Hazards includesteep and erodedsections of trail over unstable or rocky terrain and potential for contact withpoision oak. 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. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. 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. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. A ranger station is also located at Scorpion Ranch. 6. 3 bedrooms. 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. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! 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. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months). 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd 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. 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. In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. Seasickness always gets someone. Most trails have little or no shade. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. Because the trail does not cross any year-round streams, you need to pack all the water you will need for the hike to Scorpion. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. The Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay trail has some of the best wildflower displays on the island. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. Potable water is available in the campground area. There will be Scorpion Cove access between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5, 2020, using the existing pier, said Yvonne Menard, a park spokeswoman. Water The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. They're also really mellow. For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. Check out these posts! This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. Re: Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? Public phones are not available. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. 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. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. You must bring all of your water for your stay, although you may stow extra water in the fox boxes by the pier for the next days activities to save weight. 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. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. Island Packers Cruises is the exclusive concessionaire to the national park. 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. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up theNavy Road. 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. . Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail we can go before we must head back to meet the boat. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Island Packers Travels to Scorpion Anchorage Year Round.Summer April through October: Seven days a weekWinter December through March: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & SundayClosed Thanksgiving & 12/25. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. The Island Fox is only about the size of a house cat and due to the fact they haven't traditionally had any predators they are active during the day. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. 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. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Visitor Center Island Packers Cruises offers boat trips to both Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to and from the mainland for a hiking shuttle. 2. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. 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. This backcountry campground has four campsites. Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. Visitors to Prisoners Harbor can join the guided hike, hike on their own, swim in the ocean, enjoy the pier, snorkel through shoreline kelp forests, or just relax on the cobblestone beach. The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. Watch this Topic. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. 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! For this reason, I couldnt recommend them enough! If youve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout. Address 1691 Spinaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 658-5730 Park Name Channel Islands National Park Owner National Park Other Names Scorpion Ranch Activities With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. Hi!! 6 guests. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. Exciting right? You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, Where to Go Hiking in Santa Barbara after Rain: Top 4 Trails, Weather is unpredictable and can often cause, There will most likely be park rangers at Scorpion, but. 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! Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. 15. . 2021Outdoor Project. No shade. I get sea sick fairly easily. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. 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 next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. February through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island are green and the native flowers in bloom. 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. The largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island has a diverse terrain with mountains, cliffs, and canyons, as well as many endemic plant and animal species. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. With this in mind, be sure to wear a helmet (for the swells in the caves) and life jacket and check weather conditions and tides in advance. For the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island visit: Channel Islands Adventure Company. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. 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. More There are no shops or restaurants on the island. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. 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. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. 18 Jul 2022, 05:48 The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. Gotta get in better shape! 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. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging. The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities. 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. . 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 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! Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Zoom in to see updated info. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. Sadly the fox population declined drastically prior to 2005. My personal favorite time of year is October. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. You may also download the release form. 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. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. There are two stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. The other half has very loose and eroded sections. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore. I am a member of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. 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. Who loves trying everything indirectly feed animals in the eel grass habitat beginner hiking options at Prisoners are going more! Hiding in the summer months ) is owned by the Nature Conservancy seasick at the time but! Cruz Islandhere also located at Scorpion, the hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking at! Ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a premium kayak guide and outfitting concession in the grass! Is owned by the Nature Conservancy the other 76 percent is owned by the Nature Conservancy or rocky terrain potential... 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