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Santa Cruz Island

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Overview

Santa Cruz Island is the largest and most diverse of the eight Channel Islands and has a long and varied history that is closely linked to its landscape. Its coastal scrub vegetation, vast grasslands, oak woodlands, and rich coastline sustained the sea-going Chumash people for about 9,000 years. During the nineteenth century, hunters and fishermen exploited the marine life, and mariners found shelter in its coves. Later the island was home to immigrant ranchers, and, in later years, the military took advantage of the island’s strategic location. With such a rich and varied history, visitors are sure to find plenty to explore in addition to the island's stunning natural beauty.

To learn more about Santa Cruz Island, visit the park's website.

Local Info

The island has a single visitor center located in the historic Scorpion Ranch house. Several trails and roads traverse eastern Santa Cruz Island, providing visitors with spectacular running opportunities. These trails and roads range from the maintained, relatively flat trails of Scorpion Valley to the unmaintained, rugged, mountainous paths of the Montañon area. Runners must stay on designated trails, and no off-trail travel is permitted.

While visitors may explore the national park property on Santa Cruz Island, no running is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto the Nature Conservancy property. The boundary is the property line (marked by a fence line) between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage.

Visiting Tips

Santa Cruz Island is only accessible via boat. Island Packers offers trips year round. Travel time is one-hour, landing at either Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. Landing is via a pier at both locations. For more information on transportation options, click here.

Camping & Lodging

Primitive camping is available at the Scorpion Ranch Campground. There are 31 sites available for $15 per night per site, and reservations are required. Water, picnic tables, food storage boxes, and pit toilets are provided.

Food & Drink

There are no goods, services, or accommodations available on the island. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. Water is available at Scorpion Anchorage but not at Prisoners Harbor.

Other Activities

The mixed sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. With easy beach access, clear ocean waters, nearby camping, amazing kelp forests, and a spectacular shoreline with sea caves to explore, this is a great option for those looking to enjoy the area. No fishing is allowed within the marine reserves located around the island. Fishing is allowed outside of these areas with a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp.

Recommended Routes in Santa Cruz Island - 2

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Favorite High Mount
Difficult Difficult

Santa Cruz Traverse

13.4 mi 21.6 km 2,573' Up 784.37 m Up 2,568' Down 782.81 m Down

Anacapa…, CA
Explore in 3D
Favorite Looking back towards Scorpion Valley
Intermediate Intermediate

Potato Harbor Loop

5.0 mi 8.0 km 511' Up 155.78 m Up 510' Down 155.6 m Down

Santa C…, CA
Explore in 3D

Santa Cruz Island Running

  • 49 Miles 78 Kilometers of Trail
  • 2 Recommended Routes
  • 8 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 14 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 13 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Trails in Santa Cruz Island - 33

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0.9 mi 1.5 km #1North Bluff Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
1.5 mi 2.5 km #2Potato Harbor Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
1.4 mi 2.2 km #3Montanon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Summerland, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Summerland, CA
3.9 mi 6.3 km #4Smugglers Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Santa Cruz Island, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Santa Cruz Island, CA
1.3 mi 2.1 km #5Cavern Point Loop Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
0.3 mi 0.5 km #6Oil Well
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Toro Canyon, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Toro Canyon, CA
1.4 mi 2.2 km #7Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail
Difficult Difficult
Anacapa Island, CA
Difficult Difficult
Anacapa Island, CA
0.7 mi 1.2 km #8Scorpion Valley Road
Easy Easy
Anacapa Island, CA
Easy Easy
Anacapa Island, CA
4.0 mi 6.4 km #9Del Norte Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Anacapa Island, CA
0.9 mi 1.4 km #10China Pines
Difficult Difficult
Anacapa Island, CA
Difficult Difficult
Anacapa Island, CA

Photos of Santa Cruz Island - 54

Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Photos

Looking back towards Scorpion Valley
Dec 11, 2016 near Anacapa…, CA
Just hanging out, hoping for a morsel to eat.
Dec 13, 2016 near Anacapa…, CA
Peering over Little Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park.
Dec 13, 2016 near Anacapa…, CA
Potato Harbor is simply spectacular.
Dec 13, 2016 near Anacapa…, CA
The start of the trail
Jan 1, 2018 near Anacapa…, CA
The moors of the island
Jan 1, 2018 near Anacapa…, CA
High Mount
Jan 1, 2018 near Anacapa…, CA
Path of Cavern Point Loop Trail in foreground.
Mar 16, 2018 near Anacapa…, CA

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