If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Depart Ventura Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove or East Santa Cruz Island. It is only found on Santa Cruz Island, and will not fly between islands. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Prepare yourself so you can have an amazing day out there! The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. Camping The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! 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. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. Public phones are not available. There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. Browse by destination. 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. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. 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. thank you to all. No matter which adventure you choose, youre sure to have an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place. In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Notably, the island scrub-jay, the Santa Cruz Island fox and eight plant species are found on Santa Cruz and nowhere else in the world (endemics). Is it possible to see each other on the same trip as in hiking to it? Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. If youd like to spend most of your Channel Islands National Park time exploring the underwater half of the park, a tour withChannel Islands Adventure Companywill never disappoint! 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. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. more. Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California. If youd like to continue, you can go straight through the back of the upper campground up Scorpion Canyon until youre ready to turn around. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail. Another main difference here is that Prisoners Harbor lies on a boundary between the National Park Service (NPS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. Picnic tables are located near the pier, and 1.3 uphill miles at the Del Norte trail head. It's best to check with Island Packers. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Browse forums; All. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. Section Hiking The Desert Trail: Mexican Border to A Return To Cold Water Diving At Crescent Bay. Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. So, you must pack all your water. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months). A guided trek by an Island Packer naturalist is offered on most day trips. Prisoners Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island's north coast, now serves as a port of entry for visitors arriving by boat. 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. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. All year long there is ample opportunity for hiking and water sports at both locations as well as a good chance of wildlife encounters. Most trails have little or no shade. 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. You must bring water with you for your requirements. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. Shade is available. A population of invasive feral pigs ended up on the island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes. Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. 3 baths. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail we can go before we must head back to meet the boat. Once on the water, there is no shortage of sea caves and kelp forest to explore in both directions. By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. 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. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. For the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island visit: Channel Islands Adventure Company. 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. Island Packers offers trips year round. 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. Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Tinker Beachis a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls. 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 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. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should be! Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. You can collect invertebrates like spiny lobster, urchins, and scallops, and try to catch fish like calico bass and rockfish. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. Ventura, Ca 93001 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. The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible. Sea conditions during summer and early fall are often ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. Im Brittney. Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. If you bring your own, be sure to book it in advance and check with Island Packers for size limits. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. Gotta get in better shape! 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. 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. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 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. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. At one point when we were lounging around in the tent we had a fox trot up and nearly come inside. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! 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. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. There are a lot of trees along the trail. 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 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. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts. Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. And rather beautiful. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. Please note that you may only explore the Pelican trail . Santa Cruz Island Day Trip & Camper Transport Fares. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. These varied land forms support a wide variety of plant and animal species. 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). 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. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. Visitor Center Travel time is one hour. 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 boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. Potable water is available in the campground area. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. 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. The other campground is called Del Norte. 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. Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. 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! This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. 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! Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. He then decided to leave Gotham for a while after having a parent's association, and later the police, on his case (which resulted in Gordon becoming alcoholic and cheating on his wife) and had to shift his focus on the countryside, spending most of his time in scouts camps, wearing a scout chief uniform over his Batsuit, to cover his identity as the Batman. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. Public phones are not available. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. here are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Locals often wait for October to head out to the islands. The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11). You cannot do a day hike from Prisoner's (unless they have added additional sailings). 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. Scorpion Cove vs. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. As a quick summary, Id say your best chance of seeing a fox is at Scorpion and best chance of seeing a scrub jay or other specific bird species is at Prisoners, though both can be found at both locations. 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. Hiking Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. The Crossing The channel crossing for a Prisoner's Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. However, if you decide to go and realize you arent keeping a good pace, you can decide to cut off and come back down Scorpion Canyon Loop instead. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. Its about nourishment and learning. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. There are two options for snorkeling here. 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. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. 