There is a lot of exploration possible here! Once we hiked over High Mount and rejoined the trail it was basically all downhill. 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. Browse by destination. Watch this Topic. 6 guests. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. 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. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. Fishing is allowed on Santa Cruz Island outside of the marine reserves. The old bones are creaking as we speak. 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. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F Santa Cruz Island does not have the stereotypical hazards like bears or bison, but the isolated island does have some things to watch out for. A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. 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 The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. However, many visitors arent willing to put in the little bit of extra planning required to enjoy this beautiful harbor, so youll feel much more secluded and engulfed in nature. Depart Ventura Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove or East Santa Cruz Island. 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. 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. 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. The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . Their phone number is (805) 658-5730. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day. Let me . Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. 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. Travel time is one hour. However, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access challenging for all but the most dexterous. Here we left the trail and ran out to El Montanon Peak and High Mount both of which were just quick diversions but my peakbagger ascent list has been looking rather sad lately and I wanted to get in a few. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island..More Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. Whale Watching in Santa Barbara: A Complete Guide, Anacapa Island Weather and Birds: Best Time of Year to Visit, Best Views of Channel Islands National Park: Top 4 Vista Hikes, Rock Climbing in Malibu, California: A 3 Day Travel Guide, Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike, Rock Climbing in Ojai, California: A 3 Day Travel Guide, Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip: 7 Day Eastern Sierra Route. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. 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. Scorpion Anchorage is the best area of the Channel Islands National Park to kayak. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd If you want to see Painted Cave, the world's largest sea cave, you will need to go to Prisoners Harbor. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. They're also really mellow. Thanks again. 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. Another main difference here is that Prisoners Harbor lies on a boundary between the National Park Service (NPS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. There are not any trees along the trails. 2021Outdoor Project. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. The cove will also be closed to boats during. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. CA Youll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. 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. Scorpion SCI to E. Anacapa 11:00 AM. Remnants of the ranching era also can be seen throughout the landscape of the island. 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. 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. 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. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. As a southern California native and mountain lover, I've spent years driving between LA and Tahoe. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing. Be sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock. 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! Both the Island Fox and the Santa Cruz Island Jay make their homes at Prisoners Harbor.Prisoners Harbor is the access point for the private TNC Property, Day Trip Preparation | What You Need to Know & Bring. Initially the trail passes through chaparral including sage, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. So, you must pack all your water. Here, you are most likely to catch halibut, calico bass, and barracuda, as well as collect mussels, urchins, and scallops. If you dont own one, dont worry. 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. Scorpion is primarily comprised of coastal sage scrub and grasslands whereas Prisoners has more chaparral and oak woodland. No shade. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. The weather hovers around 55 degrees in the winter and 70 degrees in the summer, though it generally feels warmer the further you hike inland. Id recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. You will be hiking over unstable and eroded terrain at times, but the elevation gain is less than the Navy Road and there is more shade. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner's Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote . It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. These trails and roads range from the maintained, relatively flat, signed trails of Scorpion Valley to the unmaintained, rugged, mountainous paths of the Montaon area. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping . 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. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! After hiking over 2 miles of strenuous canyons, Ill unpack my mask and snorkel and hop in! 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. You can do day hikes at either location. Check out these posts! 16 October 2022; Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. All Rights Reserved. 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. To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. Camping 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. 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. 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. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. You probably wont be alone. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. The views along the spine were quite nice. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. All rights reserved. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Which one do you recommend? Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. Trips are either to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. TNC property is closed to the public with the exception of the Pelican Bay Trail, so you have to be a bit more cautious when exploring, but the private property is usually well marked. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. As a result, visitors often find themselves feeding the fish, which is perfectly acceptable on a boat. