However, there are no lifeguards on the island. 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. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. 2021Outdoor Project. Scorpion Bay is a calm placid little cove in the center of the north side of Santa Cruz Island, crescent shaped and large enough for a man-of-war to swing around in. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. Lego 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. 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. I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. Santa Cruz includes three mountain ranges; the highest peak of all the Channel Islands (Mount Diablo rising above 2000 feet,) a large central valley/fault system, deep canyons with year round springs and streams, and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. 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. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. There are a lot of trees along the trail. Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. 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. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. Here you will be able to refill your water, and if your boat is not coming until the following day, you can take your time on the eastern side of the island doing one of the many day hikes nearby. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. (Or in Jen's casework!). At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. 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. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. Travel time is one hour. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of Santa Cruz Island (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. The Pelican Bay Trail is a beautiful hike through the canyons and along the bluffs of The Nature Conservancy property on Santa Cruz 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. Another main difference here is that Prisoners Harbor lies on a boundary between the National Park Service (NPS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property. After exploring Smugglers Cove, you will want to go back the way you came. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. The views along the spine were quite nice. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. 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. There is NO FRESH/Potable water at this area of the island. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. If you want to venture out on your own, you can always rent a kayak in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry (as long as its approved by Island Packers). Boat Transportation This bird is much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. Island Packers Cruises offers boat trips to both Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to and from the mainland for a hiking shuttle. We did have one rather odd incident where Jen yelped in pain and went down. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. 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. There are over 100 different endemic species of plants and animals on the Channel Islands earning this island chain the nickname Galapagos of the North. A majority of these species reside on Santa Cruz Island surviving the introduction of countless damaging and invasive species like black mustard and fennel by the European ranchers who owned Santa Cruz Island from the early 1800s until 1980. 3 bedrooms. There are group and individual sites and they provide water, fox boxes (bear boxes with a cuter name), and pit toilets. If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. You will be hiking over unstable and eroded terrain at times, but the elevation gain is less than the Navy Road and there is more shade. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. Scorpion Cove vs. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. As a quick summary, Id say your best chance of seeing a fox is at Scorpion and best chance of seeing a scrub jay or other specific bird species is at Prisoners, though both can be found at both locations. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. 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. 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. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. They just wander around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. No shade. Fishing A variety of seabirds can be seen throughout the year (especially around Scorpion Rock), but most birders go to the island to see the endemic island scrub-jay-only found on Santa Cruz Island and no other place in the world. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead. Possession of a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required and all California Department of Fish and Game regulations apply.More The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. There are no shops or restaurants on the island. The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. If youve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout. If you arent looking to go full backpacker mode, there is another option to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island. It's best to check with Island Packers. All rights reserved. Your day is generally much quieter at Prisoners due to significantly less visitation, but for the same reason, there are usually only one or two park staff around on a busy day. 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 this point, the remainder of the hike is downhill. One option is a rocky beach called Tinker Beach and the next is the tide pools at Pelican Bay, just five minutes further up the trail (continue up the river bed). I have seen plenty near the ranch house andvisitor center at Scorpion as well as in the wetland at Prisoners. The old bones are creaking as we speak. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. You probably wont be alone. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) Both options are incredible, but make sure you leave enough time (~90 minutes) to hike back to the boat. Hazards includesteep and erodedsections of trail over unstable or rocky terrain and potential for contact withpoision oak. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. Re: Santa Cruz: Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage 8 years ago Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Notably, the island scrub-jay, the Santa Cruz Island fox and eight plant species are found on Santa Cruz and nowhere else in the world (endemics). 2. Both the Island Fox and the Santa Cruz Island Jay make their homes at Prisoners Harbor.Prisoners Harbor is the access point for the private TNC Property, Day Trip Preparation | What You Need to Know & Bring. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. The best months for flower blooms are April and May. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. It requires a signed waiver for access due to its location on private property (ask for one in the Island Packers office). Hike the Pelican Trail. 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