Along the trail leading down to Scorpion AnchorageĪfter a long left-hand bend, the trail edges northeast toward Scorpion Point, a high headland overlooking Scorpion Anchorage. Clear days also offer views as far as the mainland of California. Look back east for a view of the Anacapa Islands, which are considerably smaller than Santa Cruz but rise dramatically from the Santa Barbara Channel. Here the path is very wide and sun-exposed, with little trace of vegetation beyond the high grasses and occasional brushy shrubs. Santa Barbara Channel and Anacapa Islands Instead of bearing right toward Smugglers Cove, head left, bearing north in the direction of Scorpion Anchorage. At 2.3 miles, bear left on Smugglers Road, a popular trail used to access Smugglers Cove on the far eastern shores of the island. With much more of Montagñon Ridge now visible to the south, bear left at the junction and follow the wide track between drainages on the left and right. Ascent into the hills above Scorpion Canyon Look back toward Scorpion Cove Oil well Look south from here to catch a distant view of a modest oil well that was drilled in 1966 but yielded only water. Scorpion Canyon gradually becomes more and more distant, and the trail follows fence-lines and a side drainage on the left to a junction, about two miles from the start. Golden cliffs in Scorpion Canyon Scorpion Canyon Climbing out of the canyonĪfter a brief flat section, the trail continues to rise, this time up a very steep, grassy hillside that leads to what was once a vast pastureland for domesticated sheep and cattle. Rise to a confluence with a spur trail that leads down to a set of seasonal cascades in the wash below. This rude awakening will be challenging for some, but the increasingly dramatic views of the canyon, Montagñon Ridge, and Pacific Ocean ease some of the pain-as do the bushy wildflowers that dot the slope in some sections. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail beyond the campgroundĪbout 4/10 mile later, the trail begins a steady and demanding climb, ascending 700 feet in just over ¾ mile. This dwarf version of the mainland gray fox is found only on the Channel Islands and nearly went extinct before a restoration effort in the early 2000s that helped the population recover after a series of attacks by non-native golden eagles. Hikers are sure to encounter at least one island fox along this wide path. Island fox in Scorpion Canyonįrom the Visitor Center, pass the kayak/snorkel rental shop and the Lower Scorpion Cove Campground on the right. This description follows the latter track. Those seeking to avoid a steep climb should opt for the former, but those looking for a challenge or with a preference for saving the best views for last should proceed in a counter-clockwise direction, heading west from the Visitor Center and adobe house into Scorpion Canyon. Hikers can walk in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail begins and ends at the Scorpion Cove Visitor Center, which is located about 2/10 mile from the pier at Scorpion Anchorage. Today, the National Park Service has recreated the small ranch the adobe house includes several exhibits on the island’s natural and human history. In 1887, French-born businessman Justinian Caire constructed several structures at Scorpion Cove, including a two-story ranch house and wooden bunkhouse. Scorpion Cove-where there is a single, long pier-is the primary starting point for most visitors to Santa Cruz Island and was once a staging location for ranching activities on the island. Campers will have to bring all of their own gear and food for the trip.) ( Note, however, that there are limited facilities at the campground. Better yet, securing a reservation at the Scorpion Cove Campground allows for multi-day exploration. Concessionaire boats generally pull into Scorpion Anchorage at staggered times in the morning (twice during the week and up to four times on weekend days) and then leave in the late afternoon, leaving day use visitors with around 6-7 hours on the island. Sightings of pods of common dolphins are very common, and some lucky visitors may also spot migrating whales. Reaching Santa Cruz Island in California’s Channel Islands National Park is perhaps half the adventure, as the boat trip to/from the island is roughly an hour each way. Map of Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park created using
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