Nestled off the coast of Southern California lies an unspoiled wilderness known as Channel Islands National Park, home to five breathtakingly beautiful islands. Among these islands is Santa Cruz Island, the largest of them all and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the city.
ABOUT CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
While there are actually 8 islands in total that make up the Channel Islands of California, only 5 of them make up the National Park:
- San Miguel
- Santa Rosa
- Santa Cruz
- Anacapa
- Santa Barbara
The 3 islands that stand apart from the park, are San Nicolas, Santa Catalina (Catalina Island), and San Clemente. Of the 5 National Park islands, Santa Cruz and Anacapa are the most popular and most visited.
Santa Cruz Island boasts a rich history dating back to the Chumash people and offers visitors the chance to explore its rugged coastline, deep canyons, and diverse plant and animal life. With activities ranging from hiking and kayaking to wildlife watching and historical tours, Santa Cruz Island is a must-visit destination for those looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in nature.
The Chumash people, who lived on the island for thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. Later, the island was used for ranching and agriculture, and during World War II, it was used as a naval training base. Today, the island is a protected wilderness area, and visitors can explore its pristine beaches, hike its scenic trails, and learn about its rich history and natural wonders.
WHERE IS CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK LOCATED?
Channel Islands National Park is located off the Southern California coast, just south of the city of Santa Barbara, and west of Los Angeles. The only way to access the islands, is by ferry which is managed by the National Park Service, or private boat. The ferry operator is called Island Packers, and they depart from Ventura or Oxnard. You can learn more about transportation to the islands HERE.
DRIVE TIME TO VENTURA FROM:
Phoenix- 7 hours
Las Vegas – 4.5 hours
Los Angeles – 1.5 hours
San Diego – 3.5 hours
San Francisco – 5.5 hours
MAP OF CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
ENTRY TO CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
ENTRANCE FEES
Because the park can only be accessed by ferry or boat, there is no standard entry fee. That being said, because entry in to the park requires that you make a reservation for the ferry to take you to the islands, there is a cost still for getting to the islands. More on that below! You can learn more about the fees HERE.
The official visitor center for the park is located in Ventura just down the road from where the Island Packers ferry departs.
If you are someone like us who is either on a mission to visit every single National Park in the U.S., or plans to visit more than 2 or 3 U.S. national parks per year, then we’d highly recommend getting the America The Beautiful Pass. For $80, this annual pass gives you full access to all 63 National Parks in the U.S., as well as any federal recreational sites that charge a fee for entry. Stay at 3 National Parks and this easily pays for itself.
FERRY RESERVATIONS
Ferries to the islands are operated by Island Packers, and fees can range from $20-$45 per person depending on age and the type of trip you are planning to book (day trip versus overnight trip). You can learn more about the pricing and schedules HERE.
ENTRY POINTS TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
There are two entry points on Santa Cruz Island to choose from: Scorpion Anchorage, or Prisoners Harbor. Each location offers access to a variety of different hikes and activities. We’ll get in to the activities below, but our recommendation would be Scorpion Anchorage unless you have some specific hikes you want to tackle from Prisoners Harbor.
WHERE TO STAY ON SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
The islands of Channel Islands National Park, do not have services or lodging like you might find in other parks. So anything you might need while on the islands, you must bring with you. Water, snacks, food, extra clothing, and camping gear must all be brought with you, and packed out when you leave.
On Santa Cruz Island, there is one campground location in Scorpion Canyon near one of the ferry ports on the island. The cost to camp here is $40 per night. You can find more information for the campsites in Channel Islands National Park HERE.
One thing to note: If astrophotography or seeing wildlife are interests of yours, we would highly recommend camping on the island. The islands have some of the best night sky viewing, and the campgrounds are one of the best places to witness the Island Foxes that inhabit the islands.
THINGS TO DO ON SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Unlike many mainland parks, there isn’t a massive list of activities to do on these islands. This makes it easy to pick and choose what you want to do. The main activities include hiking, kayaking and camping. If you are doing a day trip, you will be forced to decide between hiking and kayaking. The ferries arrive on the island between 10am-11am depending on how much wildlife is seen on the ferry ride over, and departs swiftly at 3:30pm on most days. This leaves you about 4 hours for activities.
