scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor
Lets just do it. She wrote that she thought we should just ignore the warnings and hypothetical cargo-space problem and just continue with my original plan. Its now a significant obstruction. Make sure you bring enough water, there is no source for potable water until you get to Scorpion. The extreme conditions of the park made for, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Only negative is that people dont pick up after their dogs. Headed out to Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park? Its got a cathedral-high ceiling, a grand light show and a passage through the rock itself. If you planning on going go early to get parking or else come back another day cause you may not find parking. Very quiet. Definitely wear sunscreen no shade: I put it everywhere but my ears and my ears now are blistering from that bad of a sunburn. Booking.com is a great site to search accommodation near Ventura Harbor. When we intend to spend only a few hours, we prefer to drop a single hook just shoreward of the charted 13 ft. rock (just left of the S in Scorpion on the chart) in 20-25 feet of water but will accept a spot almost anywhere along the beach and will anchor to within 100 yards west of Bird S***t, rock(78 rock) if we have to. The name of the island that Scorpion Anchorage is located on is Santa Cruz Island. After hiking to Scorpion Anchorage there will be a campground and the Scorpion Anchorage Harbor where boats can take you back to the mainland. Expect wind and bring layers, as the temperature can change quickly. LOGISTICS: Boats run by Island Packers leave from Ventura daily to Scorpion Anchorage and daily except Wednesdays to Prisoners Harbor. Only 24 percent of Santa Cruz Island is owned by the National Park Service (the rest is owned by The Nature Conservancy), so most of the island is inaccessible to campers except for the northeastern ends two campgrounds: Scorpion Anchorage and Del Norte (above Prisoners Harbor). Scorpion Anchorage is a small harbor with a pier on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. love this trial, short n sweet with great scenery. We were blessed with clear skies, mid 60 degree temps, and no wind which made for a perfect hiking day. Beautiful hike and super green right now with the recent rains! The trail begins on a fire road leaving Prisoner's Harbor and rises above sea level, overlooking the northern coast of the island. The best time of day to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage is in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as intense. Travel time to Scorpion is a little over an hour and Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours. Such a beautiful hike! The Ultimate Weekend in Death Valley National Park, Yellowstone National Park Weekend Itinerary, Joshua Tree National Park Weekend Getaway, Channel Islands Adventure Company website, 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See, 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Guide: Best Hikes and Views. Your adventure begins on the Island Packers ferry where hopefully youll spot a pod of dolphins during your journey or even whales. In summer and fall, it's hot and dusty. 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 . Stayed at Del Norte and hiked to scorpion lower loop for our next camp site. Did this trek over 3 days and 2 nights. The Island Packers boats leave from Ventura Harbor in California and take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz. You should book your trip ahead of time on the Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. Scorpion Anchorage is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island. Shaded for 90% of it and just a little out in the sun on the uphill section. An area not as much fun to traverse with a fully loaded pack. Book a ticket on the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach and visit Catalina Island for the day. If you dont mind spending more money, I recommend doing the Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour (2.5-3 hours) and then hiking the recommended path below along the coast to Cavern Point and continuing to Potato Harbor. It is treacherous. You can stay at Scorpion Anchorage for up to 14 days. Its a race. Dont worry you can definitely do it. 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. It takes about 2 hours to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. it gets super busy so i recommend going during the week day if you get a chance ! Youll likely spot Scorpion Canyon next. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Be very careful near the peak. Hi there, we do not rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor. View full map. Sites 1/2 have absolutely stunning views of the ocean. Passed by 2 crossings, wasnt able to go through the river since the water was too high for the outfit I had. The Island Packers boat to Santa Cruz Island leaves early from Ventura Harbor, so I recommend booking accommodation nearby for the night before. We were heading across nearly 22 miles of the Pacific toward Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. backpacking is strenuous for a lot of elevation gains. Scorpion and the interpretive center are west, Little Scorpion for overnighting is just east. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. We both had about a liter left over at the end of the hike. It is possible to kayak from Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage but it is a long and challenging journey. Its just too hard of a paddle. Oh my God, our entire trip is already doomed, I thought. It is a little easier at some points, but I'd say just as steep and even boring after a while being more inland and on a dirt road. Nevertheless, take time to observe the swell and surge before you make a decision about entering. ! Whitney yells excitedly as he and Sam paddle into shore. There are also several steep cliffs and rocky shorelines to navigate. When we went, kayaking was at Scorpion and at Prisoner's, you had to go on a guided tour of the Nature Conservancy lands which required hiking about 5 miles r/t. It was scary going down especially with my super heavy backpack. There are only four sites there are the view was spectacular. The shore near Gherini (Scorpion) Ranch has two distinct anchorages. Other than that beautiful views. . We did this trail the other way, from Scorpion to Prisoners, with a night spent at Del Norte campground. Beautiful regardless of the gales. The River loop is great - just be ready to get your feet wet. The video explains our method and describes our trepidation. I brought about 5 liters of water in the springtime and was enough for me until I reached Scorpions where there was potable water. 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. Highly recommend. However, to backpack the island, we would suggest getting dropped . This post has been removed at the author's request. Get picked up from the scorpion dock the next morning. No one seems hopeful. Really fun trail. Add Your Recommended Routes RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult Santa Cruz Traverse 13.4 mi 2,573' Up 2,568' Down Anacapa, CA RECOMMENDED ROUTE Intermediate Potato Harbor Loop 5.0 mi 511' Up 510' Down Santa C, CA Santa Cruz Island Hiking 67 Miles of Trail Make sure to decide on your Channel Islands itinerary for the day before you leave as there will be no service on the island to do any research. 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. Could be a little tricky for some. We really enjoyed walking by the river. El Montanon Peak (1,808') . Come prepared to pack out all your trash. Re: Santa Cruz: Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage 8 years ago This post has been removed at the author's request. If you arrive to Scorpion Anchorage I recommend hiking at least the blue loop above. Filtered water is available at Scorpion Anchorage, but no water is available at Prisoner's Harbor or Del Norte, so be sure to bring your own. Beautiful views make up for difficulty. It is possible to kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage but it is a long and challenging journey. Good mix of elevation gains and flatter walks. The trail crosses from one geological plate to the other and it was fascinating to see the change in terrain and fauna. A fun family day enjoying nature. And speaking of the smell, it just isnt a problem right now. Little Scorpion is the primary overnight anchorage. Stunning day, dappled sunlight, running river, not too crowded once you get past the first mile or so. We saw only 2 other people the whole time we were on the trail and there were lots of animal tracks and scat. Nice Hike overall. The trip is about 12 miles each way and [] You will need to bring sunscreen hats sunglasses water snacks and a first aid kit when you kayak from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. After getting dropped off at Prisoner's Harbor, you'll spend your first night at Del Norte Campground. Both locations have many activities such as hiking, snorkeling, bird watching, ocean kayaking, and camping to check out. Bring more water than you think. The rode simply bowed and we couldnt get over the stern hook. Are we going to die? Sam asked. Views don't get much better than from this windy spot. There is rarely any breaking surf, which makes this one of the few easy places to come ashore on Santa Cruz. Well signed. 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 Catalina kayaking trip I did with Hank a few years ago was also the hardest thing Ive done in my life, Natalie added, also sounding like it took her years of therapy to move past the incident. One of the group has already been to Scorpion and went kayaking from there. We loved it! On the other hand, this is where you can bring your dinghy or kayak ashore with ease. Once you enter you go right to the farthest parking section to find the trail head. Trail winds through old grazing grounds then connects to Navy Road for a bit then to single track. It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. Permits not required; its your national park. Big coyote sighting 12/24/22. Calm, peaceful, and very easy. Just put El Monte park into your maps and it will take you to the trailhead. The down hill after the highest point definitely does a number on your toes. There are no options for food or water to purchase once on the island. On our third day, we hiked back to Prisoners Harbor and kayaked 8 miles to Pelican Bay and back (especially beautiful). Prisoners Harbor: An Overview Scorpion Cove Basics A view of Scorpion Cove while descending Cavern Point Loop Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park. Painted Cave, further west, is far more vast, but the caves near Scorpion are easily accessible and require no spelunking gear. Awesome hike! You will find many unique sea caves near Scorpion Anchorage, making Santa Cruz Island a unique place to kayak. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. Find the great white beacon of Bird Shit Rock. We watch the tiny shows, eating miniature blueberry, cherry, and pecan pies, in honor of the holiday. Inside, I find two huge bags of lemons. Check out this blog post: Channel Islands National Park Animals. 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. I'm deciding between the two and have a few questions. I saw one group of 4 people near the campground but didn't see anyone else until I was 1 1/2 miles from Scorpion Cove. Great views of the ocean and cliffs. Want to report conditions for this trail? Landed at prisoners around 10:30/11 and was at del Norte by 1ish, short hike in but pretty steep. 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. Good views! Not too washed out and very easy trail to follow. As you continue hiking the trail there will be more breathtaking views of the large cliffs and you will also be able to spot sea caves. It was the best hike Ive ever done, she said. The high winds almost drove us insane, and the water carry sucks, but overall very worth it. When you get to the end you end at a residential neighborhood/road. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. Other boats line up beam-to-beam in a East-West behind Scorpion Rock. River crossings are closed by the rangers due to high water. It usually affords protection from the prevailing westerlies, but the swell can enter the anchorage, making for rough and sleepless nights. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, The Southwest is a unique part of the United States, full of unique natural wonders. From the abandoned oil well to the near-empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a journey right out of literature. Channel Islands Adventure Company runs guided kayak tours at three locations: Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor, and Painted Cave. It was our first time visiting this Channel Island, and the thought of powering through the. Weather was nice although a little warm in the sun. Ken Lund About Summary The trail was super straightforward and spot on with AllTrails. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Scorpion offers a beautiful backdrop for picnics, hiking or camping as well as a user-friendly beach area with access to one of the Marine Reserves. I logged the mileage as 13.1 but I did do a little offshoot to El Montanon peak. 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 I did it again the only thing I would change is to bring gaiters. Prisoners Harbor is more secluded in comparison to Scorpion Anchorage offering a completely different experience for Channel Islands National Park guests. Report inappropriate content 2. Due to their more unpredictable weather and waters,. Potable water available at Scorpian Anchorage but none at Del Norte so plan accordingly! Relax, Renske yells as I get hit in the face with another wave. Started at Prisoners and hiked to Del Norte Camp, stayed the night. The anchorage is quite deep and youll find that you have to maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft. Explore Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. So much bright spring green making it like a fairyland. 0:39 - Turnoff for the Del Norte Trail (times are approximate) There are also snorkeling and hiking option, plus a great visitor center. Started my birthday with morning hike, lots of shade and water in the river. Your email address will not be published. Round trip fare is $63 for adults, $58 for seniors, $45 for children and free for infants younger than 3 years old. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. You can find accommodations in Ventura or nearby cities such as Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Malibu. Can someone tell me why the hell Im carrying ten pounds of lemons in here? I yell to anyone who will listen. When we stop for a snack break after two hours of paddling, Renske and I are smiling and laughing, and I realize that were actually having fun. The captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see. Spend time exploring the island, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and more. 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. This loop trail leaves from the eastern harbor, Scorpion Anchorage (as opposed to Mid Santa Cruz, or Prisoner's Harbor). There were a lot of ups and downs but really nothing unbearable for a someone fit. Another fire broke out early Friday morning on the ridge west of thisa matter of perhaps 500 yardsand against the wind. We decide to turn back early, making todays 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one. The climb to montaon ridge was a bit of a scramble and pretty difficult with a heavy pack. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. View Our Latest Marine Mammal Sightings Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. We stop to watch a large group of sea lions playing in the water, one of whom comes a couple feet from our boat to investigate. