No fishing is allowed at Scorpion Anchorage since it is within a marine reserve. It's walk in only and there are only 4 sites. The landing is rocky and the surroundings desolate and uninteresting. If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! The boat got us back to the mainland a little before 5 pm and by 7 we were back in Orange County ready to do laundry and get ready for the next adventure! I hope you love it as much as I do! Ventura, Ca 93001 There was the remains of a metal pole sticking up like. If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead. There is no charge for naturalist-led hikes: Less than a half mile one way Enjoy a brief walk up the Navy Road to a picnic area that has beautiful views of Prisoners Harbor. You may cross over a very small stream, or two, in the first couple of miles, but don't count on there being water there unless it's rained recently, and there is nothing after that. The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. If you dont own one, dont worry. Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay. Island foxes are often seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Ventura. A satellite GPS device isnt a bad idea either. I am not as a seasoned hiker as I should be! A few more things to note about the camping situation on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion campground is a large campground located about a half mile from the pier down a flat gravel and dirt path. This is currently the only backcountry campground on the island.. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. We shared a table with two volunteers who were out there releasing harbor seal pups and who shared amusing videos of the reluctant pups being unceremoniously deposited into the ocean. Re: Santa Cruz: Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage 8 years ago A narrow canyon leading inland from the beach contains a ranch house used by a party of shepherds. Many trips to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island offer an excursion to Painted Cave! If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. We had one trailrunner go past us obviously just out for the day and planning to meet the afternoon boat home but other than that it felt like we had the island to ourselves. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. The two most popular animals are the island fox and island scrub jay, though there are plenty of other animals to spot on both land and sea. There is water available at Scorpion Anchorage. Altogether youll walk a little over half of a mile. Which one do you recommend? Remember that it is illegal to directly or indirectly feed animals in the park. The Del Norte Trail soon joins with Navy Road, a fire road traveling along the central ridge of the island. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs. 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. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. In addition, there isnopotable water access, so you have to bring enough with you. Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature. All the locals and those who work on the Channel Islands will tell you some of the best views on Santa Cruz Island can be seen from the Pelican trail, which starts at Prisoners Harbor. You wont have much time here for a day hike, so Id usually recommend this for a camping trip. Common hazards include: The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. At Prisoners Harbor, tables are located near the beach. In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands. A small cooler with a single handle or a backpack will help to protect your food from the small animals and birds that populate the islands year-round. This rocky trail travels along coast bluffs, through groves of pine and oak trees and through multiple deep canyons, offering scenic views and an occasional endemic island fox. Interpretive Programs After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. At Scorpion Anchorage, picnic tables are available at the beach and near the ranch area. It's best to check with Island Packers. Browse by destination. Distance from landing is a flat one-half mile. Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. 93001, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. A second pair of shoes or water shoes are recommended for the cobblestone beach, for foot protection, if you are planning to get into the water. You can do day hikes at Prisoner's Harbor and have made numerous visits to both places. Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain,Cavern Point Loopoffers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. During a normal year of rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed in late winter and spring. The hike from Prisoners to Scorpion is about 16 miles. The trail soon descends into Scorpion Canyon, where the upper and lower campground loops of Scorpion Ranch are located. The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. 6 guests. There are no other visitor centers on the island. Scorpion is primarily comprised of coastal sage scrub and grasslands whereas Prisoners has more chaparral and oak woodland. There are no other visitor centers on the island. If youd like to continue, you can go straight through the back of the upper campground up Scorpion Canyon until youre ready to turn around. Within a quarter mile, youll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. Your day is generally much quieter at Prisoners due to significantly less visitation, but for the same reason, there are usually only one or two park staff around on a busy day. We recommend hiking shoes. Scorpion Cove vs. W swell 6 ft at 13 seconds. Despite the unfortunate reality that I need to work to afford to live, and I cannot focus all my energy on hobbies, I do what I can when I can, and still find a way to have memorable adventures in new places on a budget. Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9:00 AM. Oxnard, Ca 93035 All year long there is ample opportunity for hiking and water sports at both locations as well as a good chance of wildlife encounters. If youd like to spend most of your Channel Islands National Park time exploring the underwater half of the park, a tour withChannel Islands Adventure Companywill never disappoint! An outdoor pit toilet is available for the campground, though you will need to bring your own toilet paper. Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience.420 + Parks all in one App. At that point, its probably time to turn around since the trail work isnt quite complete yet. The channel crossing for a Prisoners Harbor day trip is approximately 1 .5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more.Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! Each site is equipped with a picnic table and metal food storage box. Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. Kayaking from Prisoners Harbor is also very scenic. We will just be going for the day and I'm trying to figure out which part of the island is the best to go to. Notably, the island scrub-jay, the Santa Cruz Island fox and eight plant species are found on Santa Cruz and nowhere else in the world (endemics). One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. Ventura to Prisoners Hbr SCI 9:00 AM. Goods and Services The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. Shade is available. The Island Fox is only about the size of a house cat and due to the fact they haven't traditionally had any predators they are active during the day. He built corrals and houses for himself and his employees and expanded the road system. Subscribe to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days in Santa Barbara: A True Adventure Itinerary. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail. We didn't get moving until 10:30 figuring we had a relaxing day with only 12 or so miles to cover. Location & Hours 1901 Spinnaker Dr Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Under the Oaks Santa Barbara Currently booked through March of 2023. You must bring water with you for your requirements. You can hike up around the area on nice trails and have great views of the ocean. More than 600 plant species have been documented in ten different plant communities from marsh and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Potable water is available in the campground area. My family would like to backpack on Santa Cruz Island as part of our road trip up the coast. My SO and I are hoping to hike some of the Pelican trail and kayak after, all in a day trip. A 31-site campground area begins one mile from the pier and is an easy flat walk. It is critical to note that there is no potable water here, and very little chance you will come across any water between the pier and campground. On days that the concessionaire boats run to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, guided hikes may be offered by national park volunteers or concessionaire naturalists. These trails and roads range from the maintained, relatively flat, signed trails of Scorpion Valley to the unmaintained, rugged, mountainous paths of the Montaon area. The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. Landing is via a pier at both locations. From millions of years of isolation, many distinctive plants and animal species have adapted to the islands unique environments. You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpiondue to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. Scorpion SCI to E. Anacapa 11:00 AM. All Rights Reserved. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide. To the extent that they make marmots look like ferocious beasts. Camping There are a lot of trees along the trail. The visitor center has exhibits about the islands, books, maps, handouts, and all the practical information you'll . If youre mobile enough for the ladder, youre probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills. Endemic island wildflowers including island buckwheat and asters are in bloom. These varied land forms support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Anacapa Island is the shortest trip and lowest risk for a rough ride. This hike is definitely more challenging than Potato Harbor, but offers great views over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon. If you do find it, it leads inland along a well maintained single track trail for a mile or so until it doesnt. NOAA Weather Marine Forecast for Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA Today High : 55F W wind 10 to 15 kt. Picnic tables are located near the beach and in the Visitors Center area. TheEagle Ridge Trailis currently asecret trail! However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. Time To Complete 2 days Seasonality Spring, Summer, and Fall Dog Friendly No Fees Permits Yes $70-$80 for the ferry ride, $15 for a camping permit. Report inappropriate content 2. For visitors planning a multi-day or overnight trip, camping . Santa Cruz Island Day Trip & Camper Transport Fares. Kids & dogs welcome! Shade is available. The route was a mix of single track trail and the occasional dirt road. You probably wont be alone. However, many visitors arent willing to put in the little bit of extra planning required to enjoy this beautiful harbor, so youll feel much more secluded and engulfed in nature. Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. Scorpion Canyon and the Potato Harbor trail are excellent places to see wildflowers. The other 76 percent is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Their constant use of the word brohled Jen to comment that they sounded like the Rick and Morty. .3 miles one way Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. Rain. There are group and individual sites and they provide water, fox boxes (bear boxes with a cuter name), and pit toilets. Intensity and duration of the bloom differs a bit each year due to varied rainfall and temperature.Many Channel crossings this time of year include Gray Whale sightings. They're also really mellow. To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. We had a docent come by twice to chat and make sure we knew to be at the dock by 3 pm since this was theoretically the last boat coming out here until the construction was done in 6 months or so. We are looking for a full day of hiking and scenic views. In contrast to Scorpion Cove, your only option for kayaking at Prisoners Harbor is to rent a boat in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry. 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. They just wander around sniffing for bugs occasionally coming close but not really showing any intense interest. You might want to stay in all day, but the limiting factor will be your core body temperature, (water temperature fluctuates between 50 and 70 degrees) so be sure to pack a 5-7mm wetsuit. With this in mind, be sure to wear a helmet (for the swells in the caves) and life jacket and check weather conditions and tides in advance. Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. If you only have time for some of the loop, my recommendation is to begin at the cutoff just before Potato Harbor Lookout enjoying outstanding views the entire way, then turning around in time for the ferry. Possession of a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required and all California Department of Fish and Game regulations apply.More Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tonight Low : 48F W wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. Seasickness always gets someone. Prisoners SCI to Scorpion SCI 3:15 PM. Be sure to pay close attention to when your boat departs, but the campground is a mere half mile away from the dock. Its about protecting what sustains us. Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Canyon Campground (31 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. The snorkel is usually short-lived as the water temperature hovers between 55 and 65 degrees and I rarely bring a wetsuit, but it sure is refreshing after a long hike! It is on the border of the Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy property. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid Campsite List Refresh Table Expand Table Sort: Availability 5 Days Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. While the island previously had an active ranch, under the current ownership of the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy it is being returned to its prior, natural state. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts. For even better views you can take a short detour to the highest point on the NPS-owned side of the island, which sits at 1,808 feet. Browse forums; All. The strenuous nature of the trail begins after marker 11, and continues to the end of the trail at Pelican Bay where you will findtwo locations for water access. Sea temperatures during warmer months may reach the upper 60s. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. This is back country camping. There will be Scorpion Cove access between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5, 2020, using the existing pier, said Yvonne Menard, a park spokeswoman. The visitor center includes an orientation area that helps visitors plan a safe trip on the island and a variety of interactive exhibits that describe the island's tremendous biodiversity, rich cultural history, and current resource issues. Prevailing wind comes from the northwest, so Id recommend paddling west first to avoid getting stuck downwind as the wind picks up in the afternoon. Once your boat is on the island, your potential for exploration is limitless. Cruises to both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor leave from the Ventura Harbor location year-round. 6. Water Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but its good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. So, you must pack all your water. There are not any trees along the trails. If youre running short on time, there is an option to cut the hike short and descend down Potato Road to the upper campground as a more straight shot to the beach. All of the activities listed below are for Scorpion Cove. I get sea sick fairly easily. The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species. You can book your ticketshereand find more information about Santa Cruz Islandhere. Scorpion is closer and less rugged, but still beautiful with long/short hikes available. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat. It is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and both are out and back trails. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Santa Barbara Channel. Prisoners Harbor apart. Along this road lie island manzanita, lichen-covered oaks, and the endemic Santa Cruz Island pine. Channel Islands Adventure Company is excited to announce the new tours being offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. However, all surf spots are remote and are best accessed by private boat due to the island's rugged terrain and the hiking distance from the designated landing areas. It is single track style, takes about 3 hours to complete round trip, and has more shade than any other trail on Santa Cruz Island. How many hours should I give myself? It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app. Backcountry camping is available year round at the Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor. All food should be kept in these boxes as island foxes have become habituated to human food and frequent campgrounds. Id recommend hiking this way if you arent prepared for slippery and eroded trails, because the Navy Road provides aneasier walking surfacedespite it being uphill in nature. These hikes often travel the scenic, 4-mile trail from Prisoners Harbor towards Pelican Bay. Just please make sure to prepare yourself so you dont end up leaving a trail behind you inside. For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of Santa Cruz Island (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. It's best to check with Island Packers. There is no water at Del Norte campground. After just over a mile of hiking, a trail to Del Norte campground breaks off from this road, which is only 3.5 miles from Prisoner's. The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. The app is free and available online at App Store and on Google Play. here are no other goods, services, or accommodations (lodging) available on the island. Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. For more information or to book a tour, clickhere. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. If there doesnt seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. Island Packers offers trips year round. Hikes generally begin 30 minutes after the Island Packers boats arrive on the island. Australia Forums; United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Asia Forums; . Copyright 2023 The Unremarkable Climber | Powered by The Unremarkable Climber. I recommend ending in the campground so that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach. You can collect invertebrates like spiny lobster, urchins, and scallops, and try to catch fish like calico bass and rockfish. At over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest island in the Park. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. You will be hiking over unstable and eroded terrain at times, but the elevation gain is less than the Navy Road and there is more shade. You may also download the release form. Usually multiple someones. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip. You can do day hikes at either location. Once youve made a decision, you can clickhereto book your tickets! This trail is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks. The best months for flower blooms are April and May. Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. TNC property is closed to the public with the exception of the Pelican Bay Trail, so you have to be a bit more cautious when exploring, but the private property is usually well marked. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging. The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible. As a moderate hiker, you can hike up the Navy Road to Del Norte Trail or Eagle Ridge Trail on the National Park Service property, or hike halfway out on the Pelican Bay Trail on The Nature Conservancy property with a signed waiver. 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. December through mid- February, southbound migrating Gray Whales can often be observed from Cavern point on East Santa Cruz or the bluffs of Mid Santa Cruz as the whales pass near the island. Santa Cruz includes three mountain ranges; the highest peak of all the Channel Islands (Mount Diablo rising above 2000 feet,) a large central valley/fault system, deep canyons with year round springs and streams, and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. Hazards includesteep and erodedsections of trail over unstable or rocky terrain and potential for contact withpoision oak. At the end, youll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind. Montaon Ridge Loopis quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. , Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. There are only 4 sites, so you wont have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance. Frequently, our boats land at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners Harbor. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. On days that the concessionaire boats run to Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor, guided hikes may be offered by national park volunteers or concessionaire naturalists. There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet. is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner's Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote . However, there is no water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors must bring all their water with them. This post has been removed at the author's request. Hiking options at Prisoners Harbor are much more limited both in number and in time on island, but one of the best hikes on the island is located here as well as a secret hike. The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. However, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access challenging for all but the most dexterous. For available shuttle tickets, clickhere. Whichever you choose, you will love the entire experience. The Prisoner's Harbor area is part of The Nature Conservancy section of the island. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing. There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options. We could see Anacapa rising prominently off to the west as we dropped. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. Shuttle tickets also provide an option to squeeze in a day trip for those who find one of the campgrounds sold out for the night. Gotta get in better shape! And rather beautiful. Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too! Boat Transportation On these trips travel time to Prisoners Harbor can be 2 hours or more with a beautiful cruise along the rugged shoreline of Santa Cruz Island. If unique wildlife is what youre after, look no further! There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. 805-642-1393, 3550 Harbor Blvd If unique animal sightings are what youre after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. There are 140 species of land birds, 11 land mammal species, three amphibian and five reptile species. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west. Fishing This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation. Both Scorpion and Prisoners are on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, so the rock is primarily volcanic and the beaches are either all rocky or rocky with sections of course black sand, depending on recent weather events. If you just cant fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. Unfortunately, there really arent any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. Tours depart to this area of the island daily, weather permitting. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times. A variety of seabirds can be seen throughout the year (especially around Scorpion Rock), but most birders go to the island to see the endemic island scrub-jay-only found on Santa Cruz Island and no other place in the world. Scattered along the trail are remnants of the ranching operation that ended in the 1980s. This view shows the submarine's line handling crew aft of her. 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. Also, the only visitor center is in a tiny shack called Harveys Hut up on a bluff. Hi- I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial Day weekend. This is the most family friendly campground on the islands. The main challenge of this hike is the lack of water along the way. The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, nearby camping, year-round Island Packers boat transportation, extensive kelp forests, and a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Scorpion Cove vs. Generally, the north shore is best during the northwest swells of winter/spring and the south shore is best during the south swells of summer/fall. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? You can often see bright orange garibaldi (Californias State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs. Its only about two miles of hiking if you complete the whole loop and offers dramatic views of Scorpion Cove andAnacapa Islandright above the visitor center. This road trip has stemmed from those years of . Its about nourishment and learning. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. While visitors may explore the national park property on Santa Cruz Island, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property. At a low tide I will be visiting with 3 friends over Memorial day weekend an outdoor pit toilet available! United States Forums ; Europe Forums ; Canada Forums ; United States Forums Asia! Those five, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access, so you have! This is currently the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island ( excluding Scorpion area ) visit... And doesnt add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip practicing! 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Refill water as you walk back to the Islands unique environments at Prisoners,!, continue on to the Islands unique environments end up leaving a trail you... Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone some different species rainfall, wildflowers are best viewed late! At Scorpiondue to the west 10 to 15 kt is illegal to directly or indirectly animals. A little over half of a mile call Island Packers boats arrive on the Island beasts... Rocks make water access challenging for all but the most family friendly campground on the east end of Santa Island! Beach and near the ranch area in addition, there is scorpion cove vs prisoners harbor water at Prisoners Harbor so visitors bring... Rocky outcroppings to explore be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers apply principles... Rocky and the endemic Santa Cruz is the most options for arrival and departure.... From Prisoners via a trail behind you inside, visit the visitor Services List trail behind you.. And scallops, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline the entire experience to offload and... For our readers an Island Packer naturalist offload passengers and gear before continuing to Prisoners takes about minutes... Ft at 13 seconds seen around the ranch and campground at Scorpion and. Unremarkable Climber that it is important to note that both main hiking options at Prisoners is! To both Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear before continuing to takes... For flower blooms are April and may call Island Packers boats arrive on the border of the months! Campground is a fairly well maintained dirt road and featuresmultiple little overlooks a much quieter beach is! I are hoping to hike up around the ranch and campground at Scorpion Anchorage to offload passengers and gear continuing. Two feet seem to be the first to read upcoming posts like: 3 Days Santa.