KAYAKING
One of the best ways to explore the Channel Islands, is by kayaking the sea coves along the island coasts. Especially on Santa Cruz Island. There are a number of different options for kayaking, from bringing your own, to renting, to guided tours which are operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Tours last 4 hours, and range between $170-$190 per person. This means if you choose to do a kayak tour, your entire day at the island, will be kayaking. So if you wish to also hike and explore the island, we highly recommend camping overnight. You can learn more about the kayaking options HERE.
HIKING
Hiking the Channel Islands is the best way to truly get a feel for the islands, and to witness much of its wildlife, including the Island Fox. The Island Fox has a rich and unique history with the Channel Islands, and it is the only place where you can see the Island Foxes in the entire world. You can learn more about their history and background HERE.
During our visit to Santa Cruz Island, we landed at Scorpion Anchorage, and decided to hike a number of trails on this side of the island. But depending on where you make port on the island, your hiking options may differ. We’ve noted a few of the more popular hikes below, as well as noted their locations on the interactive map above.
CAVERN POINT LOOP
From Scorpion Anchorage, the shortest and easiest hike is Cavern Point Loop. Upon arrival on the island, there will be a park ranger, who will walk you through all the ins and outs of visiting the island. At this time, they’ll also offer to take you on a sort of guided hike along this trail teaching you more about the island as you go. This can be on the best way to get in some activity, and learn about the island and park along the way.
- DIFFICULTY – Easy
- LENGTH – 1.7mi / 2.74km
POTATO HARBOR
One of the most recommended hikes on Santa Cruz Island is to Potato Harbor. The hike is longer and more difficult, but the views of the harbor make it worth the time and effort to go. So we’ve been told.
- DIFFICULTY – Moderate
- LENGTH – 5.0mi / 8km
SCORPION CANYON LOOP
Scorpion Canyon, which starts at Scorpion Anchorage, offers incredible 360º views around the island, as well as views from down below in the canyon. It’s also along this hike that you’ll come across the campground, which is one of the best places to see the Island Foxes.
- DIFFICULTY – Moderate to Difficult
- LENGTH – 4.5mi / 7.24km
SMUGGLERS COVE
Smugglers Cove is both a lengthy hike, and beautiful hike with rewarding views when you reach the cove. From Scorpion Anchorage, you’ll hike roughly 3.8mi / 6.1km out to Smugglers Cove where you’ll find an incredible ocean views facing Anacapa Island, picnic tables and a bathroom. From here, you have the option of simply backtracking the 3.8mi / 6.1km, or branching off to another couple hikes. We’ll get to those momentarily.
- DIFFICULTY – Difficult
- LENGTH – 7.7mi / 12.4km
EL MONTAÑON & MONTAÑON RIDGE LOOP
If you are a more experienced hiker, and want to get further in to the middle of the island, then either of the Montañon hikes are for you. El Montañon is an out and back trail running in to the middle of the island. Whereas Montañon Ridge is a looped trail that follows the same central path, but then loops back along the Potato Harbor side of the island offering both central and coastal views. Both trails are the same length, so choose wisely!
- DIFFICULTY – Difficult
- LENGTH – 8.9mi / 14.32km
SMUGGLERS COVE & SCORPION CANYON LOOP
Similar to the Montañon trails, if you are a more experienced hiker, and looking to get in as much activity and views as you possibly can of the island, you can do what we did which was a combination of Smugglers Cove and Scorpion Canyon. We first hiked out to Smugglers Cove, used that as an opportunity to each lunch, and use the bathroom. Then, on our way back, the Smugglers Cove trail connects with El Montañon, which then connects with Scorpion Canyon to bring you back to Scorpion Anchorage. It’s a long hike, but some of the best views of the island.
- DIFFICULTY – Difficult
- LENGTH – 8.9mi / 14.32km
ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES
While hiking is our preferred activity, and we mentioned kayaking above, there are a number of other activities you can do in the park. Here’s a few notable options:
Wildlife Watching: Santa Cruz Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including island foxes, bald eagles, and rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the island’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The waters around Santa Cruz Island are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea stars, anemones, and kelp forests. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities on the island, with several dive sites accessible from shore or by boat.
Night Sky Viewing: While Channel Islands National Park isn’t a designated International Dark Sky Park, it does offer some of the best stargazing in the country. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars twinkling overhead, as well as the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
The best time to visit Channel Islands National Park depends on your interests and what you would like to experience on the islands. The weather on the islands is generally mild and pleasant year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, the islands can experience high winds and rough seas, particularly during the winter months, which can make it difficult to travel by boat and engage in some outdoor activities.
