But its our fault for bringing so much stuff, eternally-upbeat Natalie says with a smile. Channel Islands Adventure Company offers kayak tours from 1 hour to 5 hours long where you can explore the sea caves, and in the longer tour even make it to Potato Harbor. The island is volcanic, but did not emerge from the sea for Millenia. Gorgeous views of El Capitan and the valley below, everything is so green right now, we felt like we were in Ireland. Prisoners Harbor Landings are at a pier. Snorkeling is another fun activity you can do on your Santa Cruz Island day trip. Strava clocked me at 13.5 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain. Bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. Island Packers is continuing its trips to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz, Anacapa Island, weekend rides to . Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. Both 60- and 90-minute boat rides can be booked from both Ventura and Oxnard Harbors. If you arrive to Scorpion Anchorage I recommend hiking at least the blue loop above. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. Very beautiful trail that follows the coastline of Santa Cruz Island! Once you enter you go right to the farthest parking section to find the trail head. Well signed. After a quick lunch, we head out on a surprisingly strenuous up-and-down trail (carrying our water supply) toward the Del Norte Campground, which lies at the top of one of the islands peaks. Keep all belongings protected from small animals and birds by packing them in a backpack or small cooler. We took the Island Packers ferry to Scorpion Harbor which left Ventura at 8am. Follow this guide for how to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island. It takes about 2 hours to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Many of the plants had dried up during the summer so the island wasnt very green in September. End your day trip to Santa Cruz Island with a nice boat ride back to Ventura. The bottom is mostly sand, though we have encountered some eel grass. You would need to contact Island Packers ahead of time to make sure they have space to transport the Kayak. 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. Also went across the Diamond Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, This is a fabulous trail. Was dropped off at Prisoner's Harbor, spent the night at Del Norte Campground, then hiked to Scorpion's Anchorage and spent the night at Scorpion Campground, getting picked up the following day. This post has been removed at the author's request. I packed 6.25 litters of water and used about 4. Lots of running water lots of beautiful trees very quiet. Beautiful hike and super green right now with the recent rains! Over all worth it would not recommend kayaking after this hike. All in all its a pleasant hike to do with family. Can someone tell me why the hell Im carrying ten pounds of lemons in here? I yell to anyone who will listen. I formerly head the sports department at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Even though we had plenty of scope in December 2022, a wind shift to the northeast made it impossible to retrieve our secondary anchor by slacking the primary. You can reserve snorkel gear or a snorkel tour and see the most updated prices on the Channel Islands Adventure Company website. There was a sign that said trails closed ahead so we did not end up hiking here today. Theres no way were all going to make it to Prisoners Harbor.. Love the horses that hike along the trails too! The water temperature in Prisoners Harbor is usually in the mid-60s. I should have believed her; but, so often, its impossible to adopt the faith that others have in us for ourselves. There is rarely any breaking surf, which makes this one of the few easy places to come ashore on Santa Cruz. KAYAK RENTAL: The Channel Islands Kayak Center in Ventura sits next to Island Packers, and they rents kayaks for $35/day for single kayaks and $55/day for double kayaks. Your adventure begins on the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales. It's beautiful right now. Ferries generally leave daily @ 9am from Ventura, CA. I cant really say how this trail is since there is not enough parking, so we couldnt stay to take the trail. If you planning on going go early to get parking or else come back another day cause you may not find parking. From June to September Channel Islands Adventure Company also offers guided snorkeling tours on Saturdays and Sundays. We both had about a liter left over at the end of the hike. It is unclear how Scorpion was named; it may be the shape of the valley or the fact that there are small scorpions present. [], Island Packers Cruises is your ticket to Channel Island National Park. But, when nine friends married, Texan, long-time friends Rich and Wendy; less experienced, married paddlers Sam and Whitney; eternally cheerful, San Francisco-based couple Natalie and Norberto; Minnesotan Lisa whom Ive hiked with before, long-time college friend Suzanne, and Dutch Renske took me up on the offer (with four flying in from out of town), I immediately felt a big responsibility to ensure that our trip wasnt a disaster. There are two Island Packers [], Taking a whale watching cruise off the coast of Southern California is exhilarating and gives you a high likelihood of seeing gray whales up close, but its fun to watch [], Channel Islands National Park protects five rugged windswept islands off the central coast of California. Swell, wind and, on one occasion, the smell from Bird S**t Rock (78) have encouraged me to find another spot for the night. The climb to montaon ridge was a bit of a scramble and pretty difficult with a heavy pack. The