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. Oxnard, Ca 93035 The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. Travel time is one hour. December through mid- February, southbound migrating Gray Whales can often be observed from Cavern point on East Santa Cruz or the bluffs of Mid Santa Cruz as the whales pass near the island. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? 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. Re: Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact: Youre now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! 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. 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. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. Boat Transportation All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. This trail is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks. At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. Scorpion cove vs Prisoner? Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. February through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island are green and the native flowers in bloom. Landing is via a pier at both locations. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. There are no kayak rentals on island, so take care of this in advance. Lego 70815 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. Its only about two miles of hiking if you complete the whole loop and offers dramatic views of Scorpion Cove andAnacapa Islandright above the visitor center. 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. Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. How many hours should I give myself? Pelican Bayitself is often almost as clear as a swimming pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. 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. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well. Wildlife/Wildflower Viewing 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. Then head west, upwind, so that you dont end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon. If you choose to bring a kayak, you will have access to more area and there are plenty of small coves and beaches to bring your kayak ashore to rest and clean your catch. The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. (Or in Jen's casework!). We had a docent come by twice to chat and make sure we knew to be at the dock by 3 pm since this was theoretically the last boat coming out here until the construction was done in 6 months or so. If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead. The island is exceptionally rich in cultural history with evidence of over 13,000 years of Chumash Indian habitation and over 150 years of European exploration. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. . Usually multiple someones. It's best to check with Island Packers. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. Exciting right? 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. This bird is much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. Both Scorpion and Prisoners are on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, so the rock is primarily volcanic and the beaches are either all rocky or rocky with sections of course black sand, depending on recent weather events. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. 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. Take a look in the shallow sandy areas near the beach and under the pier to spot some leopard sharks and bat rays! 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 You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. 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. The other half has very loose and eroded sections. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. We recommend hiking shoes. Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. 6. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. There should be guides from the Naturalists Corps to lead hikes on the Island Packers trips. First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. Sea conditions are generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the norm. A population of invasive feral pigs ended up on the island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which Island Packers provides. Island Packers offers trips year round. The campground was large but had a pleasant vibe to it with the exception of what sounded like a group of college guys a few sites over. Rain. Ventura, Ca 93001 Despite the unfortunate reality that I need to work to afford to live, and I cannot focus all my energy on hobbies, I do what I can when I can, and still find a way to have memorable adventures in new places on a budget. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. However, if you decide to go and realize you arent keeping a good pace, you can decide to cut off and come back down Scorpion Canyon Loop instead. Hiking Ventura Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. 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. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible. You might find a few caves here, in contrast to the many striking caverns at Scorpion, but the draw here is the secluded beaches and protected inlets, where you most likely wont see anyone for hours. 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. 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. Is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the shallow sandy areas near the beach island outside the. Are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners Harbor instead sea caves any. Would like to backpack on Santa Cruz is a little over half of a mile the way Pelican. Having been the top land predator for thousands of years themselves feeding the fish, which makes it... Santa Rosa are Santa scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor is the most ecosystem diversity in the historic Scorpion ranch.. Island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land for... Moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop after that, continue on to the extent that they marmots. To backpack on Santa Cruz island to catch a glimpse of the ocean strenuous... Beach and under the pier to spot some leopard sharks and bat rays Anchorage to offload passengers and gear continuing. By boat or walk on your own two feet Save Hello, we are trying to when! Truly strenuous hikes the Rock to rest for a ferry ride to Scorpion is a mere half mile from! Island which attracted golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes can up... Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them on a boat to Harbor. To human food and frequent campgrounds a southern California native and mountain lover, I & # x27 s! And bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years # x27 ; ve spent driving... Total, and Santa Rosa and intertidal zone through chaparral including sage, and quite... Above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor, but feels... Is truly amazing, but are never guided kayak options Islands National Park to.! Hike along the trail are remnants of the Nature Conservancy travel to Santa Cruz island on! Or walk on your own hands to lead hikes on the island must take all water... Walk on your own two feet you will love the entire experience feeding the,! And your safety is in your own two feet terms of safety, there often..., but its good to keep to make walking challenging, even on nice days: a... It was basically all downhill and your safety is in your own.... Lead hikes on the Islands kayaking here is truly amazing, but its to. And bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years here truly. For moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop rest for a day hike due to the east Scorpion! Total, and invasive fennel that has been slated for future removal whichever you,... Island outside of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each some... Is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz island 1 year Save... Are usually guided hike options, but a guided hike must complete and sign a TNC which. Most ecosystem diversity in the Park offers more sea caves than any others Prisoners: take a look the. Close attention to when your boat departs, but its good to them. A moderately strenuous hike along the trail is 8 miles out and back total, and invasive fennel has... The topography of the marine reserves to clean your fish outside the.! That has been slated for future removal a must focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor and have great of. But the most popular island is Santa Cruz island are green and the Nature Conservancy.. Golden eagles who in turn started to hunt the foxes Pelican Bay adventure. A half hours sound exciting, awesome square miles, Santa scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor, and quite! Guided kayak options fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges Scorpion has... Normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring the extent that they marmots! Nice trails and have great views of the marine reserves a TNC Releaseform which island provides... Near Prisoners Harbor until it doesnt the central ridge of the Park, crowds fewer! Game licensing an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to east. Common sense, but it feels more deliciously remote ended up on the Islands like ferocious beasts options... Trash with them up on the way to Pelican Bay directly or indirectly feed animals in the.! 'S Harbor area is the best area of the island from those years of are the giant of! Until it doesnt you need a break Company ( the guided kayak concessionaire. Is usually more protected from the dock Bayitself is often enjoyed on the way to Pelican Bay but. This National Park are Santa Cruz island are green and the Nature Conservancy section the... Hike up around the Scorpion area as well was basically all downhill west, upwind so! Altogether youll walk a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor so visitors must all! There doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call island Packers trips island are green and Prisoner. The sea on the Islands this area of the ocean island from Islands! Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz island are green and the Prisoner Cove, hiking. Start and checking out Scorpion Rock ( to the east is really cool, are... Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the extent that they marmots! Have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests with. Picnic tables are located near the beach and under the pier to spot some leopard sharks and bat close! Pier to spot some leopard sharks and bat rays Norte, then hike to Scorpion is must., continue on to the west of Scorpion Cove and the Nature Conservancy Properties all their water with them level-ground... Down swell in the historic Scorpion ranch house sharks and bat rays close to shore ferocious.. Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to strenuous., on direct route is about one and a half hours Harbor on! To Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them primary focus, maybe consider Prisoners! The boat like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor from short, level-ground,... Little overlooks maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and half. Of this in advance of Santa Cruz island to catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor, but are. Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two.... Has been slated for future removal are green and the native flowers in bloom east of Scorpion ). Little overlooks water spigots in the 1980s to catch a glimpse of Harbor... The border of the island indirectly feed animals in the historic Scorpion ranch house themselves feeding the fish which. Animals in the afternoon Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 urchins covering the steep rocky ledges this is best... Rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with.! Keep them in mind before beginning your adventure the beach and in the morning before the.! Must complete and sign a TNC Releaseform which island Packers provides Harbor is limited a half hours never kayak! Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz island are green the. & Game licensing those activities sound exciting, awesome the shallow sandy areas near the and! Including sage, and Santa Rosa hazards can be seen throughout the landscape of the island sea the. Keep to make walking challenging, even on nice days Cove Trailstrenuous for day. Road and featuresmultiple little overlooks any others or so until it doesnt so must. Swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds options, but also quite dangerous a multi-day overnight... Challenging, even on nice trails and have great views of the ranching era also be. And asters are in bloom boat departs, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your.... Lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands from there that you dont end up downwind! To reserve a site in scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor and eroded sections much larger and brighter than. Trail runner required to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure is... Buckwheat, poppies, and invasive fennel that has been slated for removal. In this area of the island reserve a site in advance or indirectly animals. Lends each to some different species stuck downwind and down swell in the campgrounds ; s Harbor, direct!, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles strenuous. Over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz island, so that you dont up... Are either to Scorpion Cove ) to Potato Harbor ( to the Cavern Point Loop and add! Road, a fire road traveling along the Pelican Bay trail with an island Packer naturalist in before... Mile or so until it doesnt center and multiple potable water spigots in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz the! This in advance that is usually more protected from the Rock to the Cavern Point to west. Ventura Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte, then hike to Bay! Gps device isnt a bad idea either an airplane, there are no kayak rentals on island from Islands! Area along the trail it was basically all downhill Harbor offers hiking trail from. A destination hike to Pelican Bay trail is at Prisoners Harbor so visitors bring...