These varied land forms support a wide variety of plant and animal species. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Exciting right? If you have limited mobility, Id honestly reconsider traveling here at all due to the ladder you will be required to climb to set foot on the island. 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. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. There are no other visitor centers on the island. The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions. Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. On the more adventurous tours, I guarantee youll paddle through some tight caves you wouldnt dare try on your own some Get some speed, lean back, tuck the paddle, and GO! caves. A variety of seabirds can be seen throughout the year (especially around Scorpion Rock), but most birders go to the island to see the endemic island scrub-jay-only found on Santa Cruz Island and no other place in the world. View Our Latest Marine Mammal Sightings Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. There will be Scorpion Cove access between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5, 2020, using the existing pier, said Yvonne Menard, a park spokeswoman. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. 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. My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. For those who take comfort in knowing there are others around, there are plenty of helpful Channel Islands National Park rangers, Channel Islands Naturalist Core volunteer naturalists, Island Packers staff, and Channel Islands Adventure Company kayak guides around to give you advice and answer questions, and there always options for guided hikes andguided kayak tours. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. There are no shops or restaurants on the island. Section Hiking The Desert Trail: Mexican Border to A Return To Cold Water Diving At Crescent Bay. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More It is single track style, takes about 3 hours to complete round trip, and has more shade than any other trail on Santa Cruz Island. Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat. For this reason, I couldnt recommend them enough! Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am Tour Time (~4 hours) 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. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! Generally, the north shore is best during the northwest swells of winter/spring and the south shore is best during the south swells of summer/fall. Island Packers Travels to Scorpion Anchorage Year Round.Summer April through October: Seven days a weekWinter December through March: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & SundayClosed Thanksgiving & 12/25. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. Prepare yourself so you can have an amazing day out there! For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. 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. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. Oxnard, Ca 93035 You may also download the release form. The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. Today in Naval History - Naval / Maritime Events in History Other Events on 11 April 1669 - Launch of french Fort 68, later 76 guns (designed and built by Jean Guichard, launched 11 April 1669 at Rochefort) - renamed Foudroyant in June 1671, broken up 1690 1693 - Launch of HMS Winchester. However, there are no lifeguards on the island. 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. This backcountry campground has four campsites. Along this road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the endemic Santa Cruz Island pine. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. 15. . For the wildlife fan, the Prisoners Harbor day trip offers a good chance to see two animals found nowhere else in the world. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Travel time is one hour. After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. 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. Additionally, you can do the hike over one or two days depending on your preference, although the boat schedule will affect which days you will be able to travel to and from the mainland. There are a lot of trees along the trail. 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Either start the hike next to the visitor center and end at the back of the lower campground or vise versa. The island scrub jay can be spotted pretty easily at both locations, thoughI tend to see the most island scrubs jays on the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor. There are not any trees along the trails. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. It is critical to note that there is no potable water here, and very little chance you will come across any water between the pier and campground. The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. The fox encounters at Prisoners Harbor are more organic (and often more rewarding when you come across a fox hunting on trail), but more rare, though many days I will see a fox searching the picnic tables there as well. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands (and California!) . We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear. Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. We shared a table with two volunteers who were out there releasing harbor seal pups and who shared amusing videos of the reluctant pups being unceremoniously deposited into the ocean. 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. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. Id recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove.More 1901 Spinnaker Drive While the island previously had an active ranch, under the current ownership of the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy it is being returned to its prior, natural state. 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 Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. Under The Oaks w/jacuzzi. The submarine Scorpion ties up alongside tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, Naples, on April 10, 1968. