Thanks to our lackadaisical pace we didn't pull into the campsite until right around dark. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. We had a docent come by twice to chat and make sure we knew to be at the dock by 3 pm since this was theoretically the last boat coming out here until the construction was done in 6 months or so. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. Fishing Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . 3 baths. Some species are easier to find at Scorpion Cove and some Prisoners Harbor, but you will definitely find endemic species at both locations. Browse forums; All. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! Many trips to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island offer an excursion to Painted Cave! . You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). 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. thank you to all. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. Landing is via a pier at both locations. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. 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. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. 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. Although you might come across a number of foxes during your day on the island, consider yourself lucky because the island fox almost went extinct back in the 1990s due indirect downstream effects of human use of DDT on the mainlanda good reminder that our decisions on the mainland have a great impact on these seemingly isolated island ecosystems. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. 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. 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. , There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Interpretive Programs Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. 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. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Be sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock. Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. They just wander around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Ive even napped next to the endemic island fox, gotten mugged by whales, and swam with spotted harbor seals. Anyone have any thoughts on this or other He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. The island scrub jay can be spotted pretty easily at both locations, thoughI tend to see the most island scrubs jays on the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. As with the animals, there are plenty of endemic and unique (as well as invasive) plants to see at both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. Oxnard, Ca 93035 Maybe youll seek out endemic species, maybe youll explore the giant kelp forests, or maybe youll even walk where humans have thrived for over 10,000 years. You can do day hikes at either location. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. It requires a signed waiver for access due to its location on private property (ask for one in the Island Packers office). Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. 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. Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. 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. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. The name of the harbor commemorates a series of events in 1830 that almost transformed the island into a local version of Australia's infamous Botany Bay penal colony. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. Watch this Topic. While visitors may explore the national park property on Santa Cruz Island, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. 18 Jul 2022, 05:48 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. February through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island are green and the native flowers in bloom. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. We roll out 350 feet of rode before dropping the shoreside anchor then adjust our position to get about 200 ft. of rode on the seaside and 150 ft. on the land side. Looking for more local adventures? Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. The hike can be done in either direction; however, because there is potable water at Scorpion Anchorage, hiking eastbound will allow you to refill your water at the end of the hike. It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. 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. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. They're also really mellow. We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear. 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! The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible. You can collect invertebrates like spiny lobster, urchins, and scallops, and try to catch fish like calico bass and rockfish. I hope you love it as much as I do! Its about protecting what sustains us. 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. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. Seasickness always gets someone. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail. At Scorpion, hiking to Montaon via Potato Road will give you the second most diversity in ecosystems, but it is a very long and strenuous hike, so Id recommend hiking Cavern Point Loop for the average visitor. The final portion of trail to the crest of Montaon ridge is steeper up a rocky route but does not require use of your hands. is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner's Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote . They are also quite intelligent and have learned that humans are not so intelligent, so they tend to hang out near picnic tables and campsites. 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 Report inappropriate content 2. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. From the top of Montaon you will be able to see both the eastern and western ends of the island, Anacapa Island, and the mainland on a clear day. 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. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 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. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! There are not any trees along the trails. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. I actually prefer this hike and it has been recognized by many as the most beautiful in the entire National Park. 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. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. W swell 6 ft at 13 seconds. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. Just please make sure to prepare yourself so you dont end up leaving a trail behind you inside. Location & Hours 1901 Spinnaker Dr Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Under the Oaks Santa Barbara Currently booked through March of 2023. Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. The cove will also be closed to boats during. Report inappropriate content 1. 3 beds. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. 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. On days that the concessionaire boats run to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, guided hikes may be offered by national park volunteers or concessionaire naturalists. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. here are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. After a few hours the campground had pretty much cleared out leaving just us and the foxes. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. View Our Latest Marine Mammal Sightings Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 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. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. 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. There are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Santa Cruz Island is the perfect place for a one-day trip and short or long overnight camping trips. Let me . The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. Anacapa Island is the shortest trip and lowest risk for a rough ride. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. 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. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. 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. 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. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. A population of invasive feral pigs ended up on the island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes. By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more.Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! While visitors may explore the national park property on Santa Cruz Island, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. TNC property is closed to the public with the exception of the Pelican Bay Trail, so you have to be a bit more cautious when exploring, but the private property is usually well marked. 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. Id recommend hiking this way if you arent prepared for slippery and eroded trails, because the Navy Road provides aneasier walking surfacedespite it being uphill in nature. Travel time is one hour. Zoom in to see updated info. This hike is definitely more challenging than Potato Harbor, but offers great views over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon. Depending on the part of the island and time of year that you visit, you may traverse long stretches of trail without seeing other hikers. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Check out these posts! The old bones are creaking as we speak. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. Please note that you may only explore the Pelican trail . 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 can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. 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. 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. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. (Or in Jen's casework!). It's best to check with Island Packers. How many hours should I give myself? Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. The boat got us back to the mainland a little before 5 pm and by 7 we were back in Orange County ready to do laundry and get ready for the next adventure! Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. 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. There is NO FRESH/Potable water at this area of the island. If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. Island Packers Cruises is the exclusive concessionaire to the national park. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. 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