And rather beautiful. 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. Fishing In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. 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. A guided trek by an Island Packer naturalist is offered on most day trips. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. However, many visitors arent willing to put in the little bit of extra planning required to enjoy this beautiful harbor, so youll feel much more secluded and engulfed in nature. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. If you arent looking to go full backpacker mode, there is another option to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island. 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. A few more things to note about the camping situation on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion campground is a large campground located about a half mile from the pier down a flat gravel and dirt path. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. 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. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. 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 app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. 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. After a few hours the campground had pretty much cleared out leaving just us and the foxes. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. No shade. Interpretive Programs Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. 2021Outdoor Project. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. Check out these posts! Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. Either start the hike next to the visitor center and end at the back of the lower campground or vise versa. If you want to take the spur and go to the oil well and Scorpions Canyon, read about that here, and you can read more about Santa Cruz Island here. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Travel time to Scorpion Anchorage is 1-1.5 hours while travel time to Prisoner's Harbor is 2 hours and the boat often also visits the famous Painted Cave area. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Santa Barbara Channel. 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. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. Landing is via a pier at both locations. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! 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. For the wildlife fan, the Prisoners Harbor day trip offers a good chance to see two animals found nowhere else in the world. We shared a table with two volunteers who were out there releasing harbor seal pups and who shared amusing videos of the reluctant pups being unceremoniously deposited into the ocean. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. The submarine Scorpion ties up alongside tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, Naples, on April 10, 1968. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. This view shows the submarine's line handling crew aft of her. Here we left the trail and ran out to El Montanon Peak and High Mount both of which were just quick diversions but my peakbagger ascent list has been looking rather sad lately and I wanted to get in a few. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. Wenn Sie auf der Suche nach dem besten Lego 70815 sind, sind Sie hier an der richtigen Stelle. The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up theNavy Road. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. 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. Can I hike around Prisoner's Harbor if I do a day trip from Ventura? I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! For this reason,Id recommend renting a kayakif you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Ventura, Ca 93001 If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. Luckily, the boat ride is usually only two hours max depending on your destination, and visitors rarely feel sick on the ride home due to the favorable swell direction. The two most popular animals are the island fox and island scrub jay, though there are plenty of other animals to spot on both land and sea. There are also restroom facilities at both locations but no trash facilities, so prepare to pack out all trash. Day Trip to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National Park! This backcountry campground has four campsites. A third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay Trail. 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. Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. Beach access is also available at Prisoners Harbor and by hiking over to Smugglers Cove, but the snorkeling is not as good at these locations. First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. Island Packers offers trips year round. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More Shade is available in some of the picnic area. The strenuous nature of the trail begins after marker 11, and continues to the end of the trail at Pelican Bay where you will findtwo locations for water access. It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months). .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. If you make it to the campground, you will have hiked about 7 miles round trip from the pier. I get sea sick fairly easily. As long as the timing works out, this is an efficient and cost-effective option in comparison to making another channel crossing a different day. As with all the Channel Islands, visiting Santa Cruz Island is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance. Hike the Pelican Trail. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. W swell 6 ft at 13 seconds. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. 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. 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. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. Let me . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. They are usually more than willing to work with you to help you plan your camping trip. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. Kids & dogs welcome! Visitor Center You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! 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. You can do day hikes at either location. 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. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island December 23, 2022; Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike December 23, 2022; Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip. The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. So, you must pack all your water. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. more. 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. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. 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. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. The road eventually ended leaving us on an honest to god faint hiking trail involving the occasional bouldery bit. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. On these trips travel time to Prisoners Harbor can be 2 hours or more with a beautiful cruise along the rugged shoreline of Santa Cruz Island. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section. There aren't many, and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. Watersports Exciting right? The second junction is for the Del Norte Trail and is located 1.5 miles up the Navy Road on the left. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. You might want to stay in all day, but the limiting factor will be your core body temperature, (water temperature fluctuates between 50 and 70 degrees) so be sure to pack a 5-7mm wetsuit. Scorpion is primarily comprised of coastal sage scrub and grasslands whereas Prisoners has more chaparral and oak woodland. 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! However, there are no lifeguards on the island. 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. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. There are not any trees along the trails. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. 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. During those months, this is my favorite trail on the island! 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. 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. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. 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. Map updates are paused. If you dont own one, dont worry. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! Once on the island, the easiest option is a shortwalk to the wetland arealocated just past the restrooms to the left. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. 3 baths. 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. Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. There are no other visitor centers on the island. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. 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. 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. 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