Photo: Craig Baker, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Five islands off the Southern California coast, with no cars, no stores and some of the clearest water on the West Coast. Island foxes found nowhere else, sea caves, wildflower-covered headlands and whale spouts on the ride out make the boat trip worth it. Most people come for a day on Santa Cruz or Anacapa, about an hour or more by boat from Ventura or Oxnard. Camping overnight gives you the quiet hours after the last boat leaves. Bring everything you need, including all your water on Anacapa.
TRAILS
1 OF 5
Inspiration Point
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1.5 mi
Elevation gain
150 ft
Anacapa Island · Landing Cove — After climbing the steep stairway up from the landing cove, follow the flat trail across East Anacapa to a viewpoint over Middle and West Anacapa stretched out in a line across the sea. It is one of the most photographed views in the park. Add the short spurs to Cathedral Cove, Pinniped Point and the 1932 lighthouse. In spring, nesting western gulls are everywhere and loud; stay on the trail.
⚠︎ Boat access only. No water, shade or beaches on Anacapa; bring everything you need.
Photo: Derek Lohuis, National Park Service, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 5
Cavern Point Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2 mi loop
Elevation gain
400 ft
Santa Cruz Island · Scorpion Anchorage — The best short hike on Santa Cruz. The loop climbs from Scorpion Ranch to high bluffs above sea caves, with long views of the coast and, in season, whales offshore. Hike it clockwise, starting near the campground, for a gentler climb. Island foxes often trot along the trail, so keep your food packed away.
⚠︎ Boat access only. Check your return boat time before you set out.
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 5
Potato Harbor
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
5 mi
Elevation gain
500 ft
Santa Cruz Island · Scorpion Anchorage — A longer walk across rolling grassland to an overlook above a perfect oval cove with turquoise water far below. Combine it with Cavern Point by following the North Bluff Trail between them. There is no way down to the water here. Stay well back from the crumbly cliff edges.
Photo: Björn S..., CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 5
Scorpion Canyon Loop
Difficulty
Hard
Length
4.5 mi loop
Elevation gain
900 ft
Santa Cruz Island · Scorpion Anchorage — A loop into the island's interior, up a ridge road and down a rocky canyon. It's the best chance to see the island scrub-jay, a bright blue bird that lives on Santa Cruz and nowhere else. Hike it clockwise, starting up the Smugglers Road, to avoid the steepest climb. The canyon floor is rocky and can be wet in winter.
Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 5
Water Canyon Beach
Difficulty
Easy
Length
3 mi
Elevation gain
100 ft
Santa Rosa Island · Bechers Bay pier — A flat walk from the pier past the old ranch buildings and along the coastal terrace to a two-mile sweep of white sand, often with nobody else on it. The island campground sits just up the canyon, which makes this an easy first walk after you land. The wind on Santa Rosa can be fierce, so bring a warm layer. Hikers with more time can head on to the rare Torrey pine grove or Cherry Canyon.
⚠︎ Boats and flights to Santa Rosa do not run every day, and windy days can cancel them. Plan around the schedule.
Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Channel Islands trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.