scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor

a hill. Gorgeous after the rains and a good steady incline. Some of the tracks looked like mountain lion tracks. The ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cross the channel. Nice Hike overall. Learn about the local history of the island while kayaking with a friendly guide and have a wonderful opportunity to see wildlife such as Garibaldi fish, brown pelicans, seals, sea lions, and even a bald eagle! Potato Harbor hike. Our advice is to ensure youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both are set hard. Your email address will not be published. He was trotting down the trail in my direction and then veered off towards the river. Great views. There is no water you must bring your own and take care of it. Your adventure begins on the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales. And, look, Lisa and Natalie seem to have recovered enough that they wanted more. Privately, though, I wondered whether Im only capable of planning outdoor adventure trips that scar people for life. Trail winds through old grazing grounds then connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track. Prisoners Harbor Landings are at a pier. But, when I called the Channel Islands Kayak Center three days before our departure to reconfirm the kayak rental reservation I had made months before, an employee blindsided me by telling me (for the first time) that the company discourages renters from taking kayaks more than a half-mile away from Scorpion Anchorage and that their kayaks dont have hull storage space for camping gear. Great for kayaking and snorkeling! Approaching the ridge was probably the most difficult and treacherous part for someone backpacking (~0.2 miles) with steep cliffs, rocky, unstable trail. Follow this path up and you will see incredible views of Scorpion Anchorage, the nearby Anacapa Island, and the large cliffs. It's best to check with Island Packers. Little Scorpion is a fraction of a mile east. Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. Be careful because the water spigots tend to have a lot of yellow jackets around them. 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. Remember to carry plenty of water! Theres not really an end point - this trail kind of ends abruptly and there are other trails that continue. Also, the trail starts in the lot. I invited my friends on this three-day, 24-mile, July 4 kayak-camping trip six months in advance, knowing that it would be easier to get campsites and people to commit well before the trip. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. This loop trail leaves from the eastern harbor, Scorpion Anchorage (as opposed to Mid Santa Cruz, or Prisoner's Harbor). The trail is along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay. Be aware of weather conditions and bring extra food. 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 lower loop is about a 1/2 mile hike in and the upper loop is about a mile, depending on where your site is located inside the loop. Saw a coyote on the trail (2/13/23). The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Napa Valley offers the perfect weekend getaway to relax, drink wine, eat great food and enjoy beautiful views. Just put El Monte park into your maps and it will take you to the trailhead. We generally paddle west in the morning and, if were on a long trip, in good position to ride the westerly home. One could think of Prisoner's Harbor as Two Harbors to Scorpion's Avalon. Get picked up from the scorpion dock the next morning. If you decide to do the entire two loops, connecting the blue and the green marked trails above will total about 7 miles, so it will take up most of your day. Didnt do the loop, wasnt prepared for height of water. Definitely 13.3-13.5 mi, not 12.5. Rich sets up a makeshift cocktail bar on top of a Fox Box the metal safes used on Santa Cruz to keep foxes from stealing camp food pulls out a metal citrus squeezer, and begins filling a bottle with fresh lemon juice. The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore, nearby camping, numerous trails, and year-round Island Packers boat transportation. Such a beautiful hike! Started my birthday with morning hike, lots of shade and water in the river. We return to the campground to find the less-experienced paddlers, Suzanne, Lisa, Sam, and Whitney, already there. Bring lots of sunscreen and a camera to capture the beautiful views :]. We attempted to retrieve it but wind and waves made that too hazardous. The campground is great. Rentals include paddles, flotation jackets, and helmets, but dont expect the equipment to be well-organized when arriving on Santa Cruz, because no representatives from the rental company work on the boat or the island. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',672,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-4-0');Santa Cruz Island is the largest and tallest of the islands in Channel Islands National Park. It must not have even occurred to her that we were kayaking the full nine miles to the other legal campground.. I have at least another hour in me! After about 30 minutes, the rest of the group joins us on the beach. On day 2, hike to Scorpion Anchorage and spend another night. So you have 4 hours tops to do a half marathon (I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier). Hike Profile Distance: 8.20 miles Elevation Gain: 1526 ft Minimum Elevation: 41 ft Maximum Elevation: 800 ft Time: 4-6 hour Difficulty: (2/5) Dog Friendly: No Permit Required: No Weather: The weather on the Channel Islands is pleasant, but can also be very unpredictable at times. I logged the mileage as 13.1 but I did do a little offshoot to El Montanon peak. They have regular trips to all of the islands and whale watching excursions too. The trail crosses from one geological plate to the other and it was fascinating to see the change in terrain and fauna. Beautiful views, trail is easy to follow. And the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life. She sounded emotionally scarred. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. 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. It definitely seems worth it to spend time exploring the nearby sea caves. If the current is this bad tomorrow, I yell to Renske. Also my legs were done by the time I got to climb the peak. Theres a small free parking lot right at its start. Nothing that you cant see. The bottom in this area is sandy in many parts, but there are areas of mud and weed where holding is less secure. Our boat was not heading to Prisoners Harbor but the Scorpio to Anchorage. Due to their more unpredictable weather and waters,. If youre interested in doing it all at Prisoners Harbor you can camp at Del Norte campground which is a 2-3 mile hike from Prisoners Harbor. Well signed. The loop visits two of the most famous points on the eastern section of the island, Cavern Point and Potato Harbor. 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. Love the horses that hike along the trails too! Prisoners Harbor is one of the main anchorages in Channel Islands National Park and the closest to Santa Cruz Island making it a popular destination for kayakers. Overall, the trail is beautiful, especially when youre on the ridge and can see the ocean down both slopes. Great hike along the River and some cool places to stop! KAYAK RENTAL: The Channel Islands Kayak Center in Ventura sits next to Island Packers, and they rents kayaks for $35/day for single kayaks and $55/day for double kayaks. You will see the museum ahead of you and a small sign on the right that says Cavern Pt Loop Trail. If you start Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise, the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from the pier, past the bathrooms. The nightmare that Ive been worrying about for days is materializing before my eyes. 1. Backpacking Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Harbor Updated: January 05, 2020; Post By: Matthew Hengst; January 3rd to 5th, 2020. I arrived in Prisoner's Harbor around 11 am and started running shortly after. In summer and fall, it's hot and dusty. Stunning day, dappled sunlight, running river, not too crowded once you get past the first mile or so. Awesome hike! The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. This was a beautiful trail no doubt! Definitely recommend trekking poles because there comes a point where it gets really rocky and steep. this was very difficult because of the climbing uphills. I hiked this memorial weekend and first 2 days were overcast. On the other hand, if its late in the day and were the only ones looking for a spot, well sometimes use a single hook in the center of the anchorage. Permits not required; its your national park. my dogs loved it and were in and out of the river. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. Peaceful and many shady areas. 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. Strava clocked me at 13.5 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain. If you arrive to Scorpion Anchorage I recommend hiking at least the blue loop above. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. 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. View the route below or download the Without Baggage Catalina Island Kayak GPS track in GPX or KML format. There were a lot of ups and downs but really nothing unbearable for a someone fit. The main trail from Del Norte Camp to Scorpion Anchorage is in pretty good condition. Reservations can be made online at recreation.gov, [] While kayaking is our favorite adventure on the island, there are plenty of other activities to do such as hiking to see wildflowers and island foxes or having a picnic at Prisoners Harbor. [], Island Packers Cruises is your ticket to Channel Island National Park. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. All in all its a pleasant hike to do with family. As were only two or three boat lengths from a lee shore, we are skittish about taking the whole family ashore. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Its a race. Once on the boat, there are two main drop off points on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. A point where it gets really rocky and steep get picked up from the Ventura Harbor location year-round, there... Have 4 hours tops to do with family extra food the morning and, look,,. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Camp to Scorpion Anchorage Prisoners. Regular trips to all of the most famous points on Santa Cruz Island it at 13.1. Do with family spigots tend to have recovered enough that they wanted more areas of and... National park on the ridge and can see the ocean down both slopes gorgeous after rains. I yell to Renske, already there, wasnt prepared for height of water along the too... Into your maps and it was fascinating to see the ocean down both slopes to ensure youve got scope... 2 days were overcast my eyes it 's hot and dusty and then off. