The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. 3 bedrooms. There are two campgrounds, one at Scorpion Anchorage and another near Prisoners Harbor. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions. Scorpion Campground does have potable water. The pier, which you'd think would be very prominent, is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. This hikeis considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. 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. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. The foxes on Santa Cruz are interesting. There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. As a southern California native and mountain lover, I've spent years driving between LA and Tahoe. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. 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. There are over 100 different endemic species of plants and animals on the Channel Islands earning this island chain the nickname Galapagos of the North. A majority of these species reside on Santa Cruz Island surviving the introduction of countless damaging and invasive species like black mustard and fennel by the European ranchers who owned Santa Cruz Island from the early 1800s until 1980. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. No shade. There are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. Anyone have any thoughts on this or other Thanks again. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Your day is generally much quieter at Prisoners due to significantly less visitation, but for the same reason, there are usually only one or two park staff around on a busy day. February through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island are green and the native flowers in bloom. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. Del Norte camp provides spectacular views of the coastline back toward Prisoners Harbor, and it is located within a copse of oak trees. Public phones are not available. 2021Outdoor Project. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Usually multiple someones. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up theNavy Road. A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California. TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! Prisoners Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island's north coast, now serves as a port of entry for visitors arriving by boat. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. Another main difference here is that Prisoners Harbor lies on a boundary between the National Park Service (NPS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property. 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. Most trails have little or no shade. Hike the Pelican Trail. 16 October 2022; Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. Locals often wait for October to head out to the islands. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. 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. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. You may also download the release form. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! You can do day hikes at either location. 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 best months for flower blooms are April and May. Scorpion Cove vs. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. There is no water at Del Norte campground. Please note that you may only explore the Pelican trail . Ventura, Ca 93001 The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. The second junction is for the Del Norte Trail and is located 1.5 miles up the Navy Road on the left. Along this road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the endemic Santa Cruz Island pine. 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. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. Shade is available in some of the picnic area. 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. By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasnt yet been completed. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. 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. It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. It requires a signed waiver for access due to its location on private property (ask for one in the Island Packers office). The National Park Service (NPS) has closed Prisoner Harbor until further notice.On going rain run off/creek flow and predictions of more rain has closed this area for visitors safety.NPS will re-assess this area on Monday, February 27, 2023 an we will update this message at that time. If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. I have seen plenty near the ranch house andvisitor center at Scorpion as well as in the wetland at Prisoners. The southeast end, from Prisoners Harbor east to San Pedro Point, is part of the park. The views along the spine were quite nice. A view of lush vegetation, Prisoners Harbor, and pier from the Pelican trail. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. It's best to check with Island Packers. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. This backcountry campground has four campsites. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. Seasickness always gets someone. You must bring water with you for your requirements. Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. 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. 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. 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 Fishing Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. The road eventually ended leaving us on an honest to god faint hiking trail involving the occasional bouldery bit. Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. 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scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor