Off the coast of Southern California lies Channel Islands National Park. The park consists of five islands accessible only by boat or small aircraft, and therefore feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of mainland California. There is so much to see and do here. You will find a variety of outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and more. We chose to spend one day hiking Santa Cruz Island.
Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a hiker’s paradise, offering a unique blend of rugged landscapes, secluded beaches, numerous trails, and diverse ecosystems. Plus, this is one of the Channel Islands where the Island foxes live, which we really wanted to see. Therefore, Santa Cruz was an easy choice for us.
Transportation to Santa Cruz Island
Getting there is half the adventure! Visitors to Channel Islands National Park are required to book a ferry ride operated by Island Packers. The boat to Santa Cruz Island departs from Ventura Harbor and takes 1-1.5 hours. It is important to realize that ferry tickets must be purchased in advance. Usually, weeks in advance and weekend dates tend to sell out fastest. I did not realize this until it was almost too late. The early departures were sold out for the day we wanted. I secured seats on the 10:00am ferry, which is the last departing ferry of the day. To optimize your travel, I suggest reserving the earliest available ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. There is so much to see and do. We wished we had more time on the island.
Ferry Ride
We arrived early to secure a parking spot in the lot outside of Island Packers and to check in. Island Packers requires riders to check in at least an hour before departure to receive a boarding ticket. There is a small gift shop to explore plus you can walk around the harbor while waiting to board the ferry. The boarding process went quickly and we chose to sit outside on the top deck, There is indoor seating available on the main deck.
The ferry ride offers a chance to experience stunning ocean views and the possibility of seeing marine life such as dolphins and migrating whales. Dolphin pods are the most commonly observed marine species during the ride. Make sure you look around the harbor too as the ferry is departing. You might see sea lions or Harbor Seals swimming in the harbor or resting on a dock. Halfway to the island, our ferry attracted a pod of dolphins. The ferry slowed down so everyone could watch the dolphins. They were very playful and were riding waves and jumping into the air. The trip was off to a great start so far!
The ferry was a fun experience, but it I became very cold after awhile. I had a warm jacket, but it was not windproof. It was windy and cloudy, which made it feel colder than it actually was. Indoor and outdoor seats are available, but if the ferry is full you might have to stay seated outside if that is where you sat initially. My advice is to wear layers and a wind proof jacket. Also, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock as the sun rays may be strong.
National Park Arrival
We arrived at Scorpion Anchorage and it was a hub of activity with kayakers, campers, and fellow hikers. We departed the ferry and then met with a National Park ranger for a brief safety meeting. Day hikers are met with first. The ranger explained what to expect hiking Santa Cruz Island. The briefing lasted approximately five minutes and then we were on our way to explore. Everyone then walked inland towards the Santa Cruz Island Visitor Center. This is also the location where many of the trailheads are located. There are a variety of trails suited to different skill levels. We chose the 8.2 mile loop to Smuggler’s Cove since we wanted to see as much of the island as possible, to have lunch near the water, and to see as many Island foxes as possible.
Island Foxes
The Island Fox lives only on six of the eight Channel Islands, and they are not found anywhere else in the world. These foxes are tiny, weighing only 4-5 pounds. Island foxes are active day and night, which makes them easier to spot. Plus, they are very curious so you are likely to see them along the trails. Do not leave your gear unattended. The foxes have been known to steal items from hikers and campers. We actually observed one climbing around the backside of a National Park Service utility vehicle and trying to chew open a small bin temporarily left by a park employee. The island also boasts rare plants and a fascinating history. As you hike, you will see remnants of early ranching operations, adding an intriguing historical component to your exploration. There is so much to see.
Smuggler’s Cove Loop Hike
This 8.2 mile hike gains 1500ft of elevation and provides some incredible ocean views in the process. Smuggler’s Cove trail can be hiked via an out-and-back route on Smuggler’s Road or as a loop route through Scorpion Canyon. We chose the loop for more variety. The trailhead for this hike begins past the visitor center if you want to reach Smuggler’s Road first and leave Scorpion Canyon for the end.
The trail begins with a long, gradual climb. The top of the hill was a great place to stop for a water break and to enjoy the scenery. The trail was in great condition and easy to follow with well marked signs. We reached Smuggler’s Road quickly. This part of the trail was wide and flat and then descends as you near Smuggler’s Cove. The sound of the crashing waves alerted us that we were nearing Smuggler’s Cove. The beach was busier than expected, but it is a popular destination for those hiking Santa Cruz Island. We did not see many people of the trails. However, we arrived on the last ferry and many people chose to camp for several of days. Campers are able to start hiking and other adventures before the day trippers arrive.
Foxes
Our luck with the foxes changed during our hike back to Scorpion Canyon. We saw three in a relatively short amount of time and three separate sightings. All three foxes ignored us and did not seem bothered by our presence. Two of them walked across the trail directly in front of us and kept meandering into the grasses. One of them crossed extremely close to us. Our third fox encounter was the most entertaining by far. This fox ignored us, yet was in close proximity to us. She was very busy exploring all the supplies and small vehicle left by a park employee. She briefly tried to open a container, but quickly abandoned it in favor of inspecting the vehicle. Nothing was ruined or taken and the curious fox lost interest and slowly walked away. We were so happy to observe three foxes! They are so tiny and cute. They might resemble a house cat, but they are wild animals. So please do not try to touch them or interact with them. This is for your safety and their safety.
Return Ferry Ride
When you purchase your ferry tickets, you have to select a departure ferry for a specific time. There is not an option to change ferry times when you are already in the National Park. Consider everything you would like to see and do before making your reservation. We did not allow enough time for an enjoyable hike back to the ferry. Thankfully, it was mostly downhill at this point. The last couple of miles had to be done at a very quick pace and we ran the last mile. We made it, but it was close. Our actual hiking time was four hours. The average hiking time for this route is 4-6 hours so plan accordingly. We are fairly fast hikers and had to run toward the end. Try to avoid that by planning better than we did. We spent time watching foxes and relaxing for lunch. My advice is to consider your goals, amount of active and leisure time wanted, and hiking speed when planning your trip.
The ferry is a great place to relax after an active day. We were very happy to sit after a long hike and a rushed ending. Remember to watch for wildlife on the ferry ride back to the mainland. We were treated with a breaching grey whale and baby. It was an incredible sight to see! They are such beautiful and majestic animals. A perfect end to hiking Santa Cruz Island and visiting Channel Islands National Park.
Tips
- There is a beautiful beach located by the ferry dock where you can relax and wait for the ferry.
- Little to no cell phone reception so bring all essential supplies
- Pack a lunch and snacks and plenty of water. There are no services on the island.
- The weather on the Channel Islands is usually pleasant, but can also be very unpredictable at times. Expect wind and bring layers, as the temperature can change quickly.
- Bring sun protection, a hat, and sunglasses
- If you are planning to camp, Scorpion Campground is a popular spot amidst eucalyptus trees and close proximity to the trails.
- There are no trash cans on the island so you need to bring all of your trash back to the Mainland.
Conclusion
Channel Islands National Park is a must visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. There is so much beauty and solitude. Consider a visit to the beautiful Channel Islands National Park. This article can serve as a one day itinerary for the Island of Santa Cruz. I hope you visit and enjoy it as much as I did.