Island Packers boats leave from Ventura Harbor in California and take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz. If you have more time you can combine multiple hikes and do both the blue and green loops. it gets super busy so i recommend going during the week day if you get a chance ! Soon, were all drinking fantastic lemon craft cocktails and eating bacon-topped pasta primavera as a deep red-orange sunset dazzles us on the horizon. The Catalina kayaking trip I did with Hank a few years ago was also the hardest thing Ive done in my life, Natalie added, also sounding like it took her years of therapy to move past the incident. The River loop is great - just be ready to get your feet wet. I hiked this memorial weekend and first 2 days were overcast. Overall, the trail is beautiful, especially when youre on the ridge and can see the ocean down both slopes. IG - @kylerampone. Scorpion offers a beautiful backdrop for picnics, hiking or camping as well as a user-friendly beach area with access to one of the Marine Reserves. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook. Suddenly, a strong gust smashes an aggressive wave over our boat, soaking us both completely. Before planning any of these activities consult the national park service and tour company websites for restrictions, schedules, hazards, packing, and important information. Also my legs were done by the time I got to climb the peak. 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. The Park Service planted the rock a few years back and, though they didnt expect their efforts to cover the islet, they were probably ecstatic at the success theyd achieved. So you have 4 hours tops to do a half marathon (I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier). ! Whitney yells excitedly as he and Sam paddle into shore. Check out this blog post: Channel Islands National Park Animals. Weve strapped so much trash-bag protected stuff to the top of the boats that Rich and Wendys kayak looks like a makeshift garbage barge, and Natalie and Norbertos kayak looks like its been loaded up with every belonging theyve owned since childhood. Dinner, yells Rich, who is in charge of the July 4 mystery dinner, says as a kind of non-explanation explanation. Its going to work out great, Renske reminds me, while were lying in our tent before falling asleep. The ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cross the channel. The trail is fairly marked well however there are some spots where the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for some. And speaking of the smell, it just isnt a problem right now. Why should you want to visit these remote undeveloped islands? Scorpion Cove vs. The best place to rent a kayak from to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is from Island Packers. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. It took about 1.5 hours to finally get on the trail and hiking from the time we left. If you dont have your own gear, you can rent snorkel gear from Channel Islands Adventure Companywhen you arrive at Santa Cruz or ahead of time on their website. The snorkel tour is significantly more expensive than buying or renting snorkel gear, so opt for snorkeling on your own if you are looking to save money. Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on earth and the lowest elevation in North America. I recommend purchasing your own snorkel gear ahead of the trip and bringing it with you so you can snorkel off the rock beach at Scorpion Anchorage. If you do your day trip to the Channel Islands with Island Packers, you will have about 6-7 hours to spend on Santa Cruz Island. I highly recommend this to see the island quickly. When we stop for a snack break after two hours of paddling, Renske and I are smiling and laughing, and I realize that were actually having fun. The next day, we continued on to Scorpion via Montoon. Very quiet. Our other favorite activities at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island are hiking the Pelican Trail with a trained naturalist from Island Packers or enjoying the wildlife both on the island and in the water (dont forget to bring a camera!). If youre planning on kayaking from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage be sure to check the weather and tides beforehand. Then the following morning hiked to Scorpion and stayed another night. I couldnt have done this trip without my hiking sticks! I saw one group of 4 people near the campground but didn't see anyone else until I was 1 1/2 miles from Scorpion Cove. The hike is especially difficult for Natalie and Norberto, who seem to have unloaded enough supplies from their kayak to live on the island without support for a year. 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. Can You Kayak From PrisonerS Harbor To Scorpion Anchorage, Do You Need To Wear A Life Jacket When Kayaking, Can You Use A Kayak Paddle For A Paddle Board. The Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. Anything to help us forget tomorrows inevitable middle-of-the-ocean-emergency-rescue, I think. Try this 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California. 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. Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. We decide to turn back early, making todays 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one. Then, when I called five different kayak-rental outfits in Southern California to find different kayaks with hull storage space, none had enough on hand. 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. Theres only about three miles left, I tell the group. