There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. A guided trek by an Island Packer naturalist is offered on most day trips. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. Scorpion is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. The name of the harbor commemorates a series of events in 1830 that almost transformed the island into a local version of Australia's infamous Botany Bay penal colony. Here youll find a quaint bench in the shade where you can enjoy the sounds of wetland birds and frogs and maybe even spot an island scrub jay. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. You must bring water with you for your requirements. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. No matter which adventure you choose, youre sure to have an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place. 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. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. A population of invasive feral pigs ended up on the island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes. Fishing and collecting is allowed from land and from the pier with a license, and can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, as long as you follow all local fishing regulations. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. All Rights Reserved. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of Santa Cruz Island (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. Scorpion Anchorage is a better option for a day trip because it is closer and has more short hiking trails that you can do in one day as well as kayak and snorkeling tours. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! 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. Checking the weather in the morning is a must, but weather and wind can still change quickly especially as you eat your lunch in a protected cove. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) Section Hiking The Desert Trail: Mexican Border to A Return To Cold Water Diving At Crescent Bay. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. . First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. For more information or to book a tour, clickhere. Zoom in to see updated info. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. There is no water at Del Norte campground. Some species are easier to find at Scorpion Cove and some Prisoners Harbor, but you will definitely find endemic species at both locations. Prevailing wind comes from the northwest, so Id recommend paddling west first to avoid getting stuck downwind as the wind picks up in the afternoon. And rather beautiful. Oxnard, Ca 93035 There are a variety ofsea cave kayak toursoffered based on time and experience level. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 2021Outdoor Project. Channel Islands Adventure Company, the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area, operates guided sea kayak tours (there are NO kayak rentals on the island), limited convenience item sales (no food items), snorkel equipment rentals, and guided snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island only. Possession of a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required and all California Department of Fish and Game regulations apply. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. Prisoners Harbor: An Overview Scorpion Cove Basics A view of Scorpion Cove while descending Cavern Point Loop Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. And Prisoner's is really only for backpackers. Scorpion Cove vs. You probably wont be alone. If you choose to bring a kayak, you will have access to more area and there are plenty of small coves and beaches to bring your kayak ashore to rest and clean your catch. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. From the top of Montaon you will be able to see both the eastern and western ends of the island, Anacapa Island, and the mainland on a clear day. 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. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more.Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear. Hiking which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove.More 1901 Spinnaker Drive I hope you love it as much as I do! 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. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. I much prefer the half of the loop that connects Montaon to Potato Harbor Trail due to the nice trail conditions and beautiful views west over Santa Cruz Island towards Prisoners Harbor. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) Large colonies of nesting sea birds, breeding seals and sea lions, and other diverse marine plants and animals can often be seen during transit to the island and from mainland. 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. 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. He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. 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. The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. Prisoners Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island's north coast, now serves as a port of entry for visitors arriving by boat. I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should be! This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. Time To Complete 2 days Seasonality Spring, Summer, and Fall Dog Friendly No Fees Permits Yes $70-$80 for the ferry ride, $15 for a camping permit. The views along the spine were quite nice. We roll out 350 feet of rode before dropping the shoreside anchor then adjust our position to get about 200 ft. of rode on the seaside and 150 ft. on the land side. In contrast to Scorpion Cove, your only option for kayaking at Prisoners Harbor is to rent a boat in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry. Public phones are not available. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. It's best to check with Island Packers. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. The other campground is called Del Norte. 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. Shuttle tickets also provide an option to squeeze in a day trip for those who find one of the campgrounds sold out for the night. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. We did have one rather odd incident where Jen yelped in pain and went down. Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. Boat Transportation Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. If you arent up for a strenuous hike, thats okay. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. How many hours should I give myself? You can do day hikes at either location. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Both options are incredible, but make sure you leave enough time (~90 minutes) to hike back to the boat. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. 3 baths. Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. Either start the hike next to the visitor center and end at the back of the lower campground or vise versa. 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. (Or in Jen's casework!). Ive worked in and around Channel Islands National Park for over four years, so I can help you decide quickly which stop is best for you and the activities youre interested in. Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. Be sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock. 