Channel Islands National Park is a hidden gem off the coast of Southern California, often referred to as the “Galapagos of North America”. With five unique islands to explore, this park offers pristine nature, wildlife, and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere. Here’s how to make the most of a one-day trip to Santa Cruz Island, the largest and most popular island in the park.

About Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands: Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Each island boasts unique ecosystems, dramatic coastlines, and rare wildlife species, including the adorable island fox. Once on the islands there are no cars or houses at all, making it feel truly remote.

When to Visit:

• Best Seasons:
  • Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom, and wildlife is active
  • Summer (June-August): Perfect for kayaking and snorkeling, with calm waters and warm weather
  • Fall (September-October: Ideal for hiking, with fewer crowds and mild weather
  • Winter (November-February): Whale watching season, but weather can be unpredictable
• Time of Day: To maximize your time, take the earliest ferry available and plan for a full day of activities

How to Get There:

You will have to take a ferry to get to the national park itself, but here is how to get to the harbor.

• Nearest Airport:
  • The closest airport is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), about 40 miles north of Venture. Alternatively, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 70 miles south
• Driving: From either Santa Barbara or Los Angeles, drive to Ventura Harbor, where ferries to the islands depart
• Ferry Services:
  • Island Packers: The primary ferry operator for Channel Islands National Park. They offer multiple different ferries to different islands, but I opted for the regular ferry to Santa Cruz from Ventura Harbor
    • Make sure you book this well in advance as ferries fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons
  • Parking: Free parking is available at Ventura Harbor, but arrive early, as spaces can fill up during peak seasons

Park Fees and Passes:

There is no entrance fee for this national park. However, the ferry costs vary depending on the trip you take, the island, and the season. Roundtrip tickets to Santa Cruz typically range from $59-$84 for adults.

Where to Stay

• Camping on the Islands: If you have time for it, consider camping on Santa Cruz Island at the Scorpion Canyon Campground. Make sure you book this in advance.
• Mainland Accommodations:
  • Ventura: Stay overnight in Ventura for convenience, with options like Ventura Beach Marriott or local motels

Itinerary:

Morning: Ferry to Santa Cruz Island

Sea lion on the way to Santa Cruz Island

• Departure: Board the Island Packers ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island’s Scorpion Cove. Book the earliest ferry (8:00 AM when I went) to maximize your time.
• Scenic Ride: The ferry ride will take about an hour each way. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea lions, and possibly whales during the journey. The crew does a great job pointing out marine wildlife, and the captain will even go out of their way to get closer to a whale or pod of dolphins if they’re seen in the distance.

Mid-Morning: Hike Montanon Ridge Loop

View from Potato Harbor to Cavern Point

• Hike Overview:
  • Distance: 10 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Challenging (elevation gain and rocky terrain)
  • According to AllTrails, this hike takes on average 4.5 hours to complete

This hike will take you around almost the entire island, with panoramic views of the island, dramatic coastal vistas, and unique island flora and fauna. I highly recommend this hike if you’re able to do it, it’s a great way to experience the island. I will provide an alternative itinerary if a 10 mile hikes sounds like too much.

• Tips for the Hike:
  • This hike will take a while, so make sure you are starting right when you get to the island. Keep an eye on the time and be sure you’ll make it back in time for the ferry. We had about an hour to spare after the hike.
  • Bring plenty of water, there are no refill stations on the trail
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots and carry sunscreen (even if it’s cloudy!!!! I learned this the hard way at this park)
  • Pack a lunch and plenty of snacks

Afternoon: Wildlife Spotting and Relaxation

• Explore the Campground Area: If time allows after your hike, visit the Scorpion Canyon Campground. While visiting Channel Islands National park I was determined to see the island fox, a species unique to the Channel Islands. I was able to see one in the campground, where they are commonly seen hanging out and trying to find food. They are so adorable, so be sure to be on the lookout for them!
• Relax on the Beach: Spend any extra time enjoying the pristine shoreline near Scorpion Cove.

Alternative Itinerary:

If hiking 10 miles sounds miserable, here is an alternative option for spending your day:

• Sea Cave Kayaking: This is one of the most popular things to do at the park
  • Book through Channel Islands Adventure Company
  • There are multiple adventures you can choose from
    • The length of your tour depends what you choose, but can range from 2.5 hours to 5 hours
• Hiking: There are tons of great hikes on Santa Cruz, a good option if you choose to do a shorter kayaking tour or just want to hike
  • Potato Harbor: 5.2 miles (Moderate), takes about 2 hours
  • Cavern Point Loop: 1.7 miles (Easy), takes about 45 minutes
  • Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail: 4.5 miles (Moderate), takes about 2 hours
    • Be sure to hike clockwise to avoid a steep climb

Evening: Return Ferry to Ventura

• Ferry Departure: Board the 4:30 PM ferry back to Ventura Harbor. Use the return trip to unwind and soak in the final views of the islands.
• Dinner Tip: Once back on the mainland, consider dining in Ventura at a waterfront restaurant like The Ventura Boatyard Cafe or Lure Fish House.