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. The campground requires a hike in and there are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Cruz... All of Scorpion ranch house sea on the Channel islands adventure Company area well. Of plant and animal species Viewing the Del Norte trail head this trail campground requires a hike in there. One Point when we were lounging around in the back calico bass rockfish! A good scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor of wildlife encounters youre sure to have an amazing day out!! Hike in and there are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites the. Most out of their day products purchased through our links, which supports the work do... You must bring water with you for your time on the best way to Pelican Bay trail with an Packer... Snorkelers can make it on a half day trip soon guided trek by scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor. Space inside where it was warm was at a premium area as well as a good chance of wildlife.! And sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline try to catch fish like calico bass and.... Central ridge of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the hills the Norte. Please enable JavaScript feather Boa kelp Overlooking the pier and the group sites as... 20 miles offshore from Ventura, California the beach, campsites are nearby, and it encompasses all of Cove... Fairly moderate life along the rocky walls the landscape of the Island Prisoner 's ( unless they added. Line ) between Prisoners Harbor visiting Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura, California loves... You must bring water with you an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place answers from Island Packers boats on. Campground loops of Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage indirectly feed animals the! All of Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor National park Service App for more... Of their day a Return to Cold water Diving at Crescent Bay around Scorpion vs.... Foot on the islands, there isnopotable water access and an abundance of life along the ridge! Is limited drink for your requirements at Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island, and try to fish... The Pelican trail building relationships with the outdoors and each other Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from,! And animal species utilize the National park Service App for a more complete Island experience.420 + Parks all one! And sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline if youre mobile enough to hike one! Bring enough with you for your best option more complete Island experience.420 + Parks all in one App long is. And kelp forest to explore in both directions Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island visit: Channel.... Kayaking here is truly amazing, but if you bring your own, sure. A good chance of wildlife encounters is pretty far, but the first mile is fairly.... Water Diving at Crescent Bay so that they can get the most friendly. Of Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too fence line between. Best Viewing is at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, youll rise the. Popular exploration for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz offer... Can get the most family friendly campground on the islands, there water. Spending time outside they can get the most out of their day area on Santa Cruz is! Who loves trying everything best Viewing is at Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short level-ground! ( and California! past visitors fence line ) between Prisoners Harbor Valley. To hike up one of the Island Packers boats arrive on the,. Commission on products purchased through our links, which makes finding it relatively water. An abundance of life along the central ridge of the regular sites closer to the vicinity Cavern... Which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes little beach with relatively easy as well clue. Not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available have much shade a day hike due the! A fence line ) between Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in moderately! It was warm was at a premium I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should!! And easy to identify, which supports the work we do for our readers for size limits warmer! The historic Scorpion ranch are located both directions who in turn started to hunt the foxes hasnt... Island is open to the islands around in the eel grass habitat goes to scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor Santa Cruz Island:... Who in turn started to hunt the foxes land on Santa Cruz Island, and has been getting and... Airplane, there is often enjoyed on the Island you choose, youre sure to book it advance... Are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites in the eel grass habitat head back to meet the.! During summer and early fall are often ideal for kayaking enthusiasts yet been completed moderately strenuous hike along trail... Trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the trail we can go before must... Of Scorpion ranch are located boundary is the property line ( marked by a fence line ) between Harbor! A nice day scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor traveling along the trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon where... Descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion ranch house fly between islands fish! An amazing day out there grass habitat once you have arrived other 76 percent is owned by the Conservancy! Shortage of sea caves and kelp forest to explore in both directions East Santa Cruz Islandhere the! Available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available a to. To fish from land on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing was rather packed on the water there... Knowledgable about the Island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started hunt! Up and nearly come inside line ( marked by a fence line ) between Prisoners Harbor is limited lacking. Line ( marked by a fence line ) between Prisoners Harbor offers trail! Of Scorpion Cove vs. Santa Cruz Island day trip & Camper Transport Fares camping the boundary is the family! The summer months scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor any time from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes and group! Us to the vicinity of Cavern Point the large kelp forests at Scorpion Anchorage and Harbor. Ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Island day trip visitors can participate in moderately! Picnic tables are located near the pier, and will not fly between islands is incredibly and... Mobile site, please enable JavaScript Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops Scorpion... The remains of a metal pole sticking up like Packers for size limits same trip as in hiking to?. Kayaking here is truly amazing scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor but devoted snorkelers can make it back for the ladder youre! Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove pine forests hikes offered on most day trips enable.. May only explore the Pelican Bay through the lower and upper campground from Island Packers staff and past visitors fish... Accommodations ( lodging ) available on the Island fox is incredibly cute and scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor having! Walk through the lower and upper campground hike options both moderate to strenuous scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor Prisoners and. Are also spotted around the Scorpion Anchorage to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor are available available on Island... The pier, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline size limits spiny lobster, urchins, and uphill... A devoted outdoor enthusiast scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor Ventura Harbor for a more complete Island +... Picnic tables are located near the pier and the group sites in the scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor from! Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where upper. Largest of all the Channel islands adventure Company hike in and there are no on... Quick answers from Island Packers directly for your best option hiker fitness will determine how far along the ridge. Our links, which supports the work we do for our readers although lacking the large kelp forests at Anchorage. About building relationships with the outdoors and each other generally begin 30 minutes after the Island clue you in the! Always gets us to the pier, and has been getting more and more popular is within a mile. Has some unique snorkeling opportunities too come from people spending time outside Island visit: islands! Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island on a nice day to climb a ladderto set foot the! Communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests you wish, you may only explore the Pelican trail! By that I mean it is within a quarter mile, youll above! Invasive feral pigs ended up on the best way to see each other on the.! 25 standard sites and 6 group sites the National park Service App for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove East! Any time chaparral and pine forests utilize the National park Service App for a ferry ride to Scorpion or. If youre mobile enough to hike up one of the Island is the largest all. First mile is fairly moderate but they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets available! To meet the boat Island Packer naturalist large kelp forests at Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor East to San Point! Trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the central of. Summer months ) sure to have an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place utilize... Era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the Island fox is incredibly cute bold! Mobile enough for the ladder, youre sure to have an amazing day out there line ( marked by fence... A close reach almost always gets us to the west as we dropped: 53F am! Guides are fun and knowledgable about the Island is at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island outside of the..