16 October 2022; Scorpion Cove vs. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. Travel time is one hour. All Rights Reserved. Anacapa Island is the shortest trip and lowest risk for a rough ride. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. 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. How many hours should I give myself? It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. Need to pack all water for the hike. The campground was large but had a pleasant vibe to it with the exception of what sounded like a group of college guys a few sites over. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. There will be Scorpion Cove access between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5, 2020, using the existing pier, said Yvonne Menard, a park spokeswoman. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. There are a variety ofsea cave kayak toursoffered based on time and experience level. There are not any trees along the trails. There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! Public phones are not available. Locals often wait for October to head out to the islands. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. Let me . Ventura Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. After exploring Smugglers Cove, you will want to go back the way you came. 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. The Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay trail has some of the best wildflower displays on the island. A view of lush vegetation, Prisoners Harbor, and pier from the Pelican trail. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. . 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 Report inappropriate content 1. Scorpion is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. You can do day hikes at either location. 2. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. The trail quickly turned into well established dirt roads and we started to come across the occasional dayhiker doing the Scorpion Canyon loop or heading up to the overlook behind us. Santa Cruz Island is the perfect place for a one-day trip and short or long overnight camping trips. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Re: Santa Cruz: Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage 8 years ago This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. 3 baths. Island Packers offers trips year round. You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. 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. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. As a moderate hiker, you can hike up the Navy Road to Del Norte Trail or Eagle Ridge Trail on the National Park Service property, or hike halfway out on the Pelican Bay Trail on The Nature Conservancy property with a signed waiver. 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. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. This species was critical in the islands recovery from livestock overgrazing as it buries native plant seeds for food and only recovers some of them later. It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. 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. 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. Hike the Pelican Trail. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. Youll find the sites beneath an old eucalyptus grove (the only shady campsite in the park). Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. 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. My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. There is no Visitors Center at Prisoners. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. Some species are easier to find at Scorpion Cove and some Prisoners Harbor, but you will definitely find endemic species at both locations. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Day Trip to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National Park! The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. 15. . There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. 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. The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. Most trails have little or no shade. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. Gotta get in better shape! 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. Their phone number is (805) 658-5730. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. 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. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Montaon Ridge Loopis quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. . Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. Hikers should not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this hike. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging. more. No shade. Scorpion Ranch, 2009 William Barron was a San Francisco businessman and co-owner of the company Barron, Forbes & Co. Dr. James Barron Shaw was hired to manage things, and charged by Barron to start a sheep operation. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of thePelican Bay Trail. 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! Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. A small cooler with a single handle or a backpack will help to protect your food from the small animals and birds that populate the islands year-round. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. 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. Common hazards include: The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. This means you will have less time on the island but more timelooking for whales a trade many are willing to make for a quieter day. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. These trails and roads range from the maintained, relatively flat, signed trails of Scorpion Valley to the unmaintained, rugged, mountainous paths of the Montaon area. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. Exciting right? 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. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Take a look in the shallow sandy areas near the beach and under the pier to spot some leopard sharks and bat rays! 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. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. Despite the unfortunate reality that I need to work to afford to live, and I cannot focus all my energy on hobbies, I do what I can when I can, and still find a way to have memorable adventures in new places on a budget. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. Island Packers Cruises is the exclusive concessionaire to the national park. We had a docent come by twice to chat and make sure we knew to be at the dock by 3 pm since this was theoretically the last boat coming out here until the construction was done in 6 months or so. Areas near the beach, campsites are nearby, and pier from the options., 3550 Harbor Blvd Scorpion is the largest island in the eel grass habitat some species are easier to at! And lowest risk for a one-day trip and lowest risk for a one-day and... A look in the historic Scorpion ranch house advance for both locations the air.! 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