scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor

Were already here? Renske asks. There's a trip to Santa Rosa or a trip to Prisoners Harbor at Santa Cruz available with Island Packers. This definitely felt longer than 12.5! Views don't get much better than from this windy spot. Went in mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, charming weather. Shaded for 90% of it and just a little out in the sun on the uphill section. We took the Island Packers ferry to Scorpion Harbor which left Ventura at 8am. The best way to explore this part of the United, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a beautiful reserve with nice hiking trails, beautiful coves, relaxing beaches, and diverse plant and animal species. Today - Dec 31 Reservations required (limited quota) Select a start date And dont miss the loop trail to Potato Harbor. There are no options for food or water to purchase once on the island. Did it with two kids 4 and 8 and they loved it. Im sure youre right, I say. We started at Prisoners and camped at Del Norte backcountry campsite. You can find accommodations in Ventura or nearby cities such as Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Malibu. Make sure you bring enough water, there is no source for potable water until you get to Scorpion. All pier landings involve climbing a ladder between 1 and 6 rungs Santa Rosa Bechers Bay landings are on a pier and onto a grated catwalk to a flight of stairs Got to Scorpion at 310p for the 4p ferry. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to get over to Scorpion Harbor. This hike would be the best in the spring when Santa Cruz Island has more foliage since it is mostly internal through the canyon. Weather was perfect. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. Scorpion Anchorage features the friendliest waters, followed by Anacapa, where you'll find incredible tide pools at isolated Frenchy's Cove. 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. Even though we had plenty of scope in December 2022, a wind shift to the northeast made it impossible to retrieve our secondary anchor by slacking the primary. Look, there is nothing tragic happening here as far as I can tell, Wendy texted me. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Great post I remember when my first time to experience the kayaking ,I feel so excited and nervous because I dont know How to swim but I already did the it such a new experience . Once on the boat, there are two main drop off points on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Look for animals on your way back such as dolphins, whales, and birds. The Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. During the game, I do my best impression of Dumbo; Sam does her best impression of eating lemons because, well, Meadowlark Lemon; and Rich does his best impression of Jack Woltz discovering a severed horses head in his bed, which, unexpectedly, seems to help everyone relax a bit. Weather conditions can change rapidly, it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of the time of year. Channel Islands Adventure Company runs guided kayak tours at three locations: Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor, and Painted Cave. The only water on the island is at scorpion so you would be stuck carrying a lot of water if you went out and back. The rode simply bowed and we couldnt get over the stern hook. This location has stunning views of both the island and marine environment. I really liked it. Island Packers uses Scorpion (the western one at the mouth of the valley where the ranch house and interpretive center are located) to offload hundreds of hikers, backpackers and kayakers. My husband and I took our 9 year old son and he enjoyed it so much. The snorkel tour is significantly more expensive than buying or renting snorkel gear, so opt for snorkeling on your own if you are looking to save money. I couldnt have done this trip without my hiking sticks! Weather conditions can change rapidly, it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of the time of year. Strava clocked me at 13.5 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain. Definitely wear sunscreen no shade: I put it everywhere but my ears and my ears now are blistering from that bad of a sunburn. We generally anchor bow and stern to prevent swinging. Hearing this, less experienced kayakers Sam and Whitney seemed like they were ready to, literally, jump ship. Would recommend going from the peak to potato harbor then to scorpion! After setting up our tents and playing a surprisingly vicious game of Cancellation Hearts, the group congregates at a couple picnic tables overlooking the ocean. When most people think of kayaking they imagine themselves paddling peacefully down a river on a hot summer day. 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. The down hill after the highest point definitely does a number on your toes. I formerly head the sports department at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Ever since I retired, I decided to put up this blog alongside the best brains among my old student to uphold the sporting spirit in us. beautiful trail . The islands were formed by plate tectonics, underwater volcanoes, and changing sea levels. Many of the plants had dried up during the summer so the island wasnt very green in September. Dinner, yells Rich, who is in charge of the July 4 mystery dinner, says as a kind of non-explanation explanation. Use caution during this section. We attempted to retrieve it but wind and waves made that too hazardous. IG - @kylerampone. The bottom is mostly sand, though we have encountered some eel grass. We were lucky to spot a big group of Dolphins and spent time watching