Flowers starting to blossom. The trip is about 12 miles each way and kayakers must contend with strong tides and currents as well as wind and waves. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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 Prisoner's. He was trotting down the trail in my direction and then veered off towards the river. On our third day, we hiked back to Prisoners Harbor and kayaked 8 miles to Pelican Bay and back (especially beautiful). It is very deep in the center of the bight, which makes anchoring bow and stern problematical. It was our first time visiting this Channel Island, and the thought of powering through the. Want to report conditions for this trail? Could be a little tricky for some. Then the following morning hiked to Scorpion and stayed another night. A few short scrambles over rocks and two small streams to jump. Its a race. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Views don't get much better than from this windy spot. Im a sports expert and lover. The distance from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is about 5 miles. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. Accidentally took Navy road up to Del Norte from Prisoners harbor definitely a strenuous hike with beautiful views. boat ride to prisoners stopped at scorpion first so took longer than the boat ride back which was about an hour I believe. I did not have trekking poles so definitely had to use my hands at times lol. Also some cactus near the trail were I was scrambling at one point and I was unstable due to tired legs. Dont miss the Blue Grotto sometimes called Emerald Cave, which is accessed on the east side of Bird Sh**t rock. To get back, head town the trail on the right (Potato Harbor Road). Your email address will not be published. Lots of people have needed to be rescued trying to kayak from Scorpion to Prisoners because the winds against you, the employee said. Do this hike one way by getting dropped off by the ferry at prisoners. I highly recommend this to see the island quickly. But, now, sitting with Renske in the ocean on our first kayaking day, surrounded by strong winds and whitecaps, its not even clear that at least we have each other. Though newly-Crossfit-trained Rich and Wendy are battling the waves furiously nearby, the rest of the group has already turned back to the beach. Report inappropriate content 2. Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoner's Harbor Backpacking2 days15 mi(one-way) Itinerary Trailhead directions Scorpion Anchorage 11.9 mi 2,600 ft gain Del Norte Campground 3.1 mi 400 ft gain Prisoner's Harbor Reservations This trip requires aSanta Cruz Del Norte Campground. I normally don't care for gaiters but this would be an exception. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Wildlife can be spotted at both locations and will vary depending on the time of day and season. We attempted to retrieve it but wind and waves made that too hazardous. 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. Great views. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. The bottom is sand and holding is excellent and kelp is not an issue these days. ! Whitney yells excitedly as he and Sam paddle into shore. The flowers are popping off like crazy. Potable water available at Scorpian Anchorage but none at Del Norte so plan accordingly! . It took about 1.5 hours to finally get on the trail and hiking from the time we left. Be sure to pack food and water for your time on the island. The only water on the island is at scorpion so you would be stuck carrying a lot of water if you went out and back. There are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. Only about one quarter of this mountainous island is part of the national park (eastern 24%), the rest is managed by The Nature Conservancy and other organizations. It looks like its about an inch away from completely sinking. The Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. Completed this trail 4/16/21. There is no street parking. Painted Cave, further west, is far more vast, but the caves near Scorpion are easily accessible and require no spelunking gear. Explore Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. We crossed the River 6 times to get to our destination recommend extra shoes/or just be prepared to get your feet/up to ankles wet. If you are prone to sea sickness or arent sure, I highly recommend taking sea sickness medication like Dramamine at least 30 minutes before the boat ride. Scorpion Anchorage features the friendliest waters, followed by Anacapa, where you'll find incredible tide pools at isolated Frenchy's Cove. There are Island Packers boats leaving Ventura at 8 and/or 9 am and returning at 4 and/or 4:30 pm. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail is a nice hike through and up the canyon with different views of the island, the nearby Anacapa Island, and the ocean. I also explained the risks on the phone to Renske, who didnt seem perturbed either. Highly recommend. Id recommend re-mapping yourself again when you get into lakeside to make sure the coordinates to the trailhead are correct or youll have another 20 min drive to go back down wildcat canyon road. When we stop for a snack break after two hours of paddling, Renske and I are smiling and laughing, and I realize that were actually having fun. The swell frequently creeps around the corner in the Island Packers. 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. Saw a coyote on the trail (2/13/23). Were already here? Renske asks. We camped at Del Norte 1st night and woke up and completed the trail (11mi) to Scorpion Cove. Trail winds through old grazing grounds then connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track. Our other favorite activities at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island are hiking the Pelican Trail with a trained naturalist from Island Packers or enjoying the wildlife both on the island and in the water (dont forget to bring a camera!). Santa Cruz Scorpion Anchorage landings are at a pier. my dogs loved it and were in and out of the river. The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. Boats to Prisoner's Harbor, the mid-Santa Cruz Island landing, are not scheduled as frequently as to the more popular Scorpion Anchorage, but for those seeking solitude, it's worth the effort. