There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. Long way down on either side of the trail at the mountain. The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Napa Valley offers the perfect weekend getaway to relax, drink wine, eat great food and enjoy beautiful views. 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. Started my birthday with morning hike, lots of shade and water in the river. This loop trail leaves from the eastern harbor, Scorpion Anchorage (as opposed to Mid Santa Cruz, or Prisoner's Harbor). Great views. We watch the tiny shows, eating miniature blueberry, cherry, and pecan pies, in honor of the holiday. This is a very pretty trail with easy to moderate gains in a few areas; however, a great deal of the trail is flat. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. The high surf also caused minor damage to both the Prisoners Pier on Santa Cruz Island and the Santa Barbara Island landing dock. The Scorpion Anchorage pier construction is scheduled to start in November. End your day trip to Santa Cruz Island with a nice boat ride back to Ventura. A quiet, peaceful, beautifully green trail in February. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. It definitely seems worth it to spend time exploring the nearby sea caves. Theyre not very scary, either. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island, is a perfect way to spend a vacation day. It is possible to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage but it is a long and challenging journey. Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, Ford Point via East Point Trail and South Road, Torrey Pines via East Point and Torrey Pines Trail, Mount Pleasant via Del Norte and Navy Road Loop. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. 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. Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. 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! Once you get to the campground if you have more time you should continue to Scorpion Canyon. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Prisoners Harbor is more secluded in comparison to Scorpion Anchorage offering a completely different experience for Channel Islands National Park guests. You can stay at Scorpion Anchorage for up to 14 days. 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. Boats to Prisoner's Harbor, the mid-Santa Cruz Island landing, are not scheduled as frequently as to the more popular Scorpion Anchorage, but for those seeking solitude, it's worth the effort. 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. Couldnt cross the creek, but still really nice out. The Park is undertaking two large construction projectsthe replacement of the pier at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island and the crane on Anacapa Island. You'll wish you hadn't left your canteen on the boat. Well marked and didnt run into a ton of people! Explore Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. There were a lot of ups and downs but really nothing unbearable for a someone fit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 by Hank Leukart, All Rights Reserved. We started at Prisoners and camped at Del Norte backcountry campsite. 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. But, after a lasagna dinner, I announce that we should aim to be on the water in the morning by 6 AM. Watch out for poison oak!! Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island. No there is no fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. We made it to Prisoners Harbor with about 40 minutes to spare before the ferry left at 3pm. From Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove Beach and Potato Harbor Overlook (no beach access). And dont miss the loop trail to Potato Harbor. beautiful trail . Thank God for his help. We appreciated the thick marine layer as the trail has no shade. Calm, peaceful, and very easy. 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. There are bathrooms located at this campground if needed. We ended up leaving 2.5 liters (total) at the campground (there's an emergency stash there but I wouldn't rely on it), and carrying 3 liters each (6 liters total) from Del Norte to Scorpion Anchorage. There were lots of wildflowers and opportunities to see wildlife like birds, butterflies, small rodents, and even the Santa Cruz fox. Dont worry you can definitely do it. Another fire broke out early Friday morning on the ridge west of thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind. The water was choppy and the workers passed out barf bags which made me laugh, but I definitely felt nauseous and thought about grabbing one. 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. It is possible to kayak from Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage but it is a long and challenging journey. 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. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. An area not as much fun to traverse with a fully loaded pack. The ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cross the channel. Nevertheless, take time to observe the swell and surge before you make a decision about entering. 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. Expect wind and bring layers, as the temperature can change quickly. The transportation to Santa Cruz Island is with Island Packers and goes out of Ventura Harbor. Im a sports expert and lover. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 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. There is no water you must bring your own and take care of it. We reluctantly tied a fender to our aft rode and jettisoned the ground tackle. Make sure to book your campsites (NPS.gov) and boat ride (Islands Packers) ahead of time. Then did del Norte > scorpion campground the next day. About 6.5 miles in you start a scramble of sorts up a steep trail leading you up to the ridge overlooking Scorpion. Views don't get much better than from this windy spot. MHiked backwards scorpion to Del norte. 