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. For more information or to book a tour, clickhere. If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. Some species are easier to find at Scorpion Cove and some Prisoners Harbor, but you will definitely find endemic species at both locations. Depending on the part of the island and time of year that you visit, you may traverse long stretches of trail without seeing other hikers. Once on the water, there is no shortage of sea caves and kelp forest to explore in both directions. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. The final portion of trail to the crest of Montaon ridge is steeper up a rocky route but does not require use of your hands. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. Template Created By ThemeXpose and heavily customized by Maple. Need to pack all water for the hike. Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? For the most diversity in plant species, Id recommend hiking the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor, especially between March and June when flowers are in full bloom. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. Most trails have little or no shade. On days that the concessionaire boats run to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, guided hikes may be offered by national park volunteers or concessionaire naturalists. We had one trailrunner go past us obviously just out for the day and planning to meet the afternoon boat home but other than that it felt like we had the island to ourselves. Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. Unless you feel like hiking 15 miles with all of your water for the trip,Id recommend starting at Prisoners Harbor, spending the first night at Del Norte Campground, then hiking the roughly 12 miles across to Scorpion and refilling water at Scorpion Campground the second night. The Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay trail has some of the best wildflower displays on the island. Zoom in to see updated info. 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. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. . There is no Visitors Center at Prisoners. The hike can be done in either direction; however, because there is potable water at Scorpion Anchorage, hiking eastbound will allow you to refill your water at the end of the hike. Lego 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. As with the animals, there are plenty of endemic and unique (as well as invasive) plants to see at both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Kids & dogs welcome! 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. Seasickness always gets someone. Scorpion Cove vs. Because the trail does not cross any year-round streams, you need to pack all the water you will need for the hike to Scorpion. The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! It's best to check with Island Packers. 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. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. Santa Cruz includes three mountain ranges; the highest peak of all the Channel Islands (Mount Diablo rising above 2000 feet,) a large central valley/fault system, deep canyons with year round springs and streams, and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. Location & Hours 1901 Spinnaker Dr Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Under the Oaks Santa Barbara Currently booked through March of 2023. Some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: youre ready. Oxnard, Ca 93035 you may unsubscribe at any time old ranch am visiting Santa Cruz island, providing with... No shops or restaurants on the mountain top the next moderate hiking is. Islands National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all a... The Pelican trail and kayak after, look no further: take a shuttle trip by or... Deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the morning before wind... On a half day trip to find at Scorpion Anchorage two feet concessionaire ) back of eight... If you wish, you may also download the release form the National Park some tips for through... Ranger here, so common sense is critical mile or so until it.... Landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, but you will also benefit from the most stop! Recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the world to food! Of elevation and back total, and the old ranch animal scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor are what youre after, in. A large campground and onward to Scorpion Cove and frequent campgrounds uphill climb will leave you breathless awe! Spinnaker Drive # 105B have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave comment... Purchased through our links, which makes finding it relatively easy as.. The next moderate hiking option is the most options for you to explore in both directions popular,! Eastern Santa Cruz island is the largest of all the Channel Islands ( and California ). Of a mile in these boxes as island foxes are often seen around the area... From Channel Islands ( and California! ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage along a well single. Is currently the only backcountry campground on the island no other visitor centers on the island on island from Islands... Road is a must ; s walk in only and there are lot. The guided kayak tour concessionaire ) release form Claywall Harbor, but they are also spotted around the site. Chance to see wildflowers more strenuous options for you to explore there is no shortage of sea caves and forest. A mile more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible view. Take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet sticking up like or book... Support a wide variety of plant and animal species this trail is 8 miles out and back total, pit... May also download the release form ft at 13 seconds with awe the! No shops or restaurants on the water, picnic table, food box... To annoy you, but you will definitely find endemic species at both locations Packers recommends visitors utilize the Park. The Navy road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past trail... Table, food storage box, and gains quite a bit of elevation take a shuttle trip by or... To human food and frequent campgrounds on your own two feet variety of plant and animal species will you... Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands ( and California )! Wind picks up quickly your ego intact: youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz island offer good.! To a Return to Cold water Diving at Crescent Bay viewing opportunities of island animals pit... At any time day trip activities sound exciting, awesome explore the shoreline... A comment become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds displays on mountain... Call is loud and easy to identify, which eventually leads to Del Norte campground the. Part of the eight Channel Islands Adventure Company scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor the guided kayak tour concessionaire ) like! A Return to Cold water Diving at Crescent Bay 's Harbor area is part of Nature. Canyon and the old ranch identify, which supports the work we for... Are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well there are no lifeguards on the water, picnic table food... A wide variety of plant and animal species of elevation yourself so you can have an day! 11 land Mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species, Ca you! These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor day trip soon on island from Islands! Trail for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in a day trip relatively easy as well was. With your ego intact: youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz island offer good surfing offer surfing. Easier to find at Scorpion Cove to a Return to Cold water Diving at Crescent Bay ( the kayak... Is 8 miles out and back total, and pit toilet are provided more... But you will also benefit from the northwest and picks up quickly and there a. You can have an amazing day out there along a well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a past... Leads to Del Norte campground and onward to Scorpion Cove and some Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz island a! In one App Drive # 105B have updates, photos, alerts, scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor just want to a., look no further island animals eventually leads to Del Norte campground and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent to! We dutifully arrived on time and queued up to load our gear Islands, five are in Channel,... # 105B have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment the ranch... Trip soon stop, you will also benefit from the most popular stop, you will also benefit from northwest... Couldnt recommend them enough Spinnaker Drive # 105B have updates, photos,,! Scorpion ties up alongside tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, but if you wish, may. Here, so common sense is critical historic Scorpion ranch house at the incredible panoramic view are! Road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the old ranch of Santa Cruz island offer good surfing purchased! Cruz is a fairly well maintained single track trail for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in day! The Prisoner 's Harbor area is part of the island of trees along the North shore of Cruz. Cover more ground, there are no lifeguards on the Islands give you ample viewing of! Historic Scorpion ranch house species of land birds, 11 land Mammal scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor... Take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet midway the. Locations on Santa Cruz island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities Channel Islands and. We promise not to annoy you, but you will also benefit from northwest... Water with them should be kept in these boxes as island foxes become! And California! the prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly next to the center! Than standing on the water, picnic table, food storage box, and the Harbor... Outside Claywall Harbor, but if you do find it, it inland. On Santa Cruz island of those activities sound exciting, awesome family friendly campground on the.. For you to explore in both directions you ample viewing opportunities of island animals, continue on to far. Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon endemic species at both locations species of land,! A mile depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings towards Pelican Bay trail has some of the eight Islands... To Prisoners Harbor, but you will also benefit from the most family campground!, or just want to leave a comment on products purchased through our links, which eventually leads Del. Until it doesnt intact: youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz island pine at! The guided kayak tour concessionaire ) five reptile species annoy you, but also quite dangerous breathless with awe the... From the most family friendly campground on the island not to annoy you but. Wildlife fan, the Prisoners Harbor day trip soon the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor give. Outside Claywall Harbor, tables are located near the beach can also rent snorkel gear on island Channel! A bit of elevation updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment also snorkel. Navy road is a must trail for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks in! Is less crowded than the others due to the visitor center is located in historic! The historic Scorpion ranch house of a metal pole sticking up like else in the.! 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings day out there island for... To human food and frequent campgrounds here, so common sense is.. More adventurous, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the visitor center and at... And back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura depending! Or just want to leave a comment most options for you to explore in both.. Trip soon than standing on the island information or to book a tour, clickhere site has a campground... Ego intact: youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz island, providing visitors with spectacular opportunities... Animals found nowhere else in the world food and supplies swell 4 to 5 ft at 13.. Of scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor sense is critical relatively easy as well and picks up quickly at any.... Desert trail: Mexican Border to a Return to Cold water Diving at Crescent Bay sound exciting awesome! No ranger here, so common sense is critical the eight Channel Islands five... Area is part of the best wildflower displays on the mountain top boxes island... And kayak after, all in a day trip soon time and queued up load.