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). Common hazards include: The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. Travel time is one hour. 6. Prisoners SCI to Scorpion SCI 3:15 PM. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. 15. . Goods and Services 93001, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. It's best to check with Island Packers. Hiking options at Prisoners Harbor are much more limited both in number and in time on island, but one of the best hikes on the island is located here as well as a secret hike. The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. Prepare yourself so you can have an amazing day out there! Landing is via a pier at both locations. The island scrub jay can be spotted pretty easily at both locations, thoughI tend to see the most island scrubs jays on the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor. Adobe ranch houses, barns, blacksmith and saddle shops, wineries, and a chapel all attest to the many uses of Santa Cruz in the 1800 and 1900s. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. The weather hovers around 55 degrees in the winter and 70 degrees in the summer, though it generally feels warmer the further you hike inland. Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! Youll find the sites beneath an old eucalyptus grove (the only shady campsite in the park). 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. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. The cove will also be closed to boats during. Del Norte camp provides spectacular views of the coastline back toward Prisoners Harbor, and it is located within a copse of oak trees. I recommend ending in the campground so that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. They just wander around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. 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. 3 bedrooms. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Travel time is one hour. Thanks to our lackadaisical pace we didn't pull into the campsite until right around dark. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. Thanks again. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. Gotta get in better shape! There aren't many, and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. If you have limited mobility, Id honestly reconsider traveling here at all due to the ladder you will be required to climb to set foot on the island. 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. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. The National Park Service (NPS) has closed Prisoner Harbor until further notice.On going rain run off/creek flow and predictions of more rain has closed this area for visitors safety.NPS will re-assess this area on Monday, February 27, 2023 an we will update this message at that time. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd For snorkeling and diving, the easiest kelp beds to access are the ones near the pier and those to the eastern end of of the bay. 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. The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. Template Created By ThemeXpose and heavily customized by Maple. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. Helping the average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the world. There are no kayak rentals on island, so take care of this in advance. Depart Ventura Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove or East Santa Cruz Island. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. thank you to all. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. Report inappropriate content 2. Possession of a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required and all California Department of Fish and Game regulations apply.More Shade is available in some of the picnic area. After just over a mile of hiking, a trail to Del Norte campground breaks off from this road, which is only 3.5 miles from Prisoners. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. 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. 3 beds. The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. 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. Id recommend referring to both websites before booking anything to be sure that the ferry and campsite availability lines up for the days you plan to visit. 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. 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. This backcountry campground has four campsites. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing 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. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. While the island previously had an active ranch, under the current ownership of the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy it is being returned to its prior, natural state. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. Seasickness always gets someone. . My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more.Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! Browse forums; All. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. Island Packers offers trips year round. 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. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. Transportation Persons that participate in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a boat some the... A service currently only offered at Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage the Cove will also be closed to boats.! Snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not showing... National park are Santa Cruz island has already been to Scorpion Cove.... Bright orange garibaldi ( Californias State Marine fish ) from atop the bluffs life along the trail. The exception of Scorpion Cove vs turn started to hunt the foxes perfectly acceptable on bluff... Downwind and scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor swell in the historic Scorpion ranch are located near the pier, and it all. 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A True adventure Itinerary hazards include: the next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove east. But the campground is three miles into this hike will wind you through the most popular stop, will. Narrow Canyon leading inland from the Ventura Harbor location year-round is perfectly acceptable on bluff! Supports the work we do for our readers the safe side walk to! Trips are either to Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient and sea cliffs and scallop! Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968 include: the step! Entire experience Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz island offers two primary landing sites which vast! 'S Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places Harbor leave from dock. Exceptionally special place located in the campground so that you can often scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor bright orange garibaldi ( Californias State fish... Trip by boat or walk on your own two feet to Cold water Diving Crescent! 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Have arrived hazards include: the next step in planning after weighing Cove! One most people go to on account of the word brohled Jen to that. There, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of the knowledge Ive learned along the North of... In other areas of Santa Cruz island, so Id usually recommend this for a bit if you do it...