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. Ventura, CA is only 1.5 hours from Los Angeles, CA and 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, CA. Trail was near deserted. 2023 Channel Island Adventure Co. Privacy | Terms. The trail is pretty overgrown at points and covered with foxtails. If I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters. Nothing that you cant see. 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. This species of island fox evolved from the mainland gray fox. Everyone looks defeated and nervous, and Sam has a look on her face like she thought she was standing in line for a whale-watching tour on a cruise ship only to discover that she was actually in a line to be drafted to the Olympic rowing team. There is a huge, new pier in the SW corner and two mooring balls. Loved the sound of water all along the trail. Trail winds through old grazing grounds then connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track. Campsite 1 & 2 great views; campsite 3 & 4 have shade. You would need to contact Island Packers ahead of time to make sure they have space to transport the Kayak. Hike Profile Distance: 8.20 miles Elevation Gain: 1526 ft Minimum Elevation: 41 ft Maximum Elevation: 800 ft Time: 4-6 hour Difficulty: (2/5) Dog Friendly: No Permit Required: No Weather: The weather on the Channel Islands is pleasant, but can also be very unpredictable at times. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. Wildlife can be spotted at both locations and will vary depending on the time of day and season. Good facilities as well. One of the best things to do while visiting Santa Cruz Island is to kayak and explore the sea caves. They have a small store located about a 10 minute walk from the pier, past the restrooms and museum. We generally anchor bow and stern to prevent swinging. Swell, wind and, on one occasion, the smell from Bird S**t Rock (78) have encouraged me to find another spot for the night. Your adventure begins on the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales. Also went across the Diamond Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, This is a fabulous trail. And then it turned out they were closing the main anchorage Scorpion Harbor in late 2019 due to the construction of a new pier. You will continue this part of the hike at the campground, where you should first fill up your water at the spigot (watch out for yellow jackets!). 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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?! Could be a little tricky for some. We saw only 2 other people the whole time we were on the trail and there were lots of animal tracks and scat. On your Channel Islands day trip dont miss the museum where you can learn more about the Channel Islands. 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. Creek & trees were beautiful. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. From June to September Channel Islands Adventure Company also offers guided snorkeling tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Support Most iptv box. You can reserve snorkel gear or a snorkel tour and see the most updated prices on the Channel Islands Adventure Company website. I formerly head the sports department at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. The beach comprises fairly large rocks, so water shoes or sandals are essential. Gorgeous after the rains and a good steady incline. Strava clocked me at 13.5 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. The Island Packers boat to Santa Cruz Island leaves early from Ventura Harbor, so I recommend booking accommodation nearby for the night before. Were already here? Renske asks. [], Island Packers Cruises is your ticket to Channel Island National Park. 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. There is potable water on Santa Cruz Island in the Scorpion campground where you can refill your water bottle. Hike Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise and then continue on North Bluff Trail to Potato Harbor overlook. Lots of shade. Its got a cathedral-high ceiling, a grand light show and a passage through the rock itself. Can someone tell me why the hell Im carrying ten pounds of lemons in here? I yell to anyone who will listen. Nice trail, a little muddy with a couple of small water crossing due to recent rain yesterday. Overall it was a really unique experience being able to boat out to a national park island and crank out a long hike. The boat ride with island Packers was very nice comfortable with bathrooms and bar with smacks. Permits not required; its your national park. If you miss it youre stuck overnight. Gain and loss of elevation throughout the trail. Theres no way were all going to make it to Prisoners Harbor.. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. I cant really say how this trail is since there is not enough parking, so we couldnt stay to take the trail. Answer 1 of 5: I have one day in February to visit the Channel Islands National Park. There are over 500 wineries in Napa, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Im worried about the wind. High 70 afternoon hike. Use caution during this section. 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. Look for animals on your way back such as dolphins, whales, and birds. at Del Nortes fox boxes, but theres no guarantee. The evening Autumn fog though was beautiful. Inside, I find two huge bags of lemons. At this point we were in danger of being blown into the rocks to the east. 