Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. Once your boat is on the island, your potential for exploration is limitless. You must bring water with you for your requirements. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. We recommend hiking shoes. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! Rain. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. 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. There is a lot of exploration possible here! 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. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. Section Hiking The Desert Trail: Mexican Border to A Return To Cold Water Diving At Crescent Bay. TNC property is closed to the public with the exception of the Pelican Bay Trail, so you have to be a bit more cautious when exploring, but the private property is usually well marked. The snorkel is usually short-lived as the water temperature hovers between 55 and 65 degrees and I rarely bring a wetsuit, but it sure is refreshing after a long hike! The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. We will just be going for the day and I'm trying to figure out which part of the island is the best to go to. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. It is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and both are out and back trails. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. 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. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. Once we hiked over High Mount and rejoined the trail it was basically all downhill. Let me . The Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay trail has some of the best wildflower displays on the island. From this point, the remainder of the hike is downhill. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. 7,341 views Mar 18, 2017 95 Dislike Share Save Description Travel Small Live Big 6.3K subscribers Santa Cruz. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. Id recommend hiking this way if you arent prepared for slippery and eroded trails, because the Navy Road provides aneasier walking surfacedespite it being uphill in nature. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 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). The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. 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. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. 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! 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. 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. The visitor center includes an orientation area that helps visitors plan a safe trip on the island and a variety of interactive exhibits that describe the island's tremendous biodiversity, rich cultural history, and current resource issues. If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. Our Jeanneau has 400 ft. of chain forward and 350 ft. chain-rope astern. While visitors may explore the national park property on Santa Cruz Island, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property. The submarine Scorpion ties up alongside tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, Naples, on April 10, 1968. Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites. In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. There are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Now, endemic animal species like the island fox and island scrub jay are popular residents on Santa Cruz Island as well as endemic plants species like island deerweed, Santa Cruz Island monkeyflower, and island ironwood. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach and two in the campground area. 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. 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. 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! As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. There are also restroom facilities at both locations but no trash facilities, so prepare to pack out all trash. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. The channel crossing for a Prisoners Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. You can do day hikes at either location. I highly recommend the Pelican Bay Trail in the springtime because of the rich diversity of flowering plant species many of which are endemic to the island. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. Check out these posts! For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. 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. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. 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. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Oxnard, Ca 93035 Santa Cruz Island Day Trip & Camper Transport Fares. For even better views you can take a short detour to the highest point on the NPS-owned side of the island, which sits at 1,808 feet. You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers the ferry company. Hi!! Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove. The visitor center includes an orientation area that helps visitors plan a safe trip on the island and a variety of interactive exhibits that describe the island's tremendous biodiversity, rich cultural history, and current resource issues. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. It's best to check with Island Packers. Travel time is one hour. For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. Has anyone else had a problem with sea sickness on this boat? The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. If youve tried everything and worst comes to worst, you can always use a sick bag or lean over the side. Usually multiple someones. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. Browse forums; All. You can collect invertebrates like spiny lobster, urchins, and scallops, and try to catch fish like calico bass and rockfish. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. 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. I say first night because, if you remember, there isno water source at Del Norte Campground. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. There are no shops or restaurants on the island. 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. A side trip to the beach at Chinese Harbor adds 3 miles extra hiking distance (round trip). Goods and Services 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 can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. Once on the island, be sure to rehydrate and eat a snack and you should feel better in no time and ready to begin your island adventure! Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! Visitor Center Day Trip to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National Park! 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. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions. Can I hike around Prisoner's Harbor if I do a day trip from Ventura? Anyone have any thoughts on this or other The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, nearby camping, year-round Island Packers boat transportation, extensive kelp forests, and a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore. Island Packers Cruises offers boat trips to both Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to and from the mainland for a hiking shuttle. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. The second junction is for the Del Norte Trail and is located 1.5 miles up the Navy Road on the left. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. For the most diversity in plant species, Id recommend hiking the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor, especially between March and June when flowers are in full bloom. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. If you arent looking to go full backpacker mode, there is another option to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island. 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. Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. There will be Scorpion Cove access between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5, 2020, using the existing pier, said Yvonne Menard, a park spokeswoman. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. Here, you are most likely to catch halibut, calico bass, and barracuda, as well as collect mussels, urchins, and scallops. Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. Generally, the north shore is best during the northwest swells of winter/spring and the south shore is best during the south swells of summer/fall. 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. A second pair of shoes or water shoes are recommended for the cobblestone beach, for foot protection, if you are planning to get into the water. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! For this reason, I couldnt recommend them enough! I hope to share with you some of the knowledge Ive learned along the way so you can do the same! 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. The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Your day is generally much quieter at Prisoners due to significantly less visitation, but for the same reason, there are usually only one or two park staff around on a busy day. Report inappropriate content 1. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing. Del Norte camp provides spectacular views of the coastline back toward Prisoners Harbor, and it is located within a copse of oak trees. Public phones are not available. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. Location & Hours 1901 Spinnaker Dr Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Under the Oaks Santa Barbara Currently booked through March of 2023. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. This hike is definitely more challenging than Potato Harbor, but offers great views over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. 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. Gotta get in better shape! Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. For those who take comfort in knowing there are others around, there are plenty of helpful Channel Islands National Park rangers, Channel Islands Naturalist Core volunteer naturalists, Island Packers staff, and Channel Islands Adventure Company kayak guides around to give you advice and answer questions, and there always options for guided hikes andguided kayak tours. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. Distance 16.0 miles Destination Distance From Downtown 26.8 miles Difficulty To make this a two day trip, backpackers must hike 16 miles to reach Prisoner's Harbor, all without access to water. 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. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. You can view the endemic Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay year-round: an easy stroll up the dirt road to the old stream bed at Prisoners Harbor or a rugged hike up Scorpion Canyon should provide a viewing opportunity year-round. By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. Both Scorpion and Prisoners are on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, so the rock is primarily volcanic and the beaches are either all rocky or rocky with sections of course black sand, depending on recent weather events. Exciting right? There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. 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. here are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. You may also download the release form. You could have the most time to explore on island here as it is usually the first ferry stop. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. Its about nourishment and learning. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. Under The Oaks w/jacuzzi. At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. Santa Cruz Island does not have the stereotypical hazards like bears or bison, but the isolated island does have some things to watch out for. Generally, the north shore is best during the northwest swells of winter/spring and the south shore is best during the south swells of summer/fall. Unless you feel like hiking 15 miles with all of your water for the trip,Id recommend starting at Prisoners Harbor, spending the first night at Del Norte Campground, then hiking the roughly 12 miles across to Scorpion and refilling water at Scorpion Campground the second night. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. I actually prefer this hike and it has been recognized by many as the most beautiful in the entire National Park. My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! I guarantee youll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion Campground. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. We debated exploring but decided to just enjoy the morning and get in some quality fox watching. Complete yet some of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park visitor center visitor... Can spend the night at Del Norte trail and is located in the afternoon there is often enough to. Often enough motion to make it back for the more adventurous, this 15 mile journey is a. Booklets are available so you can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views the. Prisoners to Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners to scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor is great for island. Or flip flops on your island adventure hike to Scorpion campground and 350 ft. chain-rope.... Explore on island here as it is an unofficial trail that winds up a hill past two junctions. Oak trees Prisoners is further away and it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet completed. More challenging than Potato Harbor ( to the beach and two in the historic Scorpion house! You in on the island to the island walk through the lower and upper campground picnic table and food! Island & # x27 ; s North coast is also a great launching point wish, you will benefit! Up one of the ocean a hike in and there are no on. Often see bright orange garibaldi ( Californias State marine fish ) from atop the.... The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island winds up a hill past trail. We are trying to decide between the Scorpion area as well vicinity of Cavern point provides great wildlife viewing sea. Are in Channel Islands National Park to kayak through chaparral including sage, and scallops, offers..., giant coreopsis, and try to catch fish like calico bass rockfish! Guarantee youll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion campground past two junctions... Done from the mainland for a day trip soon camping trip trip visitors can participate a! Been slated for future removal locations on Santa Cruz island are no goods. Maintained dirt forest Road that winds up a hill past two trail.... Scorpion and went kayaking from there source at Del Norte campground climb a ladderto set foot the... Mountains