Channel Islands National Park
Top Spots
Hike Pelican Bay and Prisoners Harbor Trails
Ventura, California
8.8 mi
/ 1358 ft gain
There is a plethora of vegetation and wildlife to see on this hike. The Pelican Bay Hike is inside the Nature Conservancy, which requires a tour guide to access. Bring a picnic or snacks for lunch. The trails are open for use year-round. No matter when you visit, bring more water than you think you need.
Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock Trail
Ventura, California
7.45 mi
/ 1614 ft gain
Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Ventura, California.
Pelican Bay Trail
Ventura, California
4.25 mi
/ 538 ft gain
Pelican Bay Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Ventura, California.
Backpack across Santa Cruz Island
Ventura, California
5.0
15 mi
To get to Santa Cruz Island you will need to book a ferry with Island Packers. On their website you can only book roundtrip tickets in and out of the same location so for this trip you will need to call and book a ferry in to Prisoner's Harbor and out of Scorpion Anchorage. You can call them at (805) 642-1393. The roundtrip cost of the ferry is $79. You will also need to reserve the campsite...
Hike Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock
Ventura, California
7.5 mi
/ 1715 ft gain
This hike features amazing ocean views and unparalleled opportunities to see marine life and unique plant vegetation. The trail is open for use year-round, but is best used from March - November.
Santa Cruz Island is the biggest of the Channel Islands. To get there, you will take a boat from Ventura, CA.
Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campground
Ventura, California
12.58 mi
/ 2464 ft gain
Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campground is a point-to-point trail with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean located in Channel Islands National Park, California.
Santa Cruz Island: Del Norte Campground to Chinese Harbor
Ventura, California
8.09 mi
/ 1325 ft gain
Santa Cruz Island: Del Norte Campground to Chinese Harbor is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Ventura, California.
Hike El Montanon
Ventura, California
7.6 mi
/ 2214 ft gain
Bring extra layers, as exposed ridges are very windy. Trekking poles are recommended to help provide stability during strong wind gusts. The views are absolutely breathtaking. If you visit this hike after heavy rains or in the spring, wildflowers are abundant.
The trail is open year-round. The El Montanon Trail is the perfect place to find complete solitude on Santa Cruz Island. The trail even...
Explore the Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop
Ventura, California
2.1 mi
/ 288 ft gain
This short trail is a staple and a must-do for Santa Cruz Island. Watch for dolphins, seals, sea lions, whales and otters off the coast. This is a great hike for sunset. In early February, the tail end of whale migration season, you may be able to see pods of whales passing by! On land, you'll see plenty of incredible birds and the occasional island fox. After rains, parts of the trail can be m...
Places to stay
Ventura, California
Anacapa Island
Overview
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground p...
Ventura, California
Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
Overview
For a truly remote getaway full of backpacking and breathtaking scenery, take a backcountry trip to Santa Cruz Island's Del Nort...
Smugglers Road
Santa Cruz Scorpion
Overview
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly...
Unnamed Road
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Overview
Backcountry beach camping is available mid-August through December along Santa Rosa Island's extensive, beautiful, and undevelop...
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Santa Rosa Island
Overview
Tucked away in a canyon to protect visitors from strong northwest winds, Water Canyon Campground offers exceptional island views...
Snyder Trail
Sage Hill
Overview
Nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range, Sage Hill Campground is a great group camping spot with easy access to the Santa Ynez ...
Guides and stories
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Channel Islands National Park
- The best backpacking in Channel Islands National Park
- The best camping in Channel Islands National Park
- Top adventures in Channel Islands National Park
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