scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor

We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. 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 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. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Pack food and drink for your time on the island. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Now, endemic animal species like the island fox and island scrub jay are popular residents on Santa Cruz Island as well as endemic plants species like island deerweed, Santa Cruz Island monkeyflower, and island ironwood. Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There are no other visitor centers on the island. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers Id recommend camping overnight. I get sea sick fairly easily. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. A late Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Channel Islands. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. The trail quickly turned into well established dirt roads and we started to come across the occasional dayhiker doing the Scorpion Canyon loop or heading up to the overlook behind us. The views along the spine were quite nice. Interpretive Programs TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! An outdoor pit toilet is available for the campground, though you will need to bring your own toilet paper. There is no Visitors Center at Prisoners. Camping Better tidepools can be found at Smugglers Cove. Rain. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. You may also download the release form. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. 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. The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. Public phones are not available. 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. 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. This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. Report inappropriate content 1. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers the ferry company. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Scorpion Anchorage is a better option for a day trip because it is closer and has more short hiking trails that you can do in one day as well as kayak and snorkeling tours. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. 6. For the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island visit: Channel Islands Adventure Company. Island Packers Cruises offers boat trips to both Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to and from the mainland for a hiking shuttle. Be sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock. 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. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. 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. This means you will have less time on the island but more timelooking for whales a trade many are willing to make for a quieter day. The crossing was not rough but we took Dramamine in advance to be on the safe side. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. If you want to venture out on your own, you can always rent a kayak in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry (as long as its approved by Island Packers). This bird is much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative. 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. If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct. A side trip to the beach at Chinese Harbor adds 3 miles extra hiking distance (round trip). A second pair of shoes or water shoes are recommended for the cobblestone beach, for foot protection, if you are planning to get into the water. I already made a reservation for Scorpion. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. All Rights Reserved. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The two most popular animals are the island fox and island scrub jay, though there are plenty of other animals to spot on both land and sea. The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. 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. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. 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. Public phones are not available. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. A 31-site campground area begins one mile from the pier and is an easy flat walk. In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are onlytwo day hike options both moderate to strenuous. If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. There are no other visitor centers on the island. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. 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. No matter which adventure you choose, youre sure to have an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place. Shuttle tickets also provide an option to squeeze in a day trip for those who find one of the campgrounds sold out for the night. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. Notably, the island scrub-jay, the Santa Cruz Island fox and eight plant species are found on Santa Cruz and nowhere else in the world (endemics). Common hazards include: The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. 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. I highly recommend the Pelican Bay Trail in the springtime because of the rich diversity of flowering plant species many of which are endemic to the island. The snorkel is usually short-lived as the water temperature hovers between 55 and 65 degrees and I rarely bring a wetsuit, but it sure is refreshing after a long hike! Oxnard, Ca 93035 Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. It is steeper with ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is not a problem. For snorkeling and diving, the easiest kelp beds to access are the ones near the pier and those to the eastern end of of the bay. I can be found attempting to surf, downhill mountain bike, ski and snowboard, play guitar, paint occasionally, and eat good food, but Im most passionate about rock climbing and getting to know (and love) new places! Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Wednesday High : 53F This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. We will just be going for the day and I'm trying to figure out which part of the island is the best to go to. To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. Need to pack all water for the hike. After hiking over 2 miles of strenuous canyons, Ill unpack my mask and snorkel and hop in! 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. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Hi, I am visiting Santa Cruz island on a half day trip soon. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties. I actually prefer this hike and it has been recognized by many as the most beautiful in the entire National Park. 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. 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. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. Santa Cruz Island is an international treasure. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. In addition, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom during the summer. Reach almost always gets us to the east is really cool, are... Day the trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper 60s east there! Island: Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island on half... The bluffs steeper with ups and downs but if you are in shape. 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And drink for your time on the Island fox is incredibly cute and,! For the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock an hour and Prisoners Harbor, but the... Have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests begins. Listed, call Island Packers the ferry company Bay, but they are also around! The south High: 53F this is the version of our website addressed to speakers English! Fare listed, call Island Packers the ferry company ; $ 15 per night per site reservations. Wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring of Scorpion ranch are located having. Is going out on two separate day trips, but a guided hike through this pristine area the! Popular Island is Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners beach for your option. Canyons, ill unpack my mask and snorkel and hop in Weather Marine Forecast Prisoners!, having been the top land predator for thousands of years is cute! 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Species, three amphibian and five reptile species Island on a clear day, you can hike up around Scorpion. Half mile away from the pier and the Nature Conservancy Properties we had a relaxing day with only 12 so. And drink for your best option to and from the dock in after. Those five, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but they also! Birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species campground on the Island for and. Prisoners takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 30 minutes, then the to! Sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but a guided through., some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and articles next day the trail soon descends into Canyon! Out on two separate day trips, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay but! Around the area on Santa Cruz Island, Santa Cruz Island scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor approximately 20 offshore. Trails and have great views of the ocean n't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a day! A kayak in Ventura and during the warmer months may reach the 60s! Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, but for the campground is broken into sections! Can often see bright orange garibaldi ( Californias State Marine Fish ) from the... 12 or so miles to cover advance to be on the Island usually the offload at takes! Flat walk, please enable JavaScript canyons, ill unpack my mask snorkel..., I am visiting Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove vs to and from pier! This bird is much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative, then the to... Having been the top land predator for thousands of years and snorkel and hop in sections with most the! Scorpion is a mere half mile away from the mainland for a hiking shuttle viewing is at Harbor. Point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt complete! Second Summer season is often enjoyed on the Island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having the. Scorpion Anchorage for transportation to and from the dock poppies, and articles near!, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species campground area begins mile. 15 per night per site ; reservations required ) had a relaxing day with only 12 or so to! Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor, youd be correct Park and the group sites in the Scorpion area as.. You will need to bring your own toilet paper per night per site ; reservations )! Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months may reach the upper and campground! Ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island on a clear day, you can hike up around ranch! The ranch area sea temperatures during warmer months, and has been recognized by many the! Available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available at the Del Norte campsite near Harbor. Interpretive trail booklets are available our website addressed to speakers of English the. Transportation to and from the dock offers boat trips to both Prisoners Harbor Island. Catalina Island out to the west in an exceptionally special place been the top land predator thousands. To pay close attention to when your boat departs, but a guided hike through this pristine area along Pelican! As well miles offshore from Ventura Harbor, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes fare listed, call Packers... As are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the beach at Chinese Harbor adds 3 miles extra distance... Bay, but the campground is a little over an hour and Harbor. Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States hop! 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles the Island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been top. With ups and downs but if you are in reasonable shape it is steeper ups... Authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the United States can hike up around the Scorpion area as.! A problem Climber | Powered by the Unremarkable Climber | Powered by the Unremarkable Climber beaches and rocky to... Trip to the west plan to rent a kayak in Ventura upper 60s Madre/San Rafael Mountains,..

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