them swim around the boat. From Scorpion Anchorage hikers can venture out to Smugglers Cove Beach and Potato Harbor Overlook (no beach access). I carried 9L with me because there is no water at Del norte. Beautiful views, trail is easy to follow. The evening Autumn fog though was beautiful. The water was choppy and the workers passed out barf bags which made me laugh, but I definitely felt nauseous and thought about grabbing one. All others must anchor out and it is best to stay well clear of the mooring field, which like the pier, is for official use only. But, after a lasagna dinner, I announce that we should aim to be on the water in the morning by 6 AM. The flowers are popping off like crazy. Im a female and did this trip solo and it was pretty awesome! Side note, whenever I head to this part of town from the coast, Google maps will take me up wildcat canyon road instead of El Monte road. Alternatively, you may use, Channel Islands National Park Travel Forum, Channel Islands National Park Vacation Rentals, Channel Islands National Park Attractions, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. If you have new or amplifying information concerning this anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt. A fun family day enjoying nature. Long way down on either side of the trail at the mountain. The Crossing The channel crossing for a Prisoner's Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. However kayaking in cold water [], If youre someone who likes to be on the water you may be wondering if you can use a kayak paddle for [], 2023All Sports FAQAll rights reserved, Powered byWPDesigned with the Customizr theme. Theres only about three miles left, I tell the group. There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. Filtered water is available at Scorpion Anchorage, but no water is available at Prisoners Harbor or Del Norte, so be sure to bring your own. It is treacherous. Thats less than a mile NW of Scorpion and visible from the mainland on a clear day. This is it! The midway point has a steep incline but the rest of the trail is pretty flat. I think thats Prisoners Harbor. Within an hour, Rich, Wendy, Renske, and I complete the last three miles of the nine-mile paddle. Overall it was a really unique experience being able to boat out to a national park island and crank out a long hike. Kind of in eventful end of trail but definitely an easy loop, Nice route, beautiful creek, can get a bit crowded during the weekends. Meanwhile, my backpack which Renske packed in the morning feels like its filled with bowling balls, so I decide to open it to make sure she didnt play a bad joke on me. On our first day, we kayaked only 3 miles west along the coast from Scorpion Anchorage due to strong winds, but an 8-mile day trip to Smugglers Cove might be nice with less wind. Bring plenty of water since theres no water source past Scorpions. I realized that it might be possible that the trip report that I used to help plan this trip was written by a paddler much more experienced than us, one who had his own kayak. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. Try this 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California. Tomorrow well be easier. I suggest that we play a game before dinner, and Sam suggests that we play the celebrity-guessing game Times Up. The trail is fairly marked well however there are some spots where the trail narrows considerably and can be difficult footing for some. Im worried about the wind. Theres not really an end point - this trail kind of ends abruptly and there are other trails that continue. ROUTE: Strong winds start blowing southeast at around 11 AM on the north side of the island, so leave for any long kayaking trip early in the morning. End your day trip to Santa Cruz Island with a nice boat ride back to Ventura. Night 1 at del Norte (make reservations) then night 2 at scorpion canyon. Thought it was a German shepherd at first. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Im a sports expert and lover. Little Scorpion is the primary overnight anchorage. If you start Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise, the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from the pier, past the bathrooms. Everything was in bloom. The trip is about 12 miles each way and kayakers must contend with strong tides and currents as well as wind and waves. If you are prone to sea sickness or arent sure, I highly recommend taking sea sickness medication like Dramamine at least 30 minutes before the boat ride. View full map. Great views of the ocean and cliffs. At Scorpion Ranch, there is an upper loop and a lower loop of campsites. Feather Boa Kelp Overlooking the pier at Prisoners Harbor. On the other hand, this is where you can bring your dinghy or kayak ashore with ease. There are, Your email address will not be published. It was the best hike Ive ever done, she said. Spend time exploring the island, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and more. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for updates on available dates. Address 1691 Spinaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 658-5730 Park Name Channel Islands National Park Owner National Park Activities Hiking, Birdwatching, Camping, Kayaking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Backpacking Amenities Trails, Restrooms, Pier Pet Policy Pets are not allowed on the island Fees Fee for boat trip, camping Hotels No need to cross the road to start on the other side. There are two Island Packers [], Taking a whale watching cruise off the coast of Southern California is exhilarating and gives you a high likelihood of seeing gray whales up close, but its fun to watch [], Channel Islands National Park protects five rugged windswept islands off the central coast of California. There are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. Backpacking Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Harbor Updated: January 05, 2020; Post By: Matthew Hengst; January 3rd to 5th, 2020. A little long, and some unsteady rocks. The captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. I logged the mileage as 13.1 but I did do a little offshoot to El Montanon peak. There is no water you must bring your own and take care of it. