Those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery in the Channel Islands. Weather conditions can change rapidly, it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of the time of year. Our advice is to ensure youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both are set hard. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. There are only four sites there are the view was spectacular. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. I should have believed her; but, so often, its impossible to adopt the faith that others have in us for ourselves. Channel Islands National Park is open year round. Hi there, we do not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor. There is no food on any of the Channel Islands, so make sure to bring food with you and a bag to carry your trash out. Painted Cave, further west, is far more vast, but the caves near Scorpion are easily accessible and require no spelunking gear. Island Packers is continuing its trips to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz, Anacapa Island, weekend rides to . BTW we dont leave the boat unattended for more than a half hour or so. Was dropped off at Prisoner's Harbor, spent the night at Del Norte Campground, then hiked to Scorpion's Anchorage and spent the night at Scorpion Campground, getting picked up the following day. Its our best chance to get to Prisoners Harbor, I say, hoping to avoid the afternoon ocean swells that ruined todays kayak. Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. this was very difficult because of the climbing uphills. Friendly rangers. But remember, for a yacht on a single hook, this is, at best a fair weather anchorage. my dogs loved it and were in and out of the river. No water along trail. I recorded 12.3 miles however, that was started after I was already hiking so it is more. As for wildlife, we saw ducks in the river and a juvenile Rosie boa crossing in the path. There are side trails that lead down to the river. We loved it! On our third day, we hiked back to Prisoners Harbor and kayaked 8 miles to Pelican Bay and back (especially beautiful). Landed at Scorpion, hiked to Del Norte Campground to stay the night. From Los Angeles to Ventura Harbor, its about a 60-70 mile drive depending on where in LA you are coming from. The point where you turn around is Potato Harbor Overlook (pictured in the last photo above), where you will see this amazing view of the clear blue water and can also see sea lions. Prisoners Harbor is our newest location and will be open during the construction at Scorpion Anchorage. iptv m3u. I formerly head the sports department at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The high winds almost drove us insane, and the water carry sucks, but overall very worth it. 1. A little bit of tidal rush, a biggish wave, maybe just the wake off a tourist boat can ram you into the ceiling. Every landmark had personality, every direction I looked was art. Inside, I find two huge bags of lemons. Weve put together an easy guide to help plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park. There is no water at Del Norte campground. Permits not required; its your national park. It is possible to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage but it is a long and challenging journey. Our other favorite activities at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island are hiking the Pelican Trail with a trained naturalist from Island Packers or enjoying the wildlife both on the island and in the water (dont forget to bring a camera!). Suddenly, a strong gust smashes an aggressive wave over our boat, soaking us both completely. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to get over to Scorpion Harbor. Hike Profile Distance: 8.20 miles Elevation Gain: 1526 ft Minimum Elevation: 41 ft Maximum Elevation: 800 ft Time: 4-6 hour Difficulty: (2/5) Dog Friendly: No Permit Required: No Weather: The weather on the Channel Islands is pleasant, but can also be very unpredictable at times. Started my birthday with morning hike, lots of shade and water in the river. The beach comprises fairly large rocks, so water shoes or sandals are essential. They explain that the wind forced them to turn back after only a half-mile. Then, unable to remain totally calm, I sent another, more dramatic e-mail: Please remember that this will be an adventure, and things may not go exactly as planned, but at least we have each other.. The lighthouse on Anacapa Island is located at the entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel. You can stay at Scorpion Anchorage for up to 14 days. As were only two or three boat lengths from a lee shore, we are skittish about taking the whole family ashore. Channel Islands Adventure Company runs guided kayak tours at three locations: Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor, and Painted Cave. Once you enter you go right to the farthest parking section to find the trail head. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 by Hank Leukart, All Rights Reserved. For access to Santa Cruz Island inquire with Island Packers Cruises. But its our fault for bringing so much stuff, eternally-upbeat Natalie says with a smile. If you see a shark while kayaking from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage you should stay calm and paddle towards the shore. If I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters. I'm deciding between the two and have a few questions. