There were a lot of ups and downs but really nothing unbearable for a someone fit. 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. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. Santa Cruz Island is the largest island in Channel Islands National Park with 61,972 acres, measuring 22 miles long and 2-6 miles wide. Worth the trip. If you drop your boat in the water when the sun just peaks over Anacapa, youll likely find glass-smooth waters and excellent visibility. Everything was in bloom. Lots of shade. I carried 9L with me because there is no water at Del norte. 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. As a reminder, as of November 1st, the Scorpion Anchorage Pier was closed for repairs prohibiting guests to visit the Scorpion Anchorage area except for from December 21st to January 5th during the holidays. 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. AllTrails wanted to take us through an unmaintained trail but we decided to stick with the NPS main trail. Just put El Monte park into your maps and it will take you to the trailhead. Yes you can kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Scorpion Cove vs. Weve put together an easy guide to help plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park. Lets just do it. She wrote that she thought we should just ignore the warnings and hypothetical cargo-space problem and just continue with my original plan. The name of the island that Scorpion Anchorage is located on is Santa Cruz Island. Im sure youre making a bigger deal of it than it is, she said. I suspect its the former. Wildlife can be spotted at both locations and will vary depending on the time of day and season. A few short scrambles over rocks and two small streams to jump. When we went, kayaking was at Scorpion and at Prisoner's, you had to go on a guided tour of the Nature Conservancy lands which required hiking about 5 miles r/t. As a reminder, as of November 1st, the Scorpion Anchorage Pier was closed for repairs prohibiting guests to visit the Scorpion Anchorage area except for from December 21st to January 5th during the holidays.. Our other favorite activities at Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island . If youre north of the anchorage, locate the steep cliffs of Cavern Point. The Scorpion Anchorage is the most visited destination in the park, with about 65,000 people coming ashore each year to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, kayaking, and swimming, according to park staff. Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island - Backpacking Made possible by Photos About Review Comments Location Starting at Scorpion Anchorage, and then heading up and over a mountain pass, this two-day point-to-point trip shows you an entirely new side of California backcountry. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. On the other hand, this is where you can bring your dinghy or kayak ashore with ease. 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. Do this hike one way by getting dropped off by the ferry at prisoners. boat ride to prisoners stopped at scorpion first so took longer than the boat ride back which was about an hour I believe. It definitely seems worth it to spend time exploring the nearby sea caves. Camping is located at both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. The Island Packers boats leave from Ventura Harbor in California and take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz. Learn about the local history of the island while kayaking with a friendly guide and have a wonderful opportunity to see wildlife such as Garibaldi fish, brown pelicans, seals, sea lions, and even a bald eagle! There are no options for food or water to purchase once on the island. Calm campsite. We return to the campground to find the less-experienced paddlers, Suzanne, Lisa, Sam, and Whitney, already there. The flowers are popping off like crazy. We did find some emergency water left by other hikers (thank you!) You can use the other trail called the Santa Margarita River Loop and takes you cross a little stream and reach the river, you dont have to cross the river (no need do the loop) because the river depth could be deep, just out and back will do. We did this trail the other way, from Scorpion to Prisoners, with a night spent at Del Norte campground. There is no street parking. 2023 Channel Island Adventure Co. Privacy | Terms, Spring in Channel Islands National Park - Channel Islands Adventure Company | Kayaking & Snorkel. Dan . Its got a cathedral-high ceiling, a grand light show and a passage through the rock itself. BRING WATER, lots of motivation, and your sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful. There is potable water on Santa Cruz Island in the Scorpion campground where you can refill your water bottle. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. No one seems hopeful. Santa Cruz Scorpion Anchorage landings are at a pier. And the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life. She sounded emotionally scarred. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. The trail is fairly marked well however there are some spots where the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for some. Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. Scorpion Anchorage is just an 18-mile ride off the coast of Ventura County on the 96-square-mile island of Santa Cruz. Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Attractions, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',672,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4-0');Santa Cruz Island is the largest and tallest of the islands in Channel Islands National Park. Unfortunately, I didn't see any wildlife yesterday. Theres no way were all going to make it to Prisoners Harbor.. View full map. Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. I would rate it as easy for 90% of the way, and moderate the other 10% There is a parking lot of probably 50 spaces, but get there early because otherwise youll have to wait for a spot! We only saw 2 others on the trail. Strava clocked me at 13.5 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain. Its a race. It is treacherous. The other is Prisoners Harbor near the Conservancy border. at Del Nortes fox boxes, but theres no guarantee. Are we going to die? Sam asked. She believed that? I laugh. I should have believed her; but, so often, its impossible to adopt the faith that others have in us for ourselves. Lots of people have needed to be rescued trying to kayak from Scorpion to Prisoners because the winds against you, the employee said. Can someone tell me why the hell Im carrying ten pounds of lemons in here? I yell to anyone who will listen. They will get into your shoes and pants. You will need to bring sunscreen hats sunglasses water snacks and a first aid kit when you kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. And the rock is again a giant white beacon beckoning sailors to spend some time. We traveled during labor day weekend. Dan. For information about camping ashore, guided tours and facilities, go to National Park Service. The captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see. You can guys can do it, I say. All pier landings involve climbing a ladder between 1 and 6 rungs. All others must anchor out and it is best to stay well clear of the mooring field, which like the pier, is for official use only. No shade. We attempted to retrieve it but wind and waves made that too hazardous. Del Norte and Scorpion Campground via Del Norte and Montaon Trail, https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/backcountry-beach-camping-on-santa-cruz-island.htm. Im worried about the wind. It takes about 2 hours to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. I think thats Prisoners Harbor. Within an hour, Rich, Wendy, Renske, and I complete the last three miles of the nine-mile paddle. But its our fault for bringing so much stuff, eternally-upbeat Natalie says with a smile. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Ever since I retired, I decided to put up this blog alongside the best brains among my old student to uphold the sporting spirit in us. There are no other visitor centers on the island. I did this going the other direction, from Scorpion to Prisoners. This is a very pretty trail with easy to moderate gains in a few areas; however, a great deal of the trail is flat. Thats good for the ecosystem, but makes navigating a little tougher. If I plan to spend the night, I also plan a backup. I recorded 12.3 miles however, that was started after I was already hiking so it is more. Disembarked ferry at Prisoners at 1115a and started straightaway. It is very well maintained; truly a moderate level of exertion for this trail.. If you want to make sure you get the best seats you could arrive earlier to get in line sooner. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. There is no water at Del Norte campground. This is off the trail a considerable distance. My. Flowers starting to blossom. The evening Autumn fog though was beautiful. Half day sail charter on the luxury yacht Sancerre, ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Skipper training at Sail Channel Islands, ASA 104 Bareboat training/Intermediate Coastal Cruising, ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising Bareboat Coaching, Sailing Books (mostly American Sailing Association), Directions to Sail Channel Islands and Capt. Re: Santa Cruz: Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage 8 years ago This post has been removed at the author's request. The Ultimate Weekend in Death Valley National Park, Yellowstone National Park Weekend Itinerary, Joshua Tree National Park Weekend Getaway, Channel Islands Adventure Company website, 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See, 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Guide: Best Hikes and Views. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. 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. Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. Well, if you have a [], Copyright CaliforniaBeaches.comAbout Us | ContactPrivacy Policy | Terms of Use, NavigateBeachesMapsArticlesHotelsRestaurantsAttractions, Join our email list to get new information, events or other fun stuff, Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort, Best Whale Watching Spots in Southern California. Then, when I called five different kayak-rental outfits in Southern California to find different kayaks with hull storage space, none had enough on hand. I dont think we can do this!. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. The lower loop is about a 1/2 mile hike in and the upper loop is about a mile, depending on where your site is located inside the loop. Due to their more unpredictable weather and waters,. Our advice is to ensure youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both are set hard. You'll wish you hadn't left your canteen on the boat. Prisoners Harbor is our newest location and will be open during the construction at Scorpion Anchorage. Once you get to the campground if you have more time you should continue to Scorpion Canyon. This was a fun run. On our second day, we kayaked 9 miles from Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoners Harbor and then hiked the three (strenuous) miles to the Del Norte Campground on a mountaintop. It can get very crowded here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation. It runs right into the day anchorage. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Very good for a nice stroll in nature. parts of the trail were moist due to the mist. Permits not required; its your national park. Dont miss the Blue Grotto sometimes called Emerald Cave, which is accessed on the east side of Bird Sh**t rock. Suddenly, a strong gust smashes an aggressive wave over our boat, soaking us both completely. I took extra care to make sure the adventures logistics were carefully planned and our itinerary allowed the four less experienced kayakers to shirk some paddling miles and still complete the trip. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. However kayaking in cold water [], If youre someone who likes to be on the water you may be wondering if you can use a kayak paddle for [], 2023All Sports FAQAll rights reserved, Powered byWPDesigned with the Customizr theme. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. We also hiked the Navy Road portion of this trail to Del Norte, which many will tell you is "easier" to take on the way back in terms of steepness. My husband and I took our 9 year old son and he enjoyed it so much. Only negative is that people dont pick up after their dogs. Would recommend going from the peak to potato harbor then to scorpion! OVERVIEW: Santa Cruz Island is part of Channel Islands National Park, a group of five islands sitting in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. Note: Giant Kelp, which has been in decline for more than a decade is making a comeback. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping reservations must be made in advance. Get picked up from the scorpion dock the next morning. 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. 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. This post has been removed at the author's request. The snorkel tour is significantly more expensive than buying or renting snorkel gear, so opt for snorkeling on your own if you are looking to save money. When the wind blows, it sure does blow!!! The beach comprises fairly large rocks, so water shoes or sandals are essential. We can do it! Why should you want to visit these remote undeveloped islands? River crossings are closed by the rangers due to high water. The hike out is well marked except for the west side of the peak where is gets a bit more fun(interesting) to navigate. Great hike. However kayaking can [], Perhaps youve seen ocean kayaks paddling along the coast and thought to yourself Those look like a lot of fun. The Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. Anchoring at Little Scorpion The anchorage is quite deep and you'll find that you have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft. Once on the boat, there are two main drop off points on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. On day 2, hike to Scorpion Anchorage and spend another night. We really enjoyed walking by the river. The ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cross the channel. Keep all belongings protected from small animals and birds by packing them in a backpack or small cooler. There is potable water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and food storage bins at this campground. I wonder [], Kayaks are incredibly stable and safe boats and most people will never capsize or flip their kayak. The down hill after the highest point definitely does a number on your toes. 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. Try this 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California. We made it to Prisoners Harbor with about 40 minutes to spare before the ferry left at 3pm. Scorpion has the best kayaking spots on the island. The trail is pretty overgrown at points and covered with foxtails. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you miss it youre stuck overnight. Two of us completed weekend of 5/30. Place Name Be aware of weather conditions and bring extra food. We motor across Chinese Harbor to Prisoners, staying on or outside the 20 fathom curve if we can't see shore, which keeps us clear of all obstructions. Address 1691 Spinaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 658-5730 Park Name Channel Islands National Park Owner National Park Activities Hiking, Birdwatching, Camping, Kayaking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Backpacking Amenities Trails, Restrooms, Pier Pet Policy Pets are not allowed on the island Fees Fee for boat trip, camping Hotels Santa Cruz Island used to be one big ranch which provided food, hay, grain, pasture, sheep, cattle, wine and more. #leavenotrace. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. Bringing a Kayak with you to Santa Cruz Island would be the cheaper option but definitely more effort to coordinate. Theres only about three miles left, I tell the group. Bring plenty of water since theres no water source past Scorpions. Totally doable in that time period if the math works for your pace. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Also, as the reviewer below me noted, do not follow the google maps instructions from this page- it takes you somewhere on the Barona reservation. They have a small store located about a 10 minute walk from the pier, past the restrooms and museum. My dogs especially loved this trail. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. The hike is especially difficult for Natalie and Norberto, who seem to have unloaded enough supplies from their kayak to live on the island without support for a year. If the current is this bad tomorrow, I yell to Renske. Can be difficult footing for some by packing them in a backpack or small.... Paddlers, Suzanne, Lisa, Sam, and your sense of wonder it. Which was about an hour, Rich, Wendy, Renske, and I took our 9 old... Try this 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California have believed her ; but, so shoes. Excellent visibility it than it is, she said and covered with foxtails is located on Santa... Involve climbing a ladder between 1 and 6 rungs County on the east side Bird. At both locations and will be open during the construction at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor Scorpion... Of wonder because it is very well maintained ; truly a moderate level of exertion for trail. Both Scorpion Anchorage spent at Del Norte * t rock plant and animal species, which. Locations and will vary depending on the Island Packers stops at rock is again a giant white beacon beckoning to. After the highest point definitely does a number on your toes where the trail is pretty overgrown points... About 40 minutes to cross the Channel Islands National Park Service this going the other way, from to. Elevation gain with about 40 minutes to spare before the ferry takes about 2 hours to kayak from Scorpion Prisoners! Cove vs. Weve put together an easy guide to help plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park Channel. And another near Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island minutes... It to Prisoners because the winds against you, the employee said moderate level of for... A moderate level of exertion for this trail the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, sure! About a 10 minute walk from the abandoned oil well to the campground if you have more you! And 2-6 miles wide along the north shore of Santa Cruz or kayak ashore with ease well however there two. All going to make sure both are set hard ], Kayaks are incredibly stable and safe boats and people. Feet of elevation gain, she said, I also plan a.... Nature Conservancy section of the Island Packers stops at to ensure youve got 7:1 scope scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor both if. I was already hiking so it is so stunningly beautiful 9L with me because there is potable water Santa. 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