1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. 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). However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should be! There is a lot of exploration possible here! View Our Latest Marine Mammal Sightings Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. 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. 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. I actually prefer this hike and it has been recognized by many as the most beautiful in the entire National Park. Their phone number is (805) 658-5730. You probably wont be alone. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. A third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay Trail. 7,341 views Mar 18, 2017 95 Dislike Share Save Description Travel Small Live Big 6.3K subscribers Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Island Day Trip & Camper Transport Fares. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. Four 4-man campsites are located 3.5 miles up the trail above the cove with beautiful overlooks. 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. This post has been removed at the author's request. 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. 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. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. You may cross over a very small stream, or two, in the first couple of miles, but don't count on there being water there unless it's rained recently, and there is nothing after that. I recommend ending in the campground so that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach. Map updates are paused. Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. Ventura, Ca 93001 To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. . thank you to all. On the more adventurous tours, I guarantee youll paddle through some tight caves you wouldnt dare try on your own some Get some speed, lean back, tuck the paddle, and GO! caves. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. 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. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. 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! (Or in Jen's casework!). 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. 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. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. We did have one rather odd incident where Jen yelped in pain and went down. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. Montaon Ridge Loopis quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. Template Created By ThemeXpose and heavily customized by Maple. There is no water at Del Norte campground. If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! Be sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. Scorpion Cove vs. 6 guests. Ventura The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. 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. If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. 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). Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. 2021Outdoor Project. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. Landing is via a pier at both locations. 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. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. Under The Oaks w/jacuzzi. There are group and individual sites and they provide water, fox boxes (bear boxes with a cuter name), and pit toilets. This hike is definitely more challenging than Potato Harbor, but offers great views over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon. If youd like to spend most of your Channel Islands National Park time exploring the underwater half of the park, a tour withChannel Islands Adventure Companywill never disappoint! Scorpion Campground does have potable water. Camping A ranger station is also located at Scorpion Ranch. 805-642-1393, Santa Cruz Island Hiking and Interpretive Guides, All Rights Reserved | Travel Master Proby, East End Landing Cove Anacapa Island Day Trip, Del Norte Campground | Prisoners Harbor SCI, Camping on Santa Cruz Island-Del Norte -Prisoners Harbor, Driving Directions | Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, Anacapa Island Hiking Guide & Interpretive Trail Guide, Santa Cruz Island Hiking Guide & Interpretive Guide, Santa Rosa Hiking Guide & Interpretive Guides, San Miguel Island Hiking & Interpretive Trail Guides, Santa Barbara Island Hiking and Interpretive Trail Guides, History -Stories -Facts of California Islands, East End Landing Cove AI | K-12 Education, Wildlife & Whale Watching | K-12 Education, Anacapa Island (AI) Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Channel Islands National Park, Santa Rosa Island (SRI) Channel Islands National Park, San Miguel Island (SMI) Channel Islands National Park. The other half has very loose and eroded sections. Oxnard, Ca 93035 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. Re: Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? 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. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. 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. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. You must bring water with you for your requirements. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. So, you must pack all your water. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. Once we hiked over High Mount and rejoined the trail it was basically all downhill. 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. If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. There are no other visitor centers on the island. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping . Sea conditions are generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the norm. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. 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. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. Shade is available. 3 baths. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. You can do day hikes at either location. 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. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. 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. You may also download the release form. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. There are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Thanks again. 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. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Ive even napped next to the endemic island fox, gotten mugged by whales, and swam with spotted harbor seals. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers. 805-642-1393, Santa Cruz Island Hiking & Interpretive Guides, All Rights Reserved | Travel Master Proby, East End Landing Cove Anacapa Island Day Trip, Del Norte Campground | Prisoners Harbor SCI, Camping on Santa Cruz Island-Del Norte -Prisoners Harbor, Driving Directions | Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, Anacapa Island Hiking Guide & Interpretive Trail Guide, Santa Cruz Island Hiking Guide & Interpretive Guide, Santa Rosa Hiking Guide & Interpretive Guides, San Miguel Island Hiking & Interpretive Trail Guides, Santa Barbara Island Hiking and Interpretive Trail Guides, History -Stories -Facts of California Islands, East End Landing Cove AI | K-12 Education, Wildlife & Whale Watching | K-12 Education, Anacapa Island (AI) Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Channel Islands National Park, Santa Rosa Island (SRI) Channel Islands National Park, San Miguel Island (SMI) Channel Islands National Park. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. 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. Its about protecting what sustains us. You can do day hikes at either location. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. No matter which adventure you choose, youre sure to have an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place. Watersports Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island December 23, 2022; Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike December 23, 2022; Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! 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Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor high Mount and rejoined the it!