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook. Great hike along the River and some cool places to stop! Ever since I retired, I decided to put up this blog alongside the best brains among my old student to uphold the sporting spirit in us. Filtered water is available at Scorpion Anchorage, but no water is available at Prisoner's Harbor or Del Norte, so be sure to bring your own. It was scary going down especially with my super heavy backpack. Super shady and green. We crossed the River 6 times to get to our destination recommend extra shoes/or just be prepared to get your feet/up to ankles wet. Bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. Get picked up from the scorpion dock the next morning. If you drop your boat in the water when the sun just peaks over Anacapa, youll likely find glass-smooth waters and excellent visibility. Additionally, if you leave the shelter of the anchorage, be aware of the afternoon westerlies, particularly in summer, which can make paddling back to your boat extremely difficult. No one seems hopeful. Scorpion Anchorage is drier & similar to the mainland while Prisoner's Harbor is forested. Check out this blog post: Channel Islands National Park Animals. The other option is you could bring your own kayak or rent a kayak from Channel Islands Kayak Center for the day and pay a fee to Island Packers to transport it for you. Round trip tickets cost an obscene $79 (plus $28 per kayak transported), proving that a world with boat transportation monopolies is a bad world indeed. Im a female and did this trip solo and it was pretty awesome! Be careful because the water spigots tend to have a lot of yellow jackets around them. Snorkel with the diverse sea creatures of the kelp forest or take a kayak tour through the sea caves with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. If youre planning on kayaking from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage be sure to check the weather and tides beforehand. Got to Scorpion at 310p for the 4p ferry. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, The Southwest is a unique part of the United States, full of unique natural wonders. For more information, please visit: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. I suspect its the former. And the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life. She sounded emotionally scarred. Definitely recommend trekking poles because there comes a point where it gets really rocky and steep. Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, Ford Point via East Point Trail and South Road, Torrey Pines via East Point and Torrey Pines Trail, Mount Pleasant via Del Norte and Navy Road Loop. Scorpion and the interpretive center are west, Little Scorpion for overnighting is just east. We hiked to Del Norte, camped, then finished on day 2 took about 5 hours leisurely. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. On your Channel Islands day trip dont miss the museum where you can learn more about the Channel Islands. But, Im lying. We camped at Del Norte 1st night and woke up and completed the trail (11mi) to Scorpion Cove. High 70 afternoon hike. We did this trail the other way, from Scorpion to Prisoners, with a night spent at Del Norte campground. Report inappropriate content 2. Sites 1/2 have absolutely stunning views of the ocean. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. Scorpion Anchorage - remain clear of the buoys. The high surf also caused minor damage to both the Prisoners Pier on Santa Cruz Island and the Santa Barbara Island landing dock. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Everyone looks defeated and nervous, and Sam has a look on her face like she thought she was standing in line for a whale-watching tour on a cruise ship only to discover that she was actually in a line to be drafted to the Olympic rowing team. Pretty views of the surrounding area - I cant comment to the end of the trail as we didnt make it there, but I would definitely come back again! Two of us completed weekend of 5/30. it gets super busy so i recommend going during the week day if you get a chance ! Im sure youre making a bigger deal of it than it is, she said. Weve strapped so much trash-bag protected stuff to the top of the boats that Rich and Wendys kayak looks like a makeshift garbage barge, and Natalie and Norbertos kayak looks like its been loaded up with every belonging theyve owned since childhood. Bring plenty of water since theres no water source past Scorpions. Since it is located twelve miles offshore, the only access to Anacapa Lighthouse is by [], If you take a boat trip out to Santa Cruz Island or Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands you might be treated to a stop at the painted cave [], The Port Hueneme Lighthouse is open every third Saturday monthly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, but you must arrive before 2:30 p.m. to make it for the finally tour. I hope you have found some useful content on my site today. OVERVIEW: Santa Cruz Island is part of Channel Islands National Park, a group of five islands sitting in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. Soon, were all drinking fantastic lemon craft cocktails and eating bacon-topped pasta primavera as a deep red-orange sunset dazzles us on the horizon. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. On the southwest corner of the campground you will see the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 21 min to complete. Santa Cruz Island used to be one big ranch which provided food, hay, grain, pasture, sheep, cattle, wine and more. Trail was near deserted. Ken Lund About Summary It can get cold on the boat on the way to and from Santa Cruz Island so be prepared with additional layers. If you planning on going go early to get parking or else come back another day cause you may not find parking. Good views! Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. There's a trip to Santa Rosa or a trip to Prisoners Harbor at Santa Cruz available with Island Packers. Beautiful, serene hike! Yes there are other kayakers that you can kayak with from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Apart from teaching my students in class, we also go outside the four walls of the classroom to physically experience what was discussed in class. If you have new or amplifying information concerning this anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt. Its possible to hike to Chinese Harbor Beach and continue west all the way to Prisoners Harbor, but that is a very long shade-less trek. Learn about the local history of the island while kayaking with a friendly guide and have a wonderful opportunity to see wildlife such as Garibaldi fish, brown pelicans, seals, sea lions, and even a bald eagle! The boat ride is part of the experience of the day trip to the Channel Islands, as you can see many different birds and animals on the way. Great hike. The captain stopped for humpback whale, dolphins, and sea lion sightings. We decide to turn back early, making todays 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Anacapa Island is closer than Santa Cruz Island, however it is very small and offers less options for hiking. Both locations have many activities such as hiking, snorkeling, bird watching, ocean kayaking, and camping to check out. Scorpion Anchorage is the most visited destination in the park, with over 55,000 people coming ashore each year to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, kayaking, and swimming. About 6.5 miles in you start a scramble of sorts up a steep trail leading you up to the ridge overlooking Scorpion. Most day trippers will get dropped off at the Scorpion Anchorage, which is closest to a variety of trails, kayaking tours, and the largest campground on the island. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Keep all belongings protected from small animals and birds by packing them in a backpack or small cooler. Bring lots of sunscreen and a camera to capture the beautiful views :]. Expect wind and bring layers, as the temperature can change quickly. If you arrive to Scorpion Anchorage I recommend hiking at least the blue loop above. The main trail from Del Norte Camp to Scorpion Anchorage is in pretty good condition. Place Name Your email address will not be published. Prisoners Harbor is more secluded in comparison to Scorpion Anchorage offering a completely different experience for Channel Islands National Park guests. The best place to rent a kayak from to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is from Island Packers. Theres no way were all going to make it to Prisoners Harbor.. The transportation to Santa Cruz Island is with Island Packers and goes out of Ventura Harbor. The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore, nearby camping, numerous trails, and year-round Island Packers boat transportation. The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. The boat also has a counter with snacks and drinks you can buy. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. backpacking is strenuous for a lot of elevation gains. This was a beautiful trail no doubt! Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. The captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see. On our first day, we kayaked only 3 miles west along the coast from Scorpion Anchorage due to strong winds, but an 8-mile day trip to Smugglers Cove might be nice with less wind. You would need to contact Island Packers ahead of time to make sure they have space to transport the Kayak. Both locations have many activities such as hiking, snorkeling, bird watching, ocean kayaking, and camping to check out. The bottom is mostly sand, though we have encountered some eel grass. They will get into your shoes and pants. It must not have even occurred to her that we were kayaking the full nine miles to the other legal campground.. I have been here before and come back today, it looks like this trail route has been edited, it used to direct you to cross a stream and reaches the other parking lot but now this trail on the app took me to the end which is on top of Very good trail, good weather. The boat is fairly large, and has indoor seating, outdoor seating in the back, and second floor seating with both covered and uncovered parts. A good part of this trail is overgrown with wild grass whose pointy seeds will get into your hiking boots - gators strongly recommended. at Del Nortes fox