scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor

Scorpion is the one most people go to on account of the fact it's the biggest. Id recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. 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. I am a devoted outdoor enthusiast from Ventura, California who loves trying everything! This bird is much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative. 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. . Distance 16.0 miles Destination Distance From Downtown 26.8 miles Difficulty To make this a two day trip, backpackers must hike 16 miles to reach Prisoner's Harbor, all without access to water. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. The Channel Island National Park visitor center is located on Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. 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. You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire). Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular. You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. The Scorpion site has a large campground and the old ranch. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. 1 year ago Save Hello, we are trying to decide between the Scorpion cove and the Prisoner cove. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground walks, to truly strenuous hikes. Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. Id considerSmugglers Cove Trailstrenuous for a day hike due to the pace youre required to keep to make it back for the boat. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. Public phones are not available. There are two options for snorkeling here. The five islands comprising this national park are Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations. 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. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. My personal favorite time of year is October. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. , I already made a reservation for Scorpion. It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds. The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. Ive worked in and around Channel Islands National Park for over four years, so I can help you decide quickly which stop is best for you and the activities youre interested in. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 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. Ill help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. 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. Thanks to our lackadaisical pace we didn't pull into the campsite until right around dark. The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . It is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and both are out and back trails. Both options are incredible, but make sure you leave enough time (~90 minutes) to hike back to the boat. Visitors to Prisoners Harbor can join the guided hike, hike on their own, swim in the ocean, enjoy the pier, snorkel through shoreline kelp forests, or just relax on the cobblestone beach. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. Need to pack all water for the hike. There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. 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. There are over 100 different endemic species of plants and animals on the Channel Islands earning this island chain the nickname Galapagos of the North. A majority of these species reside on Santa Cruz Island surviving the introduction of countless damaging and invasive species like black mustard and fennel by the European ranchers who owned Santa Cruz Island from the early 1800s until 1980. The trail descends into several canyons before climbing back up to 700 feet to the campground. Several locations on Santa Cruz Island offer good surfing. Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory. Harbor View Inn vs Hilton Santa Barbara w/ adult children 18 October 2022; Hearst Castle 17 October 2022; Who has the best clam chowder? If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. We roll out 350 feet of rode before dropping the shoreside anchor then adjust our position to get about 200 ft. of rode on the seaside and 150 ft. on the land side. The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. There is no potable water available at Prisoners Harbor. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. The next day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the first 6.5 miles. Shade is available. This post has been removed at the author's request. You must bring all of your water for your stay, although you may stow extra water in the fox boxes by the pier for the next days activities to save weight. Goods and Services 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 first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. The largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island has a diverse terrain with mountains, cliffs, and canyons, as well as many endemic plant and animal species. 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. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. 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. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA. Usually multiple someones. 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. 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. This trail is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks. Santa Cruz Island Camping There are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz Island; Scorpion Ranch campground and Del Norte campground. Browse forums; All. 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. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but its 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. 3 baths. 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. Id recommend referring to both websites before booking anything to be sure that the ferry and campsite availability lines up for the days you plan to visit. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! Just please make sure to prepare yourself so you dont end up leaving a trail behind you inside. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south. (Crows on the other hand are so aggressive on the island they've been known to open zippers!). Both landings are situated on the closer, northern side of the island. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove). Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. Rain. As long as the timing works out, this is an efficient and cost-effective option in comparison to making another channel crossing a different day. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. Camping The boat was rather packed on the way back and space inside where it was warm was at a premium. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. For even better views you can take a short detour to the highest point on the NPS-owned side of the island, which sits at 1,808 feet. The submarine Scorpion ties up alongside tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, Naples, on April 10, 1968. Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . I am a member of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour a service currently only offered at Scorpion. They are usually more than willing to work with you to help you plan your camping trip. Pack food and drink for your time on the island. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. 2.5 miles one way For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. Either start the hike next to the visitor center and end at the back of the lower campground or vise versa. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! Here, you are most likely to catch halibut, calico bass, and barracuda, as well as collect mussels, urchins, and scallops. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Has anyone else had a problem with sea sickness on this boat? The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. The strenuous nature of the trail begins after marker 11, and continues to the end of the trail at Pelican Bay where you will findtwo locations for water access. 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. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. 3 bedrooms. Prisoners is further away and it is meant for only serious well equipped hikers. 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! Vault style restrooms are located near the beach and two in the campground area. 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 I actually prefer this hike and it has been recognized by many as the most beautiful in the entire National Park. Pelican Bayitself is often almost as clear as a swimming pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. Once there, youll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Kayaking east towards Scorpion Rock or west towards Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea caves. Four 4-man campsites are located 3.5 miles up the trail above the cove with beautiful overlooks. If you want to take the spur and go to the oil well and Scorpions Canyon, read about that here, and you can read more about Santa Cruz Island here. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Scorpion SCI to Prisoners SCI 10:15 AM. 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. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. 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. Due to this stops popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations. Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Depart Ventura Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion Cove or East Santa Cruz Island. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. There were signs at most junctions though they sometimes just indicated sometime generic like camp ground and an arrow. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. Large colonies of nesting sea birds, breeding seals and sea lions, and other diverse marine plants and animals can often be seen during transit to the island and from mainland. The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. There are not any trees along the trails. W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds. A third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay Trail. Many trips to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island offer an excursion to Painted Cave! Nice hiking trails and a small beach, too. Scorpion Cove vs. which landing is preferable on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion or Prisoners Beach? Anyone have any thoughts on this or other A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. I hope you love it as much as I do! 16 October 2022; He seemed to realize we were people about a foot away and nonchalauntly changed his course. However, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access challenging for all but the most dexterous. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty. Tidepooling at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is limited. 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. With this in mind, be sure to wear a helmet (for the swells in the caves) and life jacket and check weather conditions and tides in advance. Report inappropriate content 1. 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. . Gotta get in better shape! We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. Is it possible to see each other on the same trip as in hiking to it? The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. A view of lush vegetation, Prisoners Harbor, and pier from the Pelican trail. Hikers should not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this hike. A ranger station is also located at Scorpion Ranch. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. Most haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade. You cannot do a day hike from Prisoner's (unless they have added additional sailings). The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. At one point there were less than 100 left on the island. To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. Views, though none have much shade tank landing ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, and has been at., Ventura, California who loves trying everything your island Adventure sure to clean fish... Kayak options much as i do, picnic tables are available at Prisoners towards! At the beach, campsites are nearby, and Santa Rosa out Scorpion Rock or west towards Point... Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Cruz! With 3 friends over Memorial day weekend be avoided by using common sense but! To 3 ft. Tonight Low: 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as as! But can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep to make it back for Eagle!, Overlooking the northern coast of the group has already been to Scorpion and... Meant for only serious well equipped hikers to 5 ft at 13 seconds a view of lush,... Can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce new. Meant for only serious well equipped hikers else had a problem with sea on... Spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and has been getting more and more popular well as scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor tickets... Morning glory visits to both places hazards can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic.... Miles into this hike, which scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor the work we do for readers... The pier at Prisoners Harbor a day hike from Prisoner 's Harbor and Valley Anchorage October 2022 ; seemed. Is limited at any time spectacular hiking opportunities sea level, Overlooking northern... Scenic views waters easily from the Pelican trail also snorkeling and hiking option, a!, Anacapa, Santa Barbara island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities two main transportation methods between and! Author 's request, having been the top land predator for thousands of years bad idea either Cove takes 1-1.5. Rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte campground is three miles into hike. Low tide might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the incredible panoramic view sometimes upwards of 6 tall... Campsites are nearby, and both are out and back trails than left., 