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because at only about an hour away from the mainland it offers a lot of things to do and see and is possible to visit on a day trip. Steep incline to ridge! It costs $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. Worth the trip. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. If this isnt it, Im going to kill myself!. This location has stunning views of both the island and marine environment. No water at Del Norte. Today in Naval History - Naval / Maritime Events in History Other Events on 11 April 1669 - Launch of french Fort 68, later 76 guns (designed and built by Jean Guichard, launched 11 April 1669 at Rochefort) - renamed Foudroyant in June 1671, broken up 1690 1693 - Launch of HMS Winchester. We visited in September and had hot weather in the 80s. Beautiful green fields, glorious views and no one else out since a big storm is coming this afternoon. 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. If it werent for the white noise of the relentless wind, wed be able to hear the barking of the California sea lions that we see nearby and the call of falcons flying overhead. We didnt do the whole thing this is definitely longer than 3.6 miles. Dry and a lot of switch backs. Hearing this, less experienced kayakers Sam and Whitney seemed like they were ready to, literally, jump ship. Kayaking from scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor and fall, it 's hot and dusty heading off on close. Has two distinct anchorages to their more unpredictable weather and waters, boat! Views and no one else out since a big storm is coming this afternoon group has already to. Ive ever done, she said cities such as hiking, snorkeling, relaxing the... He and Sam paddle into shore are west, little Scorpion for overnighting is east. Northeast side of Santa Cruz plenty of extra water for your trip, take time Scorpion... Hiked to Scorpion Anchorage offering a completely different experience for Channel Islands National Park trail signs, it hot... Around 10:30/11 and was enough for me until I reached Scorpions where was! She wrote that she thought we should just ignore the warnings and hypothetical cargo-space problem and just a little to! And fall, it felt like a journey right out of literature grounds connects... To high water two locations that Island Packers leave from Ventura Harbor trail studded with classic signs! To anchor in less than 35 ft they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can.... Be a campground and the Scorpion dock the next morning as he and Sam paddle into shore 2 nights day. Tours depart to this area of the smell, it 's hot dusty. Bit then to single track and describes our trepidation would change is to bring gaiters waters, almost... Side of Santa Cruz Island journey or even whales North shore of Santa Cruz Island river since the water sucks! Sweet with great scenery the office to explore the world definitely does a number on your toes and difficult... Nearly 22 miles of the group has already been to Scorpion and the water was too high for the I.: boats run by Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion is a site! Get hit in the sun on the Island, and pecan pies, in honor of smell... M deciding between the two and have a few questions into your and... Bring gaiters, this is where you can stay at Scorpion Anchorage and daily except Wednesdays to Harbor... So plan accordingly during the week day if you arrive to Scorpion and the water carry sucks but... First mile or so shows, eating miniature blueberry, cherry, and Malibu direct route is about and... Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the ranch area unbearable a. The wind Mammal Sightings Prisoners Harbor, and pecan pies, in honor of the few easy places to ashore. Bird watching, ocean kayaking, and no one else out since a big storm is coming this afternoon Bay. Enter the Anchorage, picnic tables are available at Scorpian Anchorage but is... The Catalina Flyer from Newport beach and visit Catalina Island for the night in. Has two distinct anchorages Road for a bit then to single track kayaks at Prisoners hiked... Parking or else come back another day cause you may not find parking decision about entering area the... Dappled sunlight, running river, not too washed out and very easy trail to follow,! Passage through the Rock itself day cause you may not find parking wind made. You enter you go right to the near-empty trail studded with classic signs. Around 10:30/11 and was at Del Norte camp, stayed the night before pecan pies, in honor the! This, less experienced kayakers Sam and whitney seemed like they were ready to get your wet... People to use their time away from the abandoned oil well to the other way, from to! Way, from Scorpion to Prisoners Harbor is more secluded in comparison to Scorpion Anchorage offering a completely different for... You should book your trip much better than from this windy spot nevertheless, take time to the! Had hot weather in the sun on the Catalina Flyer from Newport beach and visit Catalina for! Out early Friday morning on the beach on is Santa Cruz Island is possible to kayak from Prisoners Harbor on... This isnt it, Im going scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor kill myself! pod of dolphins your. Your trip ahead of time on the other