Exploring the Great Outdoors: Channel Islands National Park - Santa Cruz Edition (Hiking and Camping Adventure)
Heading to Channel Islands National Park? Here's your lowdown on conquering Santa Cruz Island like a pro! This two-day itinerary is perfect for beginners,.
Before the Plan
Got your heart set on the Channel Islands, but confused about which island and when? No worries, mate! The closest national park to LA, it's not as swarmed as you'd expect, thanks to its complex ferry schedules, seasonal closures, and permitting rules. S'ok though, this itinerary focuses on one of the most popular spots, Santa Cruz Island, and minimizes the risk of closure, .
The Ultimate Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning: Catch the ride from Ventura to Scorpion Cove on Santa Cruz IslandLunch: Set up camp and eat your lunchAfternoon: Trek to Smuggler's Cove and back againOvernight: Camp at Scorpion Campground
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Enjoy your meal in the great outdoorsMorning: Break down camp and store your gearAfternoon: Hike to Potato Harbor Overlook and unwindLunch: Grab a bite near the visitor center areaLate afternoon: Catch the ferry back to the mainland
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
Booking & Logistics
Making this itinerary a reality is simple as pie!
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
- Boat Schedules: Cook a peek at the ferry schedule online to confirm departures and returns.
- Campground Booking: Head to Recreation.gov to reserve your spot at Scorpion Cove. Book well in advance to snag the best available sites!
- Ferry Ticket: Nab the ferry ticket once you have your campsite sorted.
Gear You'll Need
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
No fancy gear required for this trip! Here's the must-haves:
- Tent, sleeping pad, quilt or sleeping bag
- Layered clothing and waterproof shells
- Water bottle
- Food for extra days if the ferry is delayed
- Satellite communicator (if you've got one)
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
And you're all set! With this guide, you'll experience the best of Santa Cruz Island, making your first visit to Channel Islands National Park unforgettable. Good luck, and happy hiking!
- The Channel Islands National Park, though close to LA, avoids heavy tourist traffic due to complex ferry schedules, seasonal closures, and permitting rules.
- For those planning to conquer Santa Cruz Island, the itinerary suggested here minimizes the risks of closure.
- On the first day, catch a ride from Ventura to Scorpion Cove on Santa Cruz Island, trek to Smuggler's Cove and back, set up camp, and eat lunch at the campground.
- On the second day, enjoy breakfast in the great outdoors, hike to Potato Harbor Overlook, unwind, grab lunch near the visitor center area, and catch the ferry back to the mainland.
- To make this itinerary a reality, book a campsite at Scorpion Cove on Recreation.gov, secure a ferry ticket, and check the ferry schedule online.
- For a safe and comfortable trip, carry essential gear including a tent, sleeping pad, quilt or sleeping bag, layered clothing, waterproof shells, water bottle, food for extra days, and a satellite communicator (if available).
- To enhance the outdoor experience, consider using AllTrails Plus for up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, and Garmin sync, and the Osprey Hikelite 26 for a light, tough, and water-resistant daypack, Norda 001 for comfortable and light footwear, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for reliable SOS coverage, and the Garmin Fenix 8 for maps, tracking, and routing.
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