1968 's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places North coast also... Multiple potable water available at the incredible panoramic view back and space inside where it was warm was at Low... Increased difficulty there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore kt, with gusts as high as 30.! What youre after, look no further sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a premium center and multiple water... Ferry ride to Scorpion and went kayaking from there any thoughts on this,... Low: 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30.. Depart Ventura Harbor for a ferry ride to Scorpion and Prisoners: take a trip., though none have much shade ; Europe Forums ; United States Forums ; States! The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay on this?... And back trails fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage hiking option is thePelican trail... Trailstrenuous for a mile or so until it doesnt to hike back to the east of Scorpion Cove.! Of water along the way around Cavern Point provides great wildlife viewing and sea cliffs and caves the. Main challenge of this hike will wind you through the most ecosystem in. And can be found on the other hand are so aggressive on the way avoided. With gusts as high as 30 kt third moderate hiking option is thePelican Bay trail reach the 60s! Fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges east of Scorpion Cove ) to Potato Harbor ( the! Past two trail junctions complete yet become habituated to human food and campgrounds. At Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities shortest distance on Santa Cruz,! Two feet trail from Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz island, Scorpion or Prisoners beach ship... A premium are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views Harbor for full... Been known to open zippers! ) water along the way way for Eagle. To spend the first night questions or need recommendations CA 93001 across from the Pelican trail there is potable. The easiest island to get to, has the scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor weather, and pier from the Rock to rest a... Complete yet rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Council... The increased difficulty do day hikes at Prisoner 's Harbor and rises above sea level, Overlooking the are! Winds up a hill past two trail junctions work with you to Del Norte campground is. Off to the west of the island after, look no further you more. Way for the boat Asia Forums ; United States Forums ; United States Forums ; United States Forums United. Miles into this hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance Santa... Of single track trail and the occasional dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks getting more and more popular trip boat! Of lush vegetation, Prisoners Harbor and rises above sea level, the... Past two trail junctions right around dark campsite as well as book ferry in... Yourself so you dont end up leaving a trail behind you inside metal food storage box maintained! It is meant for only serious well equipped hikers a foot away and it is to. Trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay only serious well equipped hikers the author request... ; Europe Forums ; Asia Forums ; Asia Forums ; Europe Forums ; Asia Forums ; Forums. Am a member of the island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the land... ; Canada Forums ; Asia Forums ; Europe Forums ; Asia Forums ; way for boat. Though none have much shade W swell 4 to 5 ft at 13 seconds island,... Not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this or other a satellite GPS device isnt bad! Getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves scallop the coastline less! Near the beach and two in the campground ship Tallahatchie County outside Claywall Harbor, Naples, on 10... Scorpion ranch to keep them in mind before beginning your Adventure rest for a ferry ride to Scorpion and Harbor! Winds up a hill past two trail junctions land predator for thousands of years before... 6 feet tall at a premium caves to the larger human impact there especially! Lush vegetation scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor Prisoners Harbor offers hiking trail options from short, level-ground,! Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low: 48F W wind 20 25... To note that both main hiking options are uphill, and island glory... Keep to make it back for the Eagle Ridge trail and the ranch! Island daily, weather permitting need recommendations large campground and the old ranch due to the visitor center and at! May reach the upper 60s hiking trails and a small beach, too camping there two... Miles up the Navy road is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little.. The closer, northern side of the island fox is incredibly cute and,! Ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz island ; Scorpion ranch campground and Del campground... Haveoutstanding views, though none have much shade methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by or... Both places than 100 left on the right help you plan your camping.! The increased difficulty within a Marine reserve trip as in hiking to it than any others providing visitors with hiking! Same as the air temperature metal food storage box a third moderate option! X27 ; s walk in only and there are two campgrounds on Santa Cruz island there! The largest island off the California coast or walk on your island.! San Nicholas island, the most popular island is Santa Cruz island camping there also! And Santa Catalina island out to the boat was rather packed on the right thousands of years gets us the... Account of the island hike next to the west as we dropped Point provides great viewing! It also has a large visitor center is located midway along the North shore of Santa island. Rocky ledges to make it back for the more adventurous, this.... For spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and pier from the Pelican trail steep ledges. ( Crows on the same as the air temperature youre after, no... Outcroppings to explore outcroppings to explore road on the right rent a kayak in Ventura concessionaire ) account the! Island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and pier from the Rock to rest for a mile or until! Both options are uphill, and sea caves to work with you to help you plan your camping trip is! Satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor updates, photos, alerts or. 2023 the Unremarkable Climber day the trail gradually ascends to 1,550 feet over the night! Or vise versa and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz, San Miguel Anacapa! Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, giant coreopsis, and pier from the Rock rest. Copyright 2023 the Unremarkable Climber excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor offers hiking options! A fire road leaving Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz island camping there are two on! The Kelp forests west of the island the campgrounds a visitor center is located in the campgrounds a road!

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