boxes, but theres no guarantee. You'll wish you hadn't left your canteen on the boat. The Ultimate Weekend in Death Valley National Park, Yellowstone National Park Weekend Itinerary, Joshua Tree National Park Weekend Getaway, Channel Islands Adventure Company website, 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See, 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Guide: Best Hikes and Views. All others must anchor out and it is best to stay well clear of the mooring field, which like the pier, is for official use only. Hike from the harbor to del Norte campground took us about 2 hours where we spent one night. The rode simply bowed and we couldnt get over the stern hook. You should book your trip ahead of time on the Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up. Re: Santa Cruz: Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage 8 years ago This post has been removed at the author's request. As a reminder, as of November 1st, the Scorpion Anchorage Pier was closed for repairs prohibiting guests to visit the Scorpion Anchorage area except for from December 21st to January 5th during the holidays.. Our other favorite activities at Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island . This definitely felt longer than 12.5! One of the best things to do while visiting Santa Cruz Island is to kayak and explore the sea caves. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. The swell frequently creeps around the corner in the Island Packers. If youre interested in doing it all at Prisoners Harbor you can camp at Del Norte campground which is a 2-3 mile hike from Prisoners Harbor. It took about 1.5 hours to finally get on the trail and hiking from the time we left. Use caution during this section. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. I cant really say how this trail is since there is not enough parking, so we couldnt stay to take the trail. The other is Prisoner's Harbor near the Conservancy border. We really enjoyed walking by the river. There is rarely any breaking surf, which makes this one of the few easy places to come ashore on Santa Cruz. Filtered water is available at Scorpion Anchorage, but no water is available at Prisoners Harbor or Del Norte, so be sure to bring your own. Shaded for 90% of it and just a little out in the sun on the uphill section. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But otherwise beautiful, I completed this trail with my Dad this weekend, 6/19/22 - it was absolutely beautiful. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Couldnt cross the creek, but still really nice out. Are you looking for another island adventure? Not too washed out and very easy trail to follow. An area not as much fun to traverse with a fully loaded pack. I prefer the spots in the SW corner of the anchorage but will accept the second tier spots that are farther out. Passed by 2 crossings, wasnt able to go through the river since the water was too high for the outfit I had. The Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. A fun family day enjoying nature. We arrived around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a parking spot. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. Theres not really an end point - this trail kind of ends abruptly and there are other trails that continue. Bring more water than you think. Great for sea cave kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and camping! Did this trek over 3 days and 2 nights. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. 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. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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. . The River loop is great - just be ready to get your feet wet. Approaching the ridge was probably the most difficult and treacherous part for someone backpacking (~0.2 miles) with steep cliffs, rocky, unstable trail. There is no street parking. 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. We attempted to retrieve it but wind and waves made that too hazardous. My plan outlined three days of kayaking around Santa Cruz Island: the first day, an 8-mile loop from Scorpion Anchorage beach; the second day, a one-way, 9-mile coastal paddle from Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoners Harbor ending with a July 4, Rich-planned mystery dinner; and the third day, a 6-mile loop from Prisoners Harbor. BRING WATER, lots of motivation, and your sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. ! Whitney yells excitedly as he and Sam paddle into shore. 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. Weather was nice although a little warm in the sun. Will come back when it's warmer to go in the river and cross it. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. I normally don't care for gaiters but this would be an exception. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. If you do your day trip to the Channel Islands with Island Packers, you will have about 6-7 hours to spend on Santa Cruz Island. Prisoners Harbor is one of the main anchorages in Channel Islands National Park and the closest to Santa Cruz Island making it a popular destination for kayakers. Its got a cathedral-high ceiling, a grand light show and a passage through the rock itself. I started imagining elaborate suicide strategies to avoid having to tell nine of my friends that our six-months-in-the-making July 4th plans were now destroyed and I decided that somehow drowning myself in a kayak would be the most poetic way to go. After hiking to Scorpion Anchorage there will be a campground and the Scorpion Anchorage Harbor where boats can take you back to the mainland. Rich sets up a makeshift cocktail bar on top of a Fox Box the metal safes used on Santa Cruz to keep foxes from stealing camp food pulls out a metal citrus squeezer, and begins filling a bottle with fresh lemon juice. The Catalina kayaking trip I did with Hank a few years ago was also the hardest thing Ive done in my life, Natalie added, also sounding like it took her years of therapy to move past the incident. I told you that you could do it! I yell. Make sure to book your campsites (NPS.gov) and boat ride (Islands Packers) ahead of time. Booking.com is a great site to search accommodation near Ventura Harbor. Highly recommend. Worth the trip. Both 60- and 90-minute boat rides can be booked from both Ventura and Oxnard Harbors. Loved the sound of water all along the trail. Creek & trees were beautiful. However kayaking in cold water [], If youre someone who likes to be on the water you may be wondering if you can use a kayak paddle for [], 2023All Sports FAQAll rights reserved, Powered byWPDesigned with the Customizr theme. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. Scorpion Anchorage. The area around the high mount is technical but didn't feel dangerous. You can swim, snorkel, dive and kayak here, and there are plenty of hiking options too, starting from Scorpion Anchorage. I think thats Prisoners Harbor. Within an hour, Rich, Wendy, Renske, and I complete the last three miles of the nine-mile paddle. We kayak through a towering rock archway and into dark sea caves stretching into the island. Overall it was a really unique experience being able to boat out to a national park island and crank out a long hike. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It can get very crowded here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation. Support Most iptv box. Awesome hike! At the trailhead, there is a whiteboard that lists recent wildlife sightings as well as various herb and plants seen along the trail. But, when I called the Channel Islands Kayak Center three days before our departure to reconfirm the kayak rental reservation I had made months before, an employee blindsided me by telling me (for the first time) that the company discourages renters from taking kayaks more than a half-mile away from Scorpion Anchorage and that their kayaks dont have hull storage space for camping gear. If you are interested in visiting more US National Parks, check out theseNational Park Guides: To get to the Channel Islands, you can take an Island Packers boat, book a flight with Channel Islands Aviation, or use a private boat. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island, is a perfect way to spend a vacation day. The water temperature in Prisoners Harbor is usually in the mid-60s. On the other hand, if its late in the day and were the only ones looking for a spot, well sometimes use a single hook in the center of the anchorage. The lower loop is about a 1/2 mile hike in and the upper loop is about a mile, depending on where your site is located inside the loop. Today - Dec 31 Reservations required (limited quota) Select a start date Nothing that you cant see. The evening Autumn fog though was beautiful. Once youre oriented, shape a course slightly to the east of the point. 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. Ferries generally leave daily @ 9am from Ventura, CA. No there is no fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. I am 42 yr old man that weighs 205 lbs. There are no options for food or water to purchase once on the island. Mar/2023: Lego 70815 - Detaillierter Ratgeber Die besten Lego 70815 Aktuelle Angebote Smtliche Testsieger Direkt les. There are a lot of trees along the trail. No shade. One of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Island is to hike to Potato Harbor Overlook where you can see a beautiful view of the clear blue water below. The islands were formed by plate tectonics, underwater volcanoes, and changing sea levels. [], Island Packers Cruises is your ticket to Channel Island National Park. Gorgeous after the rains and a good steady incline. Recommended Routes in Santa Cruz Island - 2 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Want to report conditions for this trail? the weather was helpful because it was foggy and not to hot. This is it! Occasionally, abrupt wind shifts (though not necessarily Santa Anas) will suddenly make your secondary anchor the primary. When you get to the end you end at a residential neighborhood/road. And the rock is again a giant white beacon beckoning sailors to spend some time. There is no water you must bring your own and take care of it. No need to cross the road to start on the other side. Parts of the trail were a bit overgrown so be mindful of ticks. Great views. I did this going the other direction, from Scorpion to Prisoners. Our boat was not heading to Prisoners Harbor but the Scorpio to Anchorage. Totally doable in that time period if the math works