Overview
Santa Cruz Island is the largest of five islands making up Channel Islands National Park. 76% of the island is owned by the Nature Conservancy, leaving only 24% of the island for National Park lands. In this 13.6 mile trek with panoramic ocean views, you will cross the entire portion open to the public. Although doable as a day-hike, I recommend spending a night or two before your trek at Del Norte Campground to truly take in the scenery. Santa Cruz Island also offers swimming, snorkeling, diving and kayaking. Guided trips can be arranged in advance through Channel Islands Adventure Company and are perfect for stacking onto the end of your trek upon arrival in Scorpion Anchorage. Fun fact: Painted Cave, one of the deepest sea caves in the world, is located on Santa Cruz Island.
Logistics
Location: Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park, California
Distance: 13.6 miles (via the Del Norte Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Our Hike Time: 4 days, 3 nights
Route Type: Point-to-Point
Elevation gain: 2,660 feet
Trailhead: Prisoner’s Harbor
Trail End: Scorpion Anchorage
Costs: $75 for roundtrip ferry ticket (per person) + $15 per campsite (per night) + [Optional] Excursion through Santa Barbara Adventure Co.
Note: No entrance fee required for Channel Islands National Park
When to go: Each season has something to offer (read more here). For backpacking, I’d recommend late April – Early October.
Permits Required: No, but you are required to have camping reservations (which can be booked up to 6 months in advance) and a ferry ticket.
Ferry Ticket: Required to enter the island. Book through Island Packers. Departs from Ventura or Oxnard.
Parking: There is a free public parking lot outside of the Island Packers Ferry building. If you are camping on the island, you will receive an overnight parking pass when checking-in for your ferry.
Where to Stay:
Del Norte Campground (2 nights): 4 campsites with a limit of 4 people per site. Each site includes: picnic table, pit toilet, food storage boxes (must store all food). No water, trash containers or fires. No beach access (but panoramic ocean views). Strong winds are common. Tip: Book far in advance as this is the only backcountry campground on the island and spots fill up far in advance! Book here.
Scorpion Canyon Campground (1 night): 25 sites with a limit of 6 people per site + 6 group sites with a limit of 15 people. Each site includes: picnic table, pit toilet, food storage box, and water. Beach and dock is a half mile walk! Book here.
​Dogs Allowed: No
Wildlife on Trail: Keep your eyes peeled for the island fox and scrub-jay, two species you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Food Storage: Keep food in rodent proof containers, do not keep any food in tent.
Water: None. Must pack water for the duration of your trip (heavy when staying 2+ days
Fires: Not permitted.
Tips
There’s no water on the island. Plan ahead!
Be careful with your food as the island foxes and scrub-jay are abundant.
Backcountry campsites go fast (since there’s only 4!) so reserve far in advance and don’t forget to purchase a ferry ticket to Scorpion Anchorage though Island Packers.
If you plan to do an excursion in Scorpion Anchorage, be sure to book in advance through Santa Barbara Adventure Company.
Current Trail Conditions: Check out AllTrails for recent trail reviews and updates.
Day-By-Day Breakdown
Day 1: 3.5 miles — Prisoners Harbor to Del Norte Backcountry Campground
Park at Ventura Harbor and take the 9am Island Packer’s Ferry to Prisoners Harbor (roughly 1.5 hrs long). From Prisoners Harbor hike the 3.5 miles to Del Norte Backcountry Campground via Del Norte Trail. Set up camp and explore the area.
Day 2: 11 miles — Del Norte Backcountry Campground to Pelican Bay (and back!)
Explore the area with a day hike and spend another night at Del Norte Backcountry Campground.
Day Hike: I recommend the 11 mile (roundtrip) day hike from the campground to Pelican Bay. This hike requires a guide and permit from the Nature Conservancy, which can be obtained from the Island Packers ferry staff. To join the guided hike, meet back at the Prisoners Harbor when a ferry is slated to arrive.
Day 3: 10.1 miles — Del Norte Backcountry Campground to Scorpion Canyon Campground
Pack up camp and spend the day backpacking from Del Norte Campground to Scorpion Canyon Campground where you will spend the night.
Day 4: 11.2 miles (33.9 miles total) — Upper Rae Lakes to Charlotte Creek
Explore Scorpion Anchorage for the day and take a ferry back to Ventura Harbor.
Optional Activities: Hike the 2 mile Cavern Point Loop (stunning coastal views), visit the Visitor’s Center, or book a tour through Santa Barbara Adventure Company (i.e. Sea Kayaking Tour for $109)
Day 5: 7.5 miles (41.4 miles total) — Charlotte Creek to Road's End
Hike the remaining miles to finish the loop! Don’t forget to return your bear box.