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Round trip fare is $63 for adults, $58 for seniors, $45 for children and free for infants younger than 3 years old. But, now, sitting with Renske in the ocean on our first kayaking day, surrounded by strong winds and whitecaps, its not even clear that at least we have each other. Though newly-Crossfit-trained Rich and Wendy are battling the waves furiously nearby, the rest of the group has already turned back to the beach. The only water on the island is at scorpion so you would be stuck carrying a lot of water if you went out and back. We stay well clear of their dock, which is tucked in the west corner of the anchorage. If you drop your boat in the water when the sun just peaks over Anacapa, youll likely find glass-smooth waters and excellent visibility. 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. Are you looking for another island adventure? Awesome hike! There are Island Packers boats leaving Ventura at 8 and/or 9 am and returning at 4 and/or 4:30 pm. Thats good for the ecosystem, but makes navigating a little tougher. The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore, nearby camping, numerous trails, and year-round Island Packers boat transportation. Beautiful regardless of the gales. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. Today - Dec 31 Reservations required (limited quota) Select a start date Great for sea cave kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and camping! 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. Round trip tickets cost an obscene $79 (plus $28 per kayak transported), proving that a world with boat transportation monopolies is a bad world indeed. Also, my watch clocked me at 14.5 miles not 12.5. No water along trail. The Island Packers boat to Santa Cruz Island leaves early from Ventura Harbor, so I recommend booking accommodation nearby for the night before. The nightmare that Ive been worrying about for days is materializing before my eyes. Watch out for poison oak!! Potato Harbor hike. At Scorpion Ranch, there is an upper loop and a lower loop of campsites. We traveled during labor day weekend. They have regular trips to all of the islands and whale watching excursions too. If you are camping, get reservations well ahead of your trip. We can do it! You can swim, snorkel, dive and kayak here, and there are plenty of hiking options too, starting from Scorpion Anchorage. Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. Expect wind and bring layers, as the temperature can change quickly. If you start Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise, the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from the pier, past the bathrooms. It usually affords protection from the prevailing westerlies, but the swell can enter the anchorage, making for rough and sleepless nights. There is no cell service in this area. My. 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. I normally don't care for gaiters but this would be an exception. Do this hike one way by getting dropped off by the ferry at prisoners. Your email address will not be published. Del Norte and Scorpion Campground via Del Norte and Montaon Trail, https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/backcountry-beach-camping-on-santa-cruz-island.htm. Rentals include paddles, flotation jackets, and helmets, but dont expect the equipment to be well-organized when arriving on Santa Cruz, because no representatives from the rental company work on the boat or the island. Once on the boat, there are two main drop off points on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. View the route below or download the Without Baggage Catalina Island Kayak GPS track in GPX or KML format. (As of November 2019 this location is closed for construction of a new pier and will reopen summer 2020). Its our best chance to get to Prisoners Harbor, I say, hoping to avoid the afternoon ocean swells that ruined todays kayak. Flights are extremely expensive, and most of us dont have a private boat, so the best option is to book a trip with Island Packers. You can use the other trail called the Santa Margarita River Loop and takes you cross a little stream and reach the river, you dont have to cross the river (no need do the loop) because the river depth could be deep, just out and back will do. love this trial, short n sweet with great scenery. We reluctantly tied a fender to our aft rode and jettisoned the ground tackle. 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. The Scorpion Anchorage pier construction is scheduled to start in November. Potable water available at Scorpian Anchorage but none at Del Norte so plan accordingly! This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. Saw a coyote on the trail (2/13/23). The bottom is sand and holding is excellent and kelp is not an issue these days. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',672,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4-0');Santa Cruz Island is the largest and tallest of the islands in Channel Islands National Park. With the wind and water totally calm, the ten of us paddle along the serene, rocky, golden coast. No there is no fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Definitely 13.3-13.5 mi, not 12.5. Such a beautiful hike! I think thats Prisoners Harbor. Within an hour, Rich, Wendy, Renske, and I complete the last three miles of the nine-mile paddle. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. It is on the border of the Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. On the southwest corner of the campground you will see the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail is a nice hike through and up the canyon with different views of the island, the nearby Anacapa Island, and the ocean.
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