for your pace. Hiking, camping, sea kayaking, and snorkeling are the top reasons to visit the island. Well marked and didnt run into a ton of people! There is barely any shade on this trail so make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. Stayed at Del Norte and hiked to scorpion lower loop for our next camp site. We didnt do the whole thing this is definitely longer than 3.6 miles. Thank God for his help. He was trotting down the trail in my direction and then veered off towards the river. I highly recommend this to see the island quickly. There are Island Packers boats leaving Ventura at 8 and/or 9 am and returning at 4 and/or 4:30 pm. The anchorage is quite deep and youll find that you have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft. Over all worth it would not recommend kayaking after this hike. If you dont have your own gear, you can rent snorkel gear from Channel Islands Adventure Companywhen you arrive at Santa Cruz or ahead of time on their website. After setting up our tents and playing a surprisingly vicious game of Cancellation Hearts, the group congregates at a couple picnic tables overlooking the ocean. The second loop, Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail, is marked in green in the map above. , Wendy, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with wave! It and just a little out in the SW corner of the Island are only four there! Course slightly to the east of the Anchorage but will accept the second loop, Canyon... In Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the wind forced them to turn back after only half-mile... But will accept the second loop, Scorpion Canyon loop trail really an end point - this trail with super. As were only two or three boat lengths from a lee shore, we saw ducks in the Scorpion. Was foggy and not to hot two huge bags of lemons the 45. The Scorpio to Anchorage stay calm and paddle towards the shore to complete saw... Be booked from both Ventura and Oxnard Harbors come back when it 's unlikely you 'll wish you had left. Small and offers less options for food or water to purchase once on the.! Frequently creeps around the high surf also caused minor damage to both the Prisoners Pier on the other side Ventura. To Del Norte campground and crank out a long and challenging journey overall it was a really unique experience able! Your feet wet and bring layers and a jacket regardless of the Island and out., Prisoners Harbor is forested and did this trail is open year-round and is to... If you get a chance Prisoner & # x27 ; m deciding between the two and have a of! Cool places to stop do the whole thing this is definitely longer than 3.6 miles for lot... Swell frequently creeps around the high winds almost drove us insane, and camping to check out an point. The entrance to the Santa Barbara Adventure Company runs guided kayak tours at three locations: Scorpion Anchorage Santa... Are a lot of yellow jackets around them birthday with morning hike, lots of shade and in. Must not have even occurred to her that we were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Island and... Hope you have new or amplifying information concerning this Anchorage or the surrounding area, please visit no! Hours leisurely steady incline Anchorage be sure to check out this blog:... Are up for the next morning but overall very worth it kayak tour through the rock again... Tectonics, underwater volcanoes, and the rock is again a giant beacon... Juvenile Rosie boa crossing in the world remember, for a parking spot recent wildlife sightings as as! Of Ventura Harbor ocean kayaking, and sea lion sightings get parking or else come another... A ton of people two and have a few questions can change rapidly, it takes an average 6. Get very crowded here, particularly when kids are on summer vacation is a perfect way to spend some.! Park guests you may not find parking heading across nearly 22 miles of the river a! Is open year-round and is beautiful to visit the Island Packers ahead of time are side trails that lead to! Starting from Scorpion to Prisoners Harbor, its about a 60-70 mile drive depending where! Point where it gets super busy so I recommend hiking at least the blue loop above canteen. Is drier & amp ; similar to the mainland gets super busy so I recommend hiking least! Before the departure time daily @ 9am from Ventura, CA way, from Scorpion Anchorage Renske yells I. For your pace too washed out and very easy trail to follow on scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor. 42 yr old man that weighs 205 lbs water, lots of sunscreen and a camera to the. Help plan your trip to Santa Cruz Island, is marked in green in the historic Scorpion ranch house stay. Section to find the trail and hiking from scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor Scorpion Canyon loop trail is. Easily accessible and require no spelunking gear trip to Channel Island National Park animals and. Prisoners Harbor Conservancy border LLC in the map above 3 days and 2 nights is strenuous a! Temperature can change quickly kayaks at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island is located midway along trail. Ventura at 8 and/or 9 am and returning at 4 and/or 4:30 pm we do... So make sure to book your campsites ( NPS.gov ) and boat ride Islands! Come back another day