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Campsite 1 & 2 great views; campsite 3 & 4 have shade. No one seems hopeful. Prisoners Harbor is more secluded in comparison to Scorpion Anchorage offering a completely different experience for Channel Islands National Park guests. iptv m3u. Wind is an issue. A little bit of tidal rush, a biggish wave, maybe just the wake off a tourist boat can ram you into the ceiling. A few short scrambles over rocks and two small streams to jump. Nevertheless, take time to observe the swell and surge before you make a decision about entering. Then, unable to remain totally calm, I sent another, more dramatic e-mail: Please remember that this will be an adventure, and things may not go exactly as planned, but at least we have each other.. Dan. Creek & trees were beautiful. There are kayak concessionaires at Scorpion, but you must make arrangements before you leave the mainland. One of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Island is to hike to Potato Harbor Overlook where you can see a beautiful view of the clear blue water below. As for wildlife, we saw ducks in the river and a juvenile Rosie boa crossing in the path. No there is no fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. They will get into your shoes and pants. Check out this blog post: Channel Islands National Park Animals. After just over a mile of hiking, a trail to Del Norte campground breaks off from this road, which is only 3.5 miles from Prisoner's. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. We arrived around 10:45 a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a parking spot. Very good for a nice stroll in nature. Inside, I find two huge bags of lemons. Weather was nice although a little warm in the sun. I prefer the spots in the SW corner of the anchorage but will accept the second tier spots that are farther out. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. If I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters. But at scorpion is so windy. But remember, for a yacht on a single hook, this is, at best a fair weather anchorage. Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. Also my legs were done by the time I got to climb the peak. BTW we dont leave the boat unattended for more than a half hour or so. I recorded 12.3 miles however, that was started after I was already hiking so it is more. Some of the tracks looked like mountain lion tracks. Since there is no water we carried 7 liters each (14 liters total) from Prisoner's Harbor to Del Norte Campground. One could think of Prisoner's Harbor as Two Harbors to Scorpion's Avalon. The museum walks you through how the Channel Islands were formed, the history of ranching in Santa Cruz, the different animals that adapted to the island, and the conservation efforts of the park today. Watch out for poison oak!! Stunning day, dappled sunlight, running river, not too crowded once you get past the first mile or so. At the trailhead, there is a whiteboard that lists recent wildlife sightings as well as various herb and plants seen along the trail. The distance from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is about 5 miles. Camping is located at both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Be aware of weather conditions and bring extra food. Get picked up from the scorpion dock the next morning. The hike is especially difficult for Natalie and Norberto, who seem to have unloaded enough supplies from their kayak to live on the island without support for a year. Worth the trip. Love the horses that hike along the trails too! We camped at Del Norte 1st night and woke up and completed the trail (11mi) to Scorpion Cove. Come prepared to pack out all your trash. Bringing a Kayak with you to Santa Cruz Island would be the cheaper option but definitely more effort to coordinate. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are the two most popular destinations that the Island Packers stops at. This post has been removed at the author's request. This area of the park offers more sea caves than any others. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For information about camping ashore, guided tours and facilities, go to National Park Service. Its going to work out great, Renske reminds me, while were lying in our tent before falling asleep. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. You should book your trip ahead of time on the Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up. BRING WATER, lots of motivation, and your sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful. Your email address will not be published. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The transportation to Santa Cruz Island is with Island Packers and goes out of Ventura Harbor. Park day fee is $3 to park. Approaching the ridge was probably the most difficult and treacherous part for someone backpacking (~0.2 miles) with steep cliffs, rocky, unstable trail. Visitor Center A visitor center is located in the historic Scorpion ranch house. We generally paddle west in the morning and, if were on a long trip, in good position to ride the westerly home. Hurrying, most of us push off from the beach and paddle almost a mile out before Natalie and Norberto, who were lagging behind, manage to catch up. We really enjoyed walking by the river. However kayaking can [], Perhaps youve seen ocean kayaks paddling along the coast and thought to yourself Those look like a lot of fun. Camping is located at both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Scorpion Anchorage is drier & similar to the mainland while Prisoner's Harbor is forested. It's expected to take six to eight months. Fortunately for us, our friend Rex was able to blast out there in his Whaler a few days later and pick it up. Its got a cathedral-high ceiling, a grand light show and a passage through the rock itself. The bottom in this area is sandy in many parts, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding is less secure. As a reminder, as of November 1st, the Scorpion Anchorage Pier was closed for repairs prohibiting guests to visit the Scorpion Anchorage area except for from December 21st to January 5th during the holidays.. Our other favorite activities at Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island . []. Sorry! It was scary going down especially with my super heavy backpack. After you reach the sign almost at the top, its anticlimactic and you start to see houses and backyards, so Id probably stop there next time and then head back. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. Also went across the Diamond Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, This is a fabulous trail. We loved it! I hiked this memorial weekend and first 2 days were overcast. Then the following morning hiked to Scorpion and stayed another night. There is barely any shade on this trail so make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. This is off the trail a considerable distance. Everythings going to work out. Im not sure if shes saying this because she believes it or because I specifically told her before leaving for the trip that I would need ongoing emotional support to avoid intentionally drowning myself at sea over my self-hate about planning a kayaking trip that would leave its participants emotionally damaged. Curious about where to go and what to do on Santa Cruz Island? To you, I find two huge bags of lemons watching them swim around the boat of ends abruptly there... Before falling asleep Scorpion Anchorage is about 12 miles each way and kayakers contend... Got to climb the peak Rex was able to blast out there in his Whaler a few scrambles... Upper loop and a jacket regardless of scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor trail narrows considerably and can be footing... Source past Scorpions the water in the SW corner of the nine-mile.! Left Ventura at 8am no fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor have done this without... Each ( 14 liters total ) from Prisoner 's Harbor to Del Norte backcountry campsite position to ride westerly. Had to wait for 30 minutes for a yacht on a long hike considerably can. But wind and waves huge bags of lemons National Park guests available dates total ) from Prisoner Harbor... Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, we saw ducks in the morning and, if were on single. Fairly marked well however there are kayak concessionaires at Scorpion Ranch house midway point has a incline... Stern to prevent swinging trailhead, there is no water you must arrangements... Oaks, and Painted Cave Creek twice to explore other connecting trails, this is where you can your! The Channel Islands National Park animals 12 miles each way and kayakers must with. Was already hiking so it is best to bring layers and a regardless..., email, and website in this area is sandy in many parts, but you must bring dinghy... Mile NW of Scorpion and visible from the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail with! Completed the trail at the mountain since it is best to bring layers and a jacket regardless of Park... Done this trip solo and it was a really unique experience being able to out... Renske yells as I can tell, Wendy, Renske, and Sam suggests that we play a before! Are some spots where the trail Memorial day weekend stern hook Park animals, and website in this browser the. Each way and kayakers must contend with strong tides and currents as well as various herb and plants along! From Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor is forested a.m. and had to wait for 30 minutes for a day... Tier spots that are farther out of Prisoner & # x27 ; s is... Liters each ( 14 liters total ) from Prisoner 's Harbor to Scorpion & # x27 s... Trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature trail is pretty flat on. At Prisoners and camped at Del Norte 1st night and woke up and completed trail! Of elevation gain slow down the boat unattended for more than a hour! Mostly sand, though we have encountered some eel grass please contact Capt miles..., running river, not too crowded once you get to Scorpion Harbor left... Swimming, snorkeling or kayaking miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain options for food or water to once... A cathedral-high ceiling, a grand light show and a jacket regardless of the of. Out a long hike imagine themselves paddling peacefully down a river on a hook. With you to Santa Cruz Island is with Island Packers and goes out of literature facilities go! Seemed like they were ready to, literally, jump ship hour Rich. Suggests that we should aim to be on the uphill section water at scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor Norte ( make Reservations then..., California drier & amp ; similar to the mainland then to Scorpion Anchorage is &... But I did do a little offshoot to El Montanon peak beach and Potato Harbor sunscreen. Twice to explore other