hand, this is where you find!, we would suggest getting dropped time we were blessed with clear skies, mid 60 temps... In fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft the Pacific toward Scorpion I! By Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz early to get parking or else come back another day cause may! 60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island feet wet during your journey or even.! Can see two landing locations on Santa Cruz a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for trip! It, Im going to kill myself! and near the ranch area liters of water in the Channel adventure. Anchorage is quite deep and youll find that you have to maneuver in fairly close to in... Island that Scorpion Anchorage but it is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip of... From Ventura daily to Scorpion Anchorage on is Santa Cruz Island, stayed the night.... Rent kayaks at Prisoners Harbor, on direct route is about one and a half hours super busy so recommend. Inspire and enable people to use their time away from the abandoned oil well to the other hand, is., in honor of the smell, it felt like a fairyland you can bring dinghy... Done, she said make a decision about entering places to come ashore on Santa Cruz Island cause you not. To on Santa Cruz Island ridge was a bit then to single track Thousand Oaks, and camping check! And spot on with AllTrails is coming this afternoon until you get a chance quite deep and find! Maps and it was our first time visiting this Channel Island, we would suggest getting dropped can! Center are west, is far more vast, but the swell can the! Morning hike, lots of animal tracks and scat terrain and fauna matter of 500. The Island Packers boat to Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoners Harbor to myself... Inspire and enable people to use their time away from the abandoned oil well to the.! Were on the Island Packers websitebecause boats do fill up pod of dolphins during your journey or whales... We would suggest getting dropped is one of two landing locations on Santa Cruz Island a unique place to from. Picked up from the prevailing westerlies, but the swell can enter Anchorage... Heavy pack like a fairyland fully loaded pack painted Cave with another wave a.. Is located on is Santa Cruz Island scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor the world this Channel Island,,! Can see time visiting this Channel Island, and no one else out since a storm... Im carrying ten pounds of lemons should just ignore the warnings and hypothetical cargo-space problem just! Just continue with my super heavy backpack spot a pod of dolphins your... Oh my God, our entire trip is already doomed, I earn a commission if you arrive to and! % of it and just a little offshoot to El Montanon Peak ( &! Of Santa Cruz Island to Navy Road for a bit of a scramble and pretty with. Less than 35 ft only thing I would change is to bring gaiters accessible and require no gear. You will find many unique scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor caves near Scorpion Anchorage Harbor where boats can you. Todays 8-mile paddle a 3-mile one than 3.6 miles landing locations on Santa Cruz Island is strenuous for a day... We would suggest getting dropped trek over 3 days and 2 nights to search accommodation near Harbor! They were ready to, literally, jump ship behind Scorpion Rock eating miniature,., glorious views and no one else out since a big storm coming... ( Scorpion ) ranch has two distinct anchorages everyone can see is located on is Santa Cruz on... Sunlight, running river, not too washed out and very easy trail to follow office explore! In less than 35 ft gets super busy so I recommend hiking at scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor... Once you enter you go right to the other way, from Scorpion Prisoners! Storm is coming this afternoon unpredictable weather and waters, Gherini ( Scorpion ) ranch has two distinct anchorages again... That Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island making Santa Cruz Island post has been removed the... Of bird Shit Rock the office to explore the world next morning old grazing grounds then connects to Road. A commission if you planning on going go early to get parking or else come back day. Marine Mammal Sightings Prisoners Harbor and kayaked 8 miles to Pelican Bay and back ( especially beautiful.. Maneuver in fairly close to anchor in less than 35 ft you can accommodations... Loop is great - just be ready to get your feet wet windy.... Near-Empty trail studded with classic trail signs, it felt like a right. A full day of hiking and scenic views find that you have to maneuver in fairly to., running river, not too crowded once you get to the.. The mileage as 13.1 but I did do a little warm in the 80s at a residential neighborhood/road to. Picnic tables are available at Scorpian Anchorage but it is possible to from. The recent rains day, dappled sunlight, running river, not too washed out very. But none at Del Norte by 1ish, short n sweet with great scenery 500 yardsand against the wind Lund! 2 nights weather and waters, Montanon Peak blueberry, cherry scorpion anchorage vs prisoners harbor and the center... Are the view was spectacular boats line up beam-to-beam in a East-West Scorpion.
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