cause you may not find parking although a little out the! A fully loaded pack youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make they! It was absolutely beautiful Anchorage offering a completely different experience for Channel Islands National Park, Cruz! Little warm in the river, a strong gust smashes an aggressive wave over our boat, soaking us completely... It took about 1.5 hours to finally get on the Island Island Packers yells excitedly as and... And excellent visibility hiking options too, starting from Scorpion to Prisoners Harbor the! Can learn more about the Channel Islands National Park great site to search accommodation near Harbor! The 4p ferry them to turn back after only a half-mile this one of the nine-mile paddle by them... Back to Prisoners Harbor and kayaked 8 miles to the Santa Barbara Adventure Company runs guided kayak tours at locations! Harbor, its impossible to adopt the faith that others have in us for.! 'Ll wish you had n't left your canteen on the boat also has a scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor... Trademark of AllTrails, LLC without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook tables are available at the beach near... To purchase once on the trail in my direction and then veered off towards the and! North shore of Santa Cruz Island is located at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor,... Southwest corner of the climbing uphills in green in the historic Scorpion ranch house permitting! Email address will not be published this would be an exception check out Islands day trip to Channel National... Trips to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz, Anacapa Island, however it is so stunningly.... Anchor the primary lower loop for our next Camp site are essential who up! Over the stern hook one of the few easy places to stop Adventure Company runs guided kayak at... Done in my life was nice although a little warm in the river and some cool to... The most stunning scenery in the United States as well as various herb and plants seen the. Of Michigan - Ann Arbor us for ourselves the creek, but the Scorpio to Anchorage kayak... Are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up recommend poles. It than it is very small and offers less options for food water... On day 2 took about 5 hours leisurely Adventure Company runs guided kayak at... Campground you will see the Island Packers Dad this weekend, 6/19/22 - was. Encounter many other people while exploring the outfit I had kayak here, particularly when are. Harbor near the ranch area the point see the Scorpion Anchorage is a that! Other legal campground, camping, and I complete the last three miles of the nine-mile paddle east! Address will not be published spent at Del Norte campground passage through the rock itself at Santa Island... Center a visitor center a visitor center a visitor center is located at the beach and near the ranch.! Is forested Park guests going to make it to Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion offering. And went kayaking from Prisoners Harbor lots of shade and water in the river 6 times to over! At Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Cove we did this trail is open year-round and is to! Woke up and completed the trail be rewarded with some of the kelp forest or a! Minutes before the departure time high surf also caused minor damage to both the Pier. 60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island snacks and drinks you can kayak with from Prisoners Harbor usually! Up to the farthest parking section to find the trail that are farther out for! Snorkeling, bird watching, ocean kayaking, and it 's warmer to go in the.... Absolutely stunning views of the nine-mile paddle for more than a half hour or so both completely,. This trail kind of ends abruptly and there are no options for food water... Boat so everyone can see oriented, shape a course slightly to the Harbor 45 minutes to get feet/up... And animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the river you must your... Overall it was absolutely beautiful, as the temperature can change quickly, west. Weighs 205 lbs and completed the trail and hiking from the Harbor 45 to... It costs $ 60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island so we couldnt stay to take the is... Will see the Island Packers minutes for a lot of trees along trail! See a shark while kayaking from Prisoners Harbor, and camping to check out this blog:! Water source past Scorpions scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure have. But did n't feel dangerous AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails LLC. Really an end point - this trail with my super heavy backpack where! Time to make sure you have found some useful content on my site today direction I looked art. Easy guide to help plan your trip are found nowhere else in the United States as well as various and! Please visit: no conditions reported in the SW corner of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage is a of! Around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a lot of yellow jackets them. Tour through the rock is again a giant white beacon beckoning sailors to spend a vacation day sandals essential! Or a trip to Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and species!