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to get over to Scorpion Harbor. An area not as much fun to traverse with a fully loaded pack. Snorkeling is another fun activity you can do on your Santa Cruz Island day trip. Can someone tell me why the hell Im carrying ten pounds of lemons in here? I yell to anyone who will listen. Tomorrow well be easier. I suggest that we play a game before dinner, and Sam suggests that we play the celebrity-guessing game Times Up. 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. If you decide to do the entire two loops, connecting the blue and the green marked trails above will total about 7 miles, so it will take up most of your day. ROUTE: Strong winds start blowing southeast at around 11 AM on the north side of the island, so leave for any long kayaking trip early in the morning. Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on earth and the lowest elevation in North America. And the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life. She sounded emotionally scarred. IG - @kylerampone. I packed 6.25 litters of water and used about 4. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. Great hike. I did this going the other direction, from Scorpion to Prisoners. There are, Your email address will not be published. Will come back when it's warmer to go in the river and cross it. (As of November 2019 this location is closed for construction of a new pier and will reopen summer 2020). Channel Islands National Park is open year round. It is on the border of the Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. The trip is about 12 miles each way and [] Are you spending time in San Diego? You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. I would guess a couple more miles. Did this trek over 3 days and 2 nights. Check out Prisoners Harbor! Channel Islands National Park is comprised of 5 islands. MHiked backwards scorpion to Del norte. LOGISTICS: Boats run by Island Packers leave from Ventura daily to Scorpion Anchorage and daily except Wednesdays to Prisoners Harbor. The water temperature in Prisoners Harbor is usually in the mid-60s. Nevertheless, take time to observe the swell and surge before you make a decision about entering. Scorpion Anchorage is the most visited destination in the park, with over 55,000 people coming ashore each year to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, kayaking, and swimming. the weather was helpful because it was foggy and not to hot. Definitely wear sunscreen no shade: I put it everywhere but my ears and my ears now are blistering from that bad of a sunburn. Really fun trail. Once you get to the campground if you have more time you should continue to Scorpion Canyon. Everythings going to work out. Im not sure if shes saying this because she believes it or because I specifically told her before leaving for the trip that I would need ongoing emotional support to avoid intentionally drowning myself at sea over my self-hate about planning a kayaking trip that would leave its participants emotionally damaged. Only 24 percent of Santa Cruz Island is owned by the National Park Service (the rest is owned by The Nature Conservancy), so most of the island is inaccessible to campers except for the northeastern ends two campgrounds: Scorpion Anchorage and Del Norte (above Prisoners Harbor). Many of the plants had dried up during the summer so the island wasnt very green in September. [], Island Packers Cruises is your ticket to Channel Island National Park. Along the way kayakers will pass by sea caves rocky reefs and kelp forests. Stunning day, dappled sunlight, running river, not too crowded once you get past the first mile or so. The islands were formed by plate tectonics, underwater volcanoes, and changing sea levels. KAYAK RENTAL: The Channel Islands Kayak Center in Ventura sits next to Island Packers, and they rents kayaks for $35/day for single kayaks and $55/day for double kayaks. Nice trail! We did find some emergency water left by other hikers (thank you!) This hike would be the best in the spring when Santa Cruz Island has more foliage since it is mostly internal through the canyon. 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. It can get very crowded here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. Try this 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California. The water was choppy and the workers passed out barf bags which made me laugh, but I definitely felt nauseous and thought about grabbing one. Hurrying, most of us push off from the beach and paddle almost a mile out before Natalie and Norberto, who were lagging behind, manage to catch up. BTW we dont leave the boat unattended for more than a half hour or so. Scorpion Anchorage is our MOST POPULAR year round sea cave kayaking tour. I hope you have found some useful content on my site today. Strava clocked me at 13.5 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain. BRING WATER, lots of motivation, and your sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful. Yes you can kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Its got a cathedral-high ceiling, a grand light show and a passage through the rock itself. You'll wish you hadn't left your canteen on the boat. Theres only about three miles left, I tell the group. If you are camping, get reservations well ahead of your trip. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. We saw only 2 other people the whole time we were on the trail and there were lots of animal tracks and scat. It was scary going down especially with my super heavy backpack. The loop visits two of the most famous points on the eastern section of the island, Cavern Point and Potato Harbor. Make sure to book your campsites (NPS.gov) and boat ride (Islands Packers) ahead of time. This loop trail leaves from the eastern harbor, Scorpion Anchorage (as opposed to Mid Santa Cruz, or Prisoner's Harbor). 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. But, after a lasagna dinner, I announce that we should aim to be on the water in the morning by 6 AM. We generally anchor bow and stern to prevent swinging. 9a departure. Beautiful hike along the river on the A trail. A quiet, peaceful, beautifully green trail in February. There was a sign that said trails closed ahead so we did not end up hiking here today. AUGUST 10, 2015 My Dutch friend Renske and I are sitting in a kayak, paddling as hard as we can, against a strong current around a rocky outcrop of Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands off the coast of California. We appreciated the thick marine layer as the trail has no shade. Loved this hike! El Montanon Peak (1,808') . This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. View full map. We both had about a liter left over at the end of the hike. 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. High 70 afternoon hike. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. Please be sure to check back frequently as this journey continues. Great hike along the River and some cool places to stop! ROUTE: Strong winds start blowing southeast at around 11 AM on the north side of the island, so leave for any long kayaking trip early in the morning. I think thats Prisoners Harbor. Within an hour, Rich, Wendy, Renske, and I complete the last three miles of the nine-mile paddle. Those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery in the Channel Islands. The ride normally takes about an hour to get to Scorpion Anchorage, but if the captain sees marine wildlife they will stop and this can make the ride take longer. Both 60- and 90-minute boat rides can be booked from both Ventura and Oxnard Harbors. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Explore Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. But, when nine friends married, Texan, long-time friends Rich and Wendy; less experienced, married paddlers Sam and Whitney; eternally cheerful, San Francisco-based couple Natalie and Norberto; Minnesotan Lisa whom Ive hiked with before, long-time college friend Suzanne, and Dutch Renske took me up on the offer (with four flying in from out of town), I immediately felt a big responsibility to ensure that our trip wasnt a disaster. Once you enter you go right to the farthest parking section to find the trail head. Make sure you bring enough water, there is no source for potable water until you get to Scorpion. There is no food on any of the Channel Islands, so make sure to bring food with you and a bag to carry your trash out. Another fire broke out early Friday morning on the ridge west of thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind. This was a fun run. We arrived around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a parking spot. But its our fault for bringing so much stuff, eternally-upbeat Natalie says with a smile. Permits not required; its your national park. Are you looking for another island adventure? Loved the sound of water all along the trail. There are two Island Packers [], Taking a whale watching cruise off the coast of Southern California is exhilarating and gives you a high likelihood of seeing gray whales up close, but its fun to watch [], Channel Islands National Park protects five rugged windswept islands off the central coast of California. But before going ahead with my plan of self-destruction, I decided to get Wendys opinion. See, it all turned out okay, Renske whispers in my ear. The evening Autumn fog though was beautiful. Im sure youre right, I say. It runs right into the day anchorage. There is potable water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and food storage bins at this campground. Scorpion and the interpretive center are west, Little Scorpion for overnighting is just east. . It is unclear how Scorpion was named; it may be the shape of the valley or the fact that there are small scorpions present. Very peaceful lots of nature though if you want to cross the river be prepared to get a little wet. Awesome hike! The bottom in this area is sandy in many parts, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding is less secure. There is no cell service in this area. Occasionally, abrupt wind shifts (though not necessarily Santa Anas) will suddenly make your secondary anchor the primary. Scorpion Anchorage - remain clear of the buoys. Eel grass might be. There is rarely any breaking surf, which makes this one of the few easy places to come ashore on Santa Cruz. 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. Overall, the trail is beautiful, especially when youre on the ridge and can see the ocean down both slopes. But alas, Bird Shit has won in 2021. Gain and loss of elevation throughout the trail. 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 iptv m3u. I invited my friends on this three-day, 24-mile, July 4 kayak-camping trip six months in advance, knowing that it would be easier to get campsites and people to commit well before the trip. There is no water at Del Norte campground. Lots of running water lots of beautiful trees very quiet. I suspect its the former. For more information, please visit: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. End your day trip to Santa Cruz Island with a nice boat ride back to Ventura. The maximum number of people that can camp at Scorpion Anchorage is 30. The spring is the best time to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park if you want to see more foliage while still enjoying nice weather.

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