CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: Visited January 2022
Channel Islands National Park was established in 1980. This park is 390 square miles and is compiled of 5 islands of the coast of California. Those island are Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Island. These island are uniquely beautiful and are home to 145 species of plants and animals found no where else in the world. These islands are only accessible by boat and have no human inhabitants on them which keeps them as a prisitine oasis.
Getting There
ISLAND PACKERS CRUISE is the only way to get to and from the Channel Islands, whether you are kayaking, whale watching, or going for a hike/ camping on one of the islands, these guys are the way to go. The standard fare (right to and from one island) is $31.50 USD. They dock in Ventura, CA (about an hour away from LA.) Keep and eye out during the boat ride. You might see whales or seals!
Island Packers offers a whole variety of different cruises to a from the islands. They also handle any and all camping activities and reservations.
The Channel Islands also offers one of a kind diving excursions through the kelp forest. I, myself haven’t been able to do this, but I look forward to the day I can! Heads up for all water activity, the water is COLD!
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Santa Cruz is the largest of the 5 islands. There are 2 different ports you can dock at, though Scorpion Bay is the most popular. That is where I went during my visit!
Scorpion Cove
The boat ride out took about 45 minutes to get to the island and was an added bonus! We saw tons of seals along the way. The boat to and from the island offered refreshments which was nice after a full day of hiking. Although most parks obviously don’t usually have an extra transportation cost, this one was well worth it. A day on water!
Once we arrived, the announced right off the dock was restrooms as well as “bear boxes”. Campers would use these in the evening so animals wouldn’t get into their food, but we could use them to store our stuff. This was much appreciated since we had jackets for the boat ride, but wouldn’t need them for the hike.
CAVERN POINT LOOP
Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation Gain: 288ft Approximate Time: 1 hour
This quick little hike was perfect for the end of the day. We still had about 2 hours before the ferry would arrive and we didn’t want to miss it!
The trail head is right by the dock. It is a very steep upwards climb at the beginning, but the rest of the hike is along the gorgeous coast line.
Keep your eyes out for wild foxes. They are EVERYWHERE on this island. They were so cute and not really afraid of people considered they have no natural predators. They are also the reason bear boxes are on the island. These little critters will steal your food!
SCORPION CAYNON LOOP/ SCORPION RANCH
Distance: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 850 ft Approximate Time: 3 hours
This hike was the perfect distance for a half day hike. The hike took us past the old Scorpion Ranch, a little homestead not operational anymore. This hike, although it took us away from the coast, we got to see the valley and greenery of the island. Eventually, the path turned upwards and we climbed to one of the highest points on the island and could see the ocean in all directions!
*Make sure to not miss the ferry! They only come to each port twice a day (morning and afternoon). If you miss the boat, you will have to camp there and you will be fined for camping without a permit!
