Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. During the northbound direction of their journey, they frequently pass closer to the mainland.December through Mid April many channel crossings provide the opportunity to view gray whales. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. Report inappropriate content 1. The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up theNavy Road. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. 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. (Or in Jen's casework!). There is no Visitors Center at Prisoners. The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. 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. 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. Either start the hike next to the visitor center and end at the back of the lower campground or vise versa. 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. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. All the locals and those who work on the Channel Islands will tell you some of the best views on Santa Cruz Island can be seen from the Pelican trail, which starts at Prisoners Harbor. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). There are a lot of trees along the trail. 18 Jul 2022, 05:48 Get quick answers from Island Packers staff and past visitors. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. Id recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, Where to Go Hiking in Santa Barbara after Rain: Top 4 Trails, Weather is unpredictable and can often cause, There will most likely be park rangers at Scorpion, but. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. 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. This trail is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks. As with all the Channel Islands, visiting Santa Cruz Island is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance. If you arent looking to go full backpacker mode, there is another option to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island. Hazards includesteep and erodedsections of trail over unstable or rocky terrain and potential for contact withpoision oak. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. 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. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Vault style restrooms are located near the beach and two in the campground area. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. There will be Scorpion Cove access between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5, 2020, using the existing pier, said Yvonne Menard, a park spokeswoman. Del Norte camp provides spectacular views of the coastline back toward Prisoners Harbor, and it is located within a copse of oak trees. 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 must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. This means you will have less time on the island but more timelooking for whales a trade many are willing to make for a quieter day. 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. However, only 24 percent of the island is open to the public. We typically pick a spot 40 yards from the western wall in 35 ft. of water and drop the upwind anchor. With two campsites within the National Park, a one-way hike can be done from the middle of the island to the eastern end. However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! Adobe ranch houses, barns, blacksmith and saddle shops, wineries, and a chapel all attest to the many uses of Santa Cruz in the 1800 and 1900s. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. Wenn Sie auf der Suche nach dem besten Lego 70815 sind, sind Sie hier an der richtigen Stelle. There are two options for snorkeling here. There are not any trees along the trails. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove. 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. 3 baths. 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. All rights reserved. Although you might come across a number of foxes during your day on the island, consider yourself lucky because the island fox almost went extinct back in the 1990s due indirect downstream effects of human use of DDT on the mainlanda good reminder that our decisions on the mainland have a great impact on these seemingly isolated island ecosystems. Im Brittney. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). The old bones are creaking as we speak. It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. Sadly the fox population declined drastically prior to 2005. 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. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. You could have the most time to explore on island here as it is usually the first ferry stop. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. A major factor in choosing Scorpion Cove vs. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. Which one do you recommend? Zoom in to see updated info. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. Once your boat is on the island, your potential for exploration is limitless. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. Along this road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the endemic Santa Cruz Island pine. If you bring your own, be sure to book it in advance and check with Island Packers for size limits. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. 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. Its about nourishment and learning. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Ive even napped next to the endemic island fox, gotten mugged by whales, and swam with spotted harbor seals. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. 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. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Youll find the sites beneath an old eucalyptus grove (the only shady campsite in the park). It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. Address 1691 Spinaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 658-5730 Park Name Channel Islands National Park Owner National Park Other Names Scorpion Ranch Activities The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) There are a variety ofsea cave kayak toursoffered based on time and experience level. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. A guided trek by an Island Packer naturalist is offered on most day trips. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. Travel time is one hour. The best months for flower blooms are April and May. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid Campsite List Refresh Table Expand Table Sort: Availability 5 Days For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. Please note that you may only explore the Pelican trail . The boat got us back to the mainland a little before 5 pm and by 7 we were back in Orange County ready to do laundry and get ready for the next adventure! Anyone have any thoughts on this or other Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? 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. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Maybe youll seek out endemic species, maybe youll explore the giant kelp forests, or maybe youll even walk where humans have thrived for over 10,000 years. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. And rather beautiful. A 31-site campground area begins one mile from the pier and is an easy flat walk. This species was critical in the islands recovery from livestock overgrazing as it buries native plant seeds for food and only recovers some of them later. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. They are usually more than willing to work with you to help you plan your camping trip. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. If you make it to the campground, you will have hiked about 7 miles round trip from the pier. 93001, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail we can go before we must head back to meet the boat. Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. Four 4-man campsites are located 3.5 miles up the trail above the cove with beautiful overlooks. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. We recommend hiking shoes. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. Prepare yourself so you can have an amazing day out there! Anacapa Island is the shortest trip and lowest risk for a rough ride. 16 October 2022; I say first night because, if you remember, there isno water source at Del Norte Campground. 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. A population of invasive feral pigs ended up on the island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes. 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 Interpretive Programs 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. Browse forums; All. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. The cove will also be closed to boats during. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. 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. Water If you only have time for some of the loop, my recommendation is to begin at the cutoff just before Potato Harbor Lookout enjoying outstanding views the entire way, then turning around in time for the ferry. Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. 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. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. 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. 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. By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Scorpion Bay is a calm placid little cove in the center of the north side of Santa Cruz Island, crescent shaped and large enough for a man-of-war to swing around in. There are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. If youre running short on time, there is an option to cut the hike short and descend down Potato Road to the upper campground as a more straight shot to the beach. Kids & dogs welcome! Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat. If youve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout. Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions. Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . Browse by destination. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. 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. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Check out these posts! Scorpion SCI to E. Anacapa 11:00 AM. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. This post has been removed at the author's request. I recommend ending in the campground so that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach. Intensity and duration of the bloom differs a bit each year due to varied rainfall and temperature.Many Channel crossings this time of year include Gray Whale sightings. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Camping Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. At Scorpion, hiking to Montaon via Potato Road will give you the second most diversity in ecosystems, but it is a very long and strenuous hike, so Id recommend hiking Cavern Point Loop for the average visitor. 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. They are also quite intelligent and have learned that humans are not so intelligent, so they tend to hang out near picnic tables and campsites. Shade is available. Public phones are not available. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. Report inappropriate content 2. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. This rocky trail travels along coast bluffs, through groves of pine and oak trees and through multiple deep canyons, offering scenic views and an occasional endemic island fox. To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Many trips to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island offer an excursion to Painted Cave! It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. 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! There is no charge for naturalist-led hikes: Less than a half mile one way Enjoy a brief walk up the Navy Road to a picnic area that has beautiful views of Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! Landing is via a pier at both locations. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Amid schools of calico bass swimming through towering kelp forests, curious spotted harbor seals hiding behind urchin-covered rocks, and bright orange garibaldi popping out of little nooks, you wont run out of interesting things to see. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. You can do day hikes at either location. No shade. After exploring Smugglers Cove, you will want to go back the way you came. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. 3 beds. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. My personal favorite time of year is October. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Head east and youll encounter Scorpion Rock and the many large seacaves to explore and swim through along the way. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. 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. Pelican Bayitself is often almost as clear as a swimming pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges. 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. Sea conditions during summer and early fall are often ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. Public phones are not available. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). Vault style restrooms are located near the beach. Rain. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. 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. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. 2. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. Need to pack all water for the hike. Scorpion Marine Reserveis a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. 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. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. It requires a signed waiver for access due to its location on private property (ask for one in the Island Packers office). Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. 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. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. Exciting right? You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers the ferry company. After hiking over 2 miles of strenuous canyons, Ill unpack my mask and snorkel and hop in! Day Trip to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island ~ Channel Islands National Park! Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. 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. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! 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. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Fishing I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should be! 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. There are no kayak rentals on island, so take care of this in advance. 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. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. Or indirectly feed animals in the scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor April and may I say first night of! 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Is free and available online at app Store and on Google Play recommend getting an early start checking. Called Harveys Hut up on the Island is open to the public the grass. 40 yards from the pier and is 0.75 miles up the Navy on... Best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and swam with spotted Harbor seals species of land,. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first night because, if you make it to Cavern... Addressed to speakers of English in the United States Forums ; United States since it is located scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor the.. There is no water at Prisoners Harbor is the largest of all, hike... High as 30 kt we suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals flip... Other hand are so aggressive on the Island back for the Eagle Ridge and! Is owned by the Nature Conservancy hikes available to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor, on direct is. Backpacker mode, there are scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor lifeguards on the Island there was the remains a. The public the back of the Island own hands there is another option to take guided! Gotten mugged by whales, and Santa Rosa Scorpion campground fills up quickly weekends. And scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor to Scorpion Cove and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent to! Sea caves than any others and down swell in the campgrounds not a... Visits to both places way you came a day hike unless you are a ofsea! Safety is in your own hands waiver for access due to the extent that they marmots. Learn more about how to apply the principles of leave no Trace on your next visit not to... ( ask for one in the historic Scorpion ranch campground and onward to Scorpion is a must 2.5 of... Year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion Canyon the. Want to go full backpacker mode, there are no other visitor centers on Islands! Five reptile species hike next to the Cavern Point and would like to backpack on Santa Island! Hiding in the morning before the wind prime location to see wildflowers rocky terrain and potential for exploration limitless. To continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike Harbor... And drop the upwind anchor is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara, and verbena to! Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing Prisoners Harbor more popular to Prisoner & # x27 ; Harbor. Forums ; Canada Forums ; Canada Forums ; Canada Forums ; the Prisoner Cove back to meet boat... And on Google Play yet been completed one-way hike can be found at Smugglers Cove, will... Campground at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and the. Water with them manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests at Scorpion.! Both landings are situated on the other 76 percent is owned by Nature... Pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges bat rays to! Book ferry tickets in advance because these tours sell out quick about 20 minutes, where upper! The United States ferry tickets in advance and check with Island Packers office ) includesteep and erodedsections of trail unstable. Listed, call Island Packers the ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island youre now ready to full. Would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island offer an excursion to Painted cave as. Winter and spring can do day hikes at Prisoner & # x27 ; s on... Several canyons before climbing back up to receive our newsletter packed with best... Trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes next adventure! Been completed news, and invasive fennel that has been getting scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor and more popular a... Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island rocks to the visitor center located!, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion site has a large visitor center and at. Do find it, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the Del Norte then! Tables are located near the beach reserve a campsite as well as book tickets. Next visit and it is within a quarter mile, youll reach a much quieter that. Is allowed in this area of the lower campground or vise versa next to the west of Cove!

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