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Potato Harbor Trail

Ventura, California

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

4.34 miles

Elevation Gain

404 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tiffany Nguyen

The Channel Islands are some of Southern California's best-kept secrets and are only a one-hour boat ride away from Ventura Harbor in Southern California. Enjoy easy, scenic hikes like Potato Harbor Trail with rewarding coastal views, and diverse scenery. You can also kayak through the huge, awe-inspiring sea caves alongside the sea lions who make them their home.

As California’s largest island, Santa Cruz Island of the Channel Islands is the perfect little getaway from Los Angeles. Getting to the island is possible only by a one hour boat ride through Island Packers, click here to find out more about them. Be sure to pack light since you’ll be carrying everything onto the boat and to your campsite on your own. It is also highly recommended to call and reserve a kayak with one of the companies at the harbor before your departure date.

Santa Cruz Island offers several campsites depending on the type of excursion you’re looking for. For easy access to both day hikes and kayaking, Scorpion Campsite is the best choice for only $15.00 a night, click here for reservations and more. Potable water which is very cold and clean is available at the campsite so there’s no need to bring your own water. No campfires are allowed so bring your own camp stove or plan to bring food that doesn’t require heat.

The most rewarding hikes on the island also happen to be the easiest. Potato Harbor Trail to Potato Harbor Overlook is 4.5 miles roundtrip with very easy terrain and only 600 feet of elevation gain. The well-marked trail starts at Scorpion Campground. Head west and follow the signs towards Potato Harbor. Once you reach the Overlook, take your time to peer over the cliffside and soak in the stunning sight of the crystal-clear harbor below.

Other worthwhile hikes are Cavern Point and Smuggler’s Cove. Cavern Point is an extremely easy 2-mile loop hike that takes you to the northernmost point on the island featuring sweeping coastal vistas. It can easily be added to your hike to Potato Harbor. Smuggler’s Cove is a strenuous ~8-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike taking you to the southern side of the island. At the very least, start the trail that begins directly to the east of Scorpion Anchorage to the top of the first hill to enjoy the striking view of Scorpion Rock.

One of the most essential activities on the island is kayaking through the numerous sea caves carved out of the northern face of the island’s cliff sides. Kayak companies on the island offer guided tours or you can venture out and explore the caves on your own.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Kayaking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Family Friendly
Scenic
Wildflowers

Potato Harbor Trail Reviews

Santa Cruz is the first of the Channel Islands I visited, very remote and beautiful. Very different from the landscape you find in California, lush rolling hills. The boat ride was a great experience too, watching dolphins and even a whale playing in front of our boat. I would definitely recommend spending a night here and strolling around on the recommended hikes!

If you're visiting SoCal, just skip LA and come here. You pull up to the island feeling like you're visiting Jurassic Park.. Absolutely amazing. At any given point the island has no more than 150 people or so, which isn't much looking at the massive size. Top 5 favorite parks in the US

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Scorpion Ranch Campground

Potato Harbor via North Bluff Trail

Smuggler's Cove

Cavern Point & Potato Harbor Loop

Kayak Santa Cruz Island

Prisoner's Cove to Scorpion Anchorage