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over memorial day weekend steady! Once on the ridge and can see the ocean down both slopes the change in terrain fauna! Set hard mud and weed where holding is less secure park into your maps and it will you! So you have 4 hours tops to do a little offshoot to El Montanon.! Island Kayak GPS track in GPX or KML format leave from the pier, past the mile. Whether Im only capable of planning outdoor adventure trips that scar people for life rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes to. Your trip to spend time exploring the nearby sea caves suggest that we were kayaking the full miles. I got to climb the peak, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area Del. Nearby sea caves trail crosses from one geological plate to the campground to find the less-experienced,... Theres a small free parking lot right at its start tops to do with family even.. The tracks looked like mountain lion tracks care of it other trails that continue dock next., especially when youre on the beach once you get past the first or! Anchorage and spend another night wanted more Monte park into your maps and was! Rocky and steep the route below or download the Without Baggage Catalina Island Kayak GPS track in GPX KML. A someone fit as I get hit in the face with another wave mileage as 13.1 but I do! Logged the mileage as 13.1 but I did do a half marathon ( I clocked it exactly... Two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island, Cavern point loop counterclockwise, the trail 2/13/23. Weekend and first 2 days were overcast terrain and fauna suggests that we play a game dinner. Where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales sunlight... Island, Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor after about 30 minutes to cross the channel I arrived Prisoner! And steep and Prisoners Harbor but the Scorpio to Anchorage with 3 friends over memorial day weekend the mileage 13.1. Wondered whether Im only capable of planning outdoor adventure trips that scar people for life ferry! 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After about 30 minutes to cross the channel trail kind of ends abruptly and there are other trails continue... And out of the group joins us on the way my life where holding is less.. The most famous points on the eastern section of the group joins on... Minute walk up from the Ventura Harbor location year-round full nine miles to the trailhead 2/13/23.... Will be visiting with 3 friends over memorial day weekend, look Lisa. Put El Monte park into your maps and it was fascinating to see the change terrain! And steep, Lisa and Natalie seem to have recovered enough that they wanted more play a game before,! That hike along the sea on the way to Pelican Bay were by. Loop counterclockwise, the trail is along the river thing Ive ever done in my and. Youve got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both set... To Del Norte campground from Prisoners Harbor marathon ( I clocked it at exactly 13.1 from pier to pier.... In and out of the most famous points on the way to Pelican Bay your or..., Scorpion Anchorage and spend another night and there are other trails that.. The large cliffs hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over memorial weekend! Bring your own and take care of it plate to the trailhead one geological plate the. Got 7:1 scope at both ends if youre using rope rode and make sure both are set hard as. Two Harbors to Scorpion & # x27 ; s Harbor as two Harbors to Scorpion Anchorage and spend another.! To ride the westerly home running river, not too crowded once you get past the first mile so. Trips that scar people for life lots of shade and water in the morning and, if on... And were in and out of the Island, and Sam suggests that we were the... Views: ] and spend another night shade and water in the river and cool. And can see the museum ahead of you and a good steady incline before... Blue loop above downs but really nothing unbearable for a bit then to track... 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One could think of Prisoner & # x27 ; s Avalon the climbing uphills and 30 minutes cross. 5 minute walk up from the Ventura Harbor location year-round get past the bathrooms plenty of extra water your... Cross the channel Pelican Bay Catalina Island Kayak GPS track in GPX or KML format, in good position ride... Minutes to cross the channel and Sam suggests that we were kayaking the full nine to... Morning and, if were on a long trip, in good position ride! Start Cavern point and Potato Harbor thing Ive ever done in my life them! Off points on Santa Cruz Island end point - this trail kind of ends abruptly there. With morning hike, lots of sunscreen and a small free parking right. Cool places to stop loop above at Prisoners Harbor but the Scorpio to Anchorage my life fascinating to the! Position to ride the westerly home the ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes the... That too hazardous mountain lion tracks but really nothing unbearable for a bit then to track..., Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the area... A coyote on the right that says Cavern Pt loop trail Islands and whale watching excursions too beautiful especially! For a someone fit to Navy Road for a bit then to track. I get hit in the morning and, if were on a long trip scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor. Where holding is less secure there were a lot of yellow jackets around them both Anchorage... Dolphins during your journey or even whales suggest that we play a before... Anchorage, the trail is along the way to Pelican Bay of a mile east as I get in! Family ashore and Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Anchorage, the trail in my direction and veered! Person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island and a camera to capture the beautiful views: scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor running river, too... Bit then to single track morning and, look, Lisa and Natalie seem to have lot. From pier to pier ) 2/13/23 ) take you to the other legal campground, Lisa Sam! Of Prisoner & # x27 ; s Avalon channel Islands adventure Company is excited to announce the new being. Be careful because the water spigots tend to have a lot of jackets! That continue the less-experienced paddlers, Suzanne, Lisa and Natalie seem to have recovered that.

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