Ventura, Ca 93001 Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. 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. More 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. 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. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Possession of a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required and all California Department of Fish and Game regulations apply.More You can do day hikes at either location. 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. 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. Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Visitor Center You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. During those months, this is my favorite trail on the island! Pack food and drink for your time on the island. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. Anacapa Island is the shortest trip and lowest risk for a rough ride. 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. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. 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. Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. Montaon Ridge Loopis quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. Hikers should not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this hike. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. Here, you are most likely to catch halibut, calico bass, and barracuda, as well as collect mussels, urchins, and scallops. Landing is via a pier at both locations. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. 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. 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. Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. February through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island are green and the native flowers in bloom. Helping the average outdoors-person find remarkable adventures in new areas around the world. Public phones are not available. Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. There is NO FRESH/Potable water at this area of the island. Scorpion Cove vs. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. Santa Cruz Island offers two primary landing sites which the vast majority of guests to the island visit. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you cant choose! 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. You will be required to climb a ladderto set foot on the island. Sounds like taking a boat to Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is a must. If youve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike toPotato Harbor Lookout. 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. There are countless little protectedcoves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap. We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. 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. Camping 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. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. The Island Fox is only about the size of a house cat and due to the fact they haven't traditionally had any predators they are active during the day. Its about nourishment and learning. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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. Zoom in to see updated info. 2021Outdoor Project. 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. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! The cove will also be closed to boats during. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. 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. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. 6. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The other campground is called Del Norte. Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island. 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. Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. 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. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. Fishing and collecting is allowed from land and from the pier with a license, and can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, as long as you follow all local fishing regulations. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. Scorpion Ranch, 2009 William Barron was a San Francisco businessman and co-owner of the company Barron, Forbes & Co. Dr. James Barron Shaw was hired to manage things, and charged by Barron to start a sheep operation. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. more. Boat Transportation Picnicking The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. Water, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. From the top of Montaon you will be able to see both the eastern and western ends of the island, Anacapa Island, and the mainland on a clear day. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. Can I hike around Prisoner's Harbor if I do a day trip from Ventura? 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