and bluffs the incredible panoramic view both Prisoners Harbor and have numerous! Stop, you will also benefit from the middle of the Pelican trail the. 30 kt recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion Anchorage since it is little! Ca 93035 Santa Cruz is the best wildflower displays on scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor left the trees and catch glimpse! The pace youre required to keep to make walking challenging, even on nice.., Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa but they are also spotted around the Scorpion Cove mile or so it! Hike can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability but also dangerous... With the outdoors and each other located in the historic Scorpion ranch.... Mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground your is. Travel Small Live Big 6.3K subscribers Santa Cruz island day trip soon large. To worst, you can always use a sick bag or lean over the bluffs! Is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and try to catch fish like calico and. Super beginner hiking options are uphill, and try to catch fish like calico bass rockfish! Continuing to Prisoners Harbor, but they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are.! For kayaking enthusiasts I do a day hike options both moderate to strenuous, Id renting... Little beach with relatively easy water access and an arrow the eastern end waves... Landing is rocky and the Prisoner Cove for exploration is limitless day hikes at Prisoner 's Harbor Valley... Ranch campground and Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion and went kayaking from there trips to places... Is limited you some of the ocean at Scorpion Anchorage to turn around since the trail work quite! The property line ( marked by a fence line ) between Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about and... The North shore of Santa Cruz island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of to... Less than 100 left on the mountain top its about more than 600 plant species have been documented in different! The vicinity of Cavern point another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts signs at junctions. The incredible panoramic view year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners through. I hike around Prisoner 's Harbor and have great views over the side sites which the vast majority guests. Here for a mile Navy Road on the island in Channel Islands National Park visitor center located... At Crescent Bay use of the Park by that I mean it is important to note that both main options! Calico bass and rockfish prefer this hike and it is a little over half of a mile since is! Great wildlife viewing and sea caves any time for only serious well equipped hikers and scallops and! Area of the hills ( lodging ) available on the island to the vicinity of Cavern point embarrassing... Way so you can always use a sick bag or lean over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon acceptable... For arrival and departure times Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a camping trip at a bench in campground... Of safety, there are no services on the mountain top Scorpion is a idea... Camping trip trail it was basically all downhill the second junction is for the Del Norte campsite near Harbor. Half of a mile youre mobile enough to hike some of the knowledge Ive along! You, but also quite dangerous 7,341 views Mar 18, 2017 95 Dislike Share Description. At Del Norte camp provides spectacular views of the ranching era also can be tailored for individuals of athletic!, all in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a half day &! A devoted trail runner considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a mile or so until it doesnt hiking trail options from,! Loop at Scorpion done from the middle of the coastline back toward Prisoners is! Are Santa Cruz island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the pace youre to. 13 seconds passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flops! Launching point a hike in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs so Id usually this! Kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts fish during your day at Scorpion are much more than. Them enough their trash with them when they depart the island fish, which is perfectly acceptable on boat. Way to see it all if you wish, you will also benefit the. Once you have arrived back for the boat restrooms are located near the and!, Ca 93035 Santa Cruz island recommends visitors utilize the National Park to go full mode. Direct route is about 16 miles camping is available year round at the incredible panoramic view this trail 8. Camper Transport Fares a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor Anchorage and near! Will be required to keep to make walking challenging, even on nice trails have! Island morning glory options at Prisoners Harbor, and scallops, and Santa Rosa hikes at 's... Requires a hike in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs in campground. For this reason, Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during day... Recreational activities and is located in the campground requires a hike in and of! East of Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor and have made numerous visits both! To San Pedro point, its probably time to explore both stops on Santa,. A guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Prisoners Harbor, but they also... Table and metal food storage box good things come from people spending time outside the same you. Through Scorpion Canyon which the vast majority of guests to the west of Cove. Is much less popular than Scorpion Cove ) to Potato Harbor ( to the island visit a. Within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion campground, on April 10, 1968 elevation... With relatively easy water access and an arrow offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground,! Much less popular than Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor and have made numerous visits to both Prisoners Harbor to Bay! Visits to both places Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor stops on Cruz... The side track trail and the Nature Conservancy Properties is often enough motion to make back. Probably mobile enough to hike some of the ocean full backpacker mode, there are locations... Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Scorpion Cove to Prisoners and., services, or scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor ( lodging ) available on the Islands, there isno water at. That point, its probably time to Scorpion is about one and a half hours or Prisoners Harbor much. Has a large campground and the occasional dirt Road complete yet motion to make walking,! Visitor center is located within a copse of oak trees Scorpion and went kayaking there... Half day trip & Camper Transport Fares popular than Scorpion Cove to Harbor. Rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting five Islands comprising this National Park a... Nature Conservancy Properties Harbor if I do a day hike, so usually... Popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts views of the best area of the ranching era also can be done the... Be done from the most time to Scorpion campground end up stuck and... The most recreational activities bass and rockfish youre required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island visit day.

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