SPRING & SUMMER
If you’re interested in viewing wildflowers and experiencing the islands at their greenest, the best time to visit is in the spring, from March to May. During this time, the hills and valleys are covered in colorful wildflowers, and the weather is mild and pleasant. This is also a great time for bird watching, as many migratory birds pass through the islands during the spring.
Summer, from June to August, is the busiest time to visit the islands, as the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. The waters are also warmer during this time, making it a great time for swimming and water sports. However, keep in mind that the summer months can be crowded, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, you may want to plan your visit for another time.
FALL & WINTER
Fall, from September to November, is a great time to visit the islands if you’re interested in wildlife viewing. This is the time when many marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions, come to the islands to breed, and visitors have the chance to see them up close. The weather is also mild during the fall, making it a great time for hiking and camping.
Finally, if you’re looking for a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and a chance to enjoy the solitude of the islands, the winter months, from December to February, are a great time to visit.
We went in January, and got to see dolphins and whales on our ferry ride in to the park, and a number of Island Foxes while hiking.
You can keep up with park updates HERE.
SEASONS
SPRING
- Avg Low temps: 51ºF / 11ºC
- Avg High temps: 63ºF / 17ºC
SUMMER
- Avg Low temps: 53ºF / 12ºC
- Avg High temps: 67ºF / 22ºC
FALL
- Avg Low temps: 57ºF / 18ºC
- Avg High temps: 72ºF / 34ºC
WINTER
- Avg Low temps: 51ºF / 11ºC
- Avg High temps: 63ºF / 17ºC
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED ON SANTA CRUZ ISLAND?
How much time you need to plan for in a place, is one of the most important questions to answer when planning a trip. Channel Islands National Park is not a large park, but given there being 5 different islands, It really depends on the activities you want to do, and how many islands you want to visit. For Santa Cruz Island, we think 1-2 days would be the perfect amount to hike, kayak and camp.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
CELL PHONE SERVICE
Unfortunately, cell service is almost non-existent on the islands. There is VERY limited service available at Scorpion Anchorage, but once you start making your way away from the cove, the service disappears.
So we would highly recommend downloading offline maps, trail info, and make sure to share your plans and itinerary with someone outside of the park in case of emergency.
IS CHANNEL ISLANDS PET FRIENDLY?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any of the Channel Islands. This is to protect the island wildlife.
You can find more info on the NPS website HERE.
OTHER SERVICES
Because there are no services or lodging on the islands, it is important to make sure you have everything you could possibly need before arriving. We recommend reviewing the 10 hiking essentials below before embarking on a journey to this park.
LEAVE NO TRACE & 10 HIKING ESSENTIALS
This park is full of unique landscapes and fragile environments, both for plant life, and animals alike. So it is incredibly important to practice the 7 PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE, and follow the posted signage and guidelines of the park. If you aren’t familiar with Leave No Trace, here’s a breakdown:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
There are additional and more in-depth details of what each of these means on the LNT website, so make sure to take a look at that!
Similarly, because of how harsh the weather conditions can be, and because there is virtually no cell-phone service anywhere, it is important to hike with the 10 Essentials of Hiking. If you aren’t familiar, here’s a breakdown:
- NAVIGATION – maps, guides, compass, GPS locator
- HEADLAMP – flashlight and extra batteries or charger
- SUN PROTECTION – body sunscreen, lip sunscreen, and clothing protection
- FIRST AID – including animal and bug repellents
- KNIFE – as well as knife repair kit
- FIRE – matches, lighter, tinder and striker
- SHELTER – tent, cover, or anything to protect and cover you
- FOOD – snacks and extra meal
- WATER – more than the minimum recommended amount
- CLOTHES – enough to handle night-time elements
If you’re interested in what gear we use for all of our adventures, check out our Rock Porch lockers which have comprehensive lists of all the gear we use and where to shop them!
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND)
Let us know what you thought of this, if we missed anything, and if you plan on taking a trek to Channel Islands National Park at some point, down below in our comments!
And if you’re looking for some other California or National Park inspiration, check out some of our other articles:
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
- 5 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
- 12 TOWNS TO VISIT ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST
- 9 WAYS TO VIEW GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
- 10 NATIONAL PARKS IN THE U.S. YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED
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Thanks for stopping by!
Ryan & Katy