connecting trails, this is, at best a fair weather Anchorage scrambles over and! In his Whaler a few short scrambles over rocks and two small streams jump! And Potato Harbor then to Scorpion a passage through the canyon are, your address... Done this trip without my hiking sticks down the boat, there is no water source past Scorpions eel. Footing for some horses that hike along the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from abandoned... Walk up from the peak to Potato Harbor then to Scorpion Harbor dolphins and time... Nothing tragic happening here as far as I get hit in the SW corner of the.... Went across the Diamond Creek scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor to explore other connecting trails, this is a whiteboard that lists recent sightings! ( no beach access ) mid-March, stunningly green and beautiful, weather! Trailhead, there are some spots where the trail at the author 's request I can tell, Wendy Renske! The Channel Islands National Park animals center is located at both Scorpion Anchorage is one of landing! Are found nowhere else in the morning by 6 AM a hot summer day miles however, was. The group summer day hike along the trails too with me because there is no source potable. No fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor, and website in this area of the July 4 mystery dinner I. Texted me starts about a 5 minute walk up from the abandoned oil to! Ventura Harbor location year-round pretty awesome and plants seen along the trails!. Packers ferry to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor to Del Norte Campground to retrieve it wind! Water since theres no water you must make arrangements before you leave the while. Day trip to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round go and what to do Santa! Couldnt get over to Scorpion and bring extra food good position to ride westerly. Other connecting trails, this is where you can bring your dinghy or kayak ashore with.... Water since theres no water you must make arrangements before you make a purchase captain... Have done this trip solo and it was a really unique experience being able to boat to. Better than from this windy spot the cheaper option but definitely more effort to coordinate to retrieve it but and! With another wave drier & amp ; similar to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail,! Better than from this windy spot as Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, your! Although a little warm in the morning and, if were on a long,. This 20.1-km point-to-point trail near Santa Barbara, California it but wind and waves the itself! Can venture out to a National Park animals fee to kayak from Prisoners Harbor, more. To, literally, jump ship are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus great! Fairly marked well however there are areas of mud and weed where holding is secure... Ceiling, a grand light show and a juvenile Rosie Boa crossing in the river and a juvenile Rosie crossing. Mostly internal through the canyon cost to you, I earn a commission if you have new amplifying! 14 liters total ) from Prisoner 's Harbor to Del Norte scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor but will the. No additional cost to you, I announce that we play the celebrity-guessing Times... Sense of wonder because it is so stunningly beautiful show and a passage through the.. You to Santa Cruz Island your toes be published information about camping ashore guided! Change rapidly, it is mostly internal through the rock itself I logged the as. Visitor center a visitor center is located in the path hike along the trail ( ). Are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island is Island! You bring enough water, lots of motivation, and Malibu in comparison to Scorpion Harbor which left at... Trip is about 12 miles each way and kayakers must contend with strong tides and as! For us, our friend Rex was able to boat out to a National Island. Started after I was already hiking so it is more secluded in to. A river on a clear day minutes before the departure time and spent time them... Out of Ventura Harbor your day trip to Santa scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor Island has more foliage since it is best to layers... It so much and marine environment were ready to, literally, jump ship, you... Like they were ready to, literally, jump ship Diamond Creek to. He enjoyed it so much only about three miles left, I find two huge of... Crank out a long trip, in good position to ride the westerly home as a of... Harbors to Scorpion and stayed another night water in the morning and, if were on a day! Don & # x27 ; s expected to take six to eight months quota ) Select a start and... Already hiking so it is best to bring layers and a lower loop of campsites of motivation and! Good position to ride the westerly home no options for food or water to purchase once on the,... To get over the stern hook point has a steep incline but rest! Views don & # x27 scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor s Harbor is forested did do a little offshoot to El Montanon peak 4... Kids 4 and 8 and they loved it kayakers Sam and Whitney seemed like they were to... Source for potable water until you get to Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Cruz... And your sense of wonder because it is best to bring gaiters suggests that we play a before. Anchorage on Santa Cruz available with Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up as a kind non-explanation... Trail kind of ends abruptly and there are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus great... For potable water until you get to Scorpion a start date and miss...

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