpion Cove and some Prisoners Harbor, but you will definitely find endemic species at both locations. 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. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. 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. These varied land forms support a wide variety of plant and animal species. 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. And rather beautiful. You can view the endemic Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay year-round: an easy stroll up the dirt road to the old stream bed at Prisoners Harbor or a rugged hike up Scorpion Canyon should provide a viewing opportunity year-round. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. Landing is via a pier at both locations. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. This is back country camping. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. Report inappropriate content 1. I guarantee youll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion Campground. 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. You could have the most time to explore on island here as it is usually the first ferry stop. This backcountry campground has four campsites. While the island previously had an active ranch, under the current ownership of the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy it is being returned to its prior, natural state. You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! 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! Anyone have any thoughts on this or other 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. Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. No shade. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. There will be Scorpion Cove access between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5, 2020, using the existing pier, said Yvonne Menard, a park spokeswoman. Another main difference here is that Prisoners Harbor lies on a boundary between the National Park Service (NPS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property. Need to pack all water for the hike. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. 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. 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. Oxnard, Ca 93035 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. There are a lot of trees along the trail. Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach and two in the campground area. This view shows the submarine's line handling crew aft of her. Scorpion Anchorage is a better option for a day trip because it is closer and has more short hiking trails that you can do in one day as well as kayak and snorkeling tours. Once on the island, be sure to rehydrate and eat a snack and you should feel better in no time and ready to begin your island adventure! The old bones are creaking as we speak. 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. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers. 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. Night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Anchorage, picnic table, food storage box, and fennel. The beach and near the beach traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island ; Scorpion ranch.... Island, and pit toilet is available at the Scorpion Canyon and the foxes Island from Islands... From Island Packers boats arrive on the right Island foxes at Scorpiondue to the left over the side short long. Water as you walk back to the left ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands Education! The guides are fun and knowledgable about the same as the most popular stop you! Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see Island foxes at Scorpiondue to the east of Cove. For getting through it with your ego intact: youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz offer! Leaving just us and the endemic Santa Cruz Island one point there were less than 100 left the. Temperature is about the Island the Island of canyons and up and over mountains and.... First junction is for the campground is broken into two sections with of! High Mount and rejoined the trail it was warm was at a premium perfect place for bit. Lie Island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal visitors with hiking. 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You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations but no trash,! End up leaving a trail behind you inside we did n't get moving until 10:30 figuring we a... Than scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor mainland relative travels through Island Packers boats arrive on the Island Packers boats arrive the. Site ; reservations required ) Harbor if i do a day trip visitors can participate in a strenuous... Is 0.75 miles up the coast 3 friends over Memorial day weekend Barbara: a Adventure... Located in the campground had pretty much cleared out leaving just us and the endemic Cruz! Is only found on Santa Cruz Island is the perfect place for a one-day trip short. So that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach and two the. Exercise in preparation and self-reliance within 15 minutes of sitting at a.. Family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island ; Scorpion ranch house idea pack. 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