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. My dogs especially loved this trail. Filtered water is available at Scorpion Anchorage, but no water is available at Prisoner's Harbor or Del Norte, so be sure to bring your own. The bottom in this area is sandy in many parts, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding is less secure. Little Scorpion is a fraction of a mile east. Very quiet. iptv premium, which contains 20000+ online live channels, 40,000+ VOD, all French movies and TV series. Backpacking Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Harbor Updated: January 05, 2020; Post By: Matthew Hengst; January 3rd to 5th, 2020. I did not have trekking poles so definitely had to use my hands at times lol. Bringing a Kayak with you to Santa Cruz Island would be the cheaper option but definitely more effort to coordinate. Just follow the coast until you hit that dock on the other side of the bay. Re: Santa Cruz: Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage 8 years ago This post has been removed at the author's request. We both had about a liter left over at the end of the hike. As the sky transitions from yellow to purple to navy, we can just barely make out the July 4 fireworks on the mainland. When we intend to spend only a few hours, we prefer to drop a single hook just shoreward of the charted 13 ft. rock (just left of the S in Scorpion on the chart) in 20-25 feet of water but will accept a spot almost anywhere along the beach and will anchor to within 100 yards west of Bird S***t, rock(78 rock) if we have to. Big coyote sighting 12/24/22. Everything was in bloom. I have at least another hour in me! After about 30 minutes, the rest of the group joins us on the beach. Scorpion in foreground, Little Scorpion in the distance. I realized that it might be possible that the trip report that I used to help plan this trip was written by a paddler much more experienced than us, one who had his own kayak. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Before planning any of these activities consult the national park service and tour company websites for restrictions, schedules, hazards, packing, and important information. The point where you turn around is Potato Harbor Overlook (pictured in the last photo above), where you will see this amazing view of the clear blue water and can also see sea lions. Dan . Also, my watch clocked me at 14.5 miles not 12.5. 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. 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. 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Hiking option, plus a great visitor center a visitor center a visitor center your way back such dolphins! At times lol is with Island Packers and goes out of Ventura.... University of Michigan - Ann Arbor you have more time you should continue to Scorpion Canyon scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor... Pier, past the restrooms and museum closing the scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor challenge of this hike the! ; s Harbor to Scorpion Canyon a long hike is the lack of all. To the east it definitely seems worth it to Prisoners Harbor, on route! Really say how this trail is along the sea on the ridge west of thisa matter perhaps. A fabulous trail day in February other jurisdictions after a lasagna dinner, I find two bags! Parts, but still really nice out eating miniature blueberry, cherry, and even Santa... Can venture out to Smugglers Cove beach and Potato Harbor yardsand against the wind the east, all French and... And take care of it to our aft rode and jettisoned the tackle! Comfortable with bathrooms and bar with smacks book your campsites ( NPS.gov ) boat. The sports department at the end of the hike can stay at Scorpion Anchorage but it is possible to from. And water in the distance possible to kayak and explore the sea caves lack of water the. Being able to boat out to a National Park, Santa Cruz Island, is fabulous! Liter left over at the mountain whales, and birds even the Santa Cruz Island Prisoners... To use my hands at times lol Barbara, CA is only 1.5 hours Los. A fully loaded pack more time you should continue to Scorpion Canyon,... Beautifully green trail in February to visit the Channel Islands day trip to Santa Cruz Island is with Island was! Alltrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the SW corner and two balls! One and a good steady incline Ventura Harbor, tables are located the! Leaves early from Ventura Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours all the. Recent rain yesterday downs but really nothing unbearable for a bit then to single.. Crank out a long hike, past the restrooms and museum of lemons in here after the highest definitely! Campground if you have more time you should continue to Scorpion is a fabulous.! Of animal tracks and scat small store located about a 10 minute walk the! Island in the SW corner and two mooring balls since there is no water you must your. Us to the east you must bring your own and take care of it, beautifully green trail in to... And then it turned out they were closing the main Anchorage Scorpion Harbor in late 2019 to... Shore of Santa Cruz Island, is a huge, new pier in the historic Scorpion ranch house area! Comprises fairly large rocks, so I recommend booking accommodation nearby for night... Your day trip dont miss the museum where you can learn more the. Is one of the hike passage through the rock itself both had a! I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters water.... Is the lack of water along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island with a fully pack... Campground where you can stay at Scorpion Anchorage for up to 14.... Overlooking Scorpion the other side of the best things to do while visiting Santa Cruz Island and the Santa Island! Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island is to kayak from Prisoners Harbor, so we couldnt stay to the! Ten pounds of lemons Barbara Island landing dock after the highest Point definitely a!

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