Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Channel Islands National Park

Best trails in Channel Islands National Park

4.7(8,473 reviews)

·

United States
: 
#40 of 60 national parks

All photos

Channel Islands National Park is a perfect place to get away from the crowds and experience an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. The park is one of California's least visited national parks and a true hidden gem. There are 5 islands to explore: Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa. The island's hiking trails are famous for their breathtaking ocean vistas, remote beaches, and scenic coastal bluffs. We've picked some of our favorites on Santa Cruz Island and Anacapa Island.

The Channel Islands are a great place for birding and ocean mammal-viewing year-round. Spring is the best time to see and hear birds, especially during migration and nesting season. Sea lions, elephant seals, whales, and dolphins each have different seasons when they are most active. There are 23 unique animals, including the island fox and island scrub jay, that only live on the Channel Islands!

Every season offers something different to do! Summer is the most popular time to visit, and the best season for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and whale watching, but you'll also encounter the hottest weather. For hiking, the best times of the year are often fall and spring. In winter, temperatures can be great for hiking, but it's also the rainiest time of the year.

No reservations or fees are required to visit most of the national park, but you'll need to take a private boat or reserve a charter ferry from the mainland in Ventura to get there. Many visitors opt for a day trip to Santa Cruz Island or East Anacapa Island. Overnight travelers must make camping reservations to stay in the park's campgrounds, which are the only lodging options on the islands. To access The Nature Conservancy's property on Santa Cruz Island or to visit San Miguel Island, you'll need a permit.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Potato Harbor

    4.9(2350)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.2 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This route to Potato Harbor is one of the most popular on Santa Cruz island. It begins at the trailhead at Scorpion Anchorage, where Island Packers boats drop passengers nearby at Scorpion Beach. You'll take the Cavern Point Loop Trail along the bluff, passing Cavern Point before turning onto the North Bluff Trail, which takes you all the way to Potato Harbor. There is no beach access at Potato Harbor, which gets its name from its oval shape!

  2. #2 - Cavern Point Loop

    4.7(925)
    ·Easy
    ·1.7 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Expect amazing scenic vistas on this must-do loop on Santa Cruz island. To avoid a steep climb you can hike this route clockwise, beginning from Scorpion Cove campground (near site #22). You'll take the Cavern Point Loop Trail, traveling along a beautiful bluff on the way back to Scorpion Anchorage. You'll pass Cavern point on your way. Lockers to keep animals out of your bags can be found at the trailhead, along with restrooms. There are two restroom facilities near the trailhead.

  3. #3 - Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor

    4.8(808)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.8 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    This trail is exposed to the sun the whole time, but it is definitely worth prioritizing as the ultimate day hike on the Channel Islands. The views of Potato Harbor and all along the Bluff Trail are breathtaking. Bring plenty of water for the first climb up to the Upper campground. There, you can sit at picnic tables under ancient eucalyptus trees and potentially spot some wildlife before making the final push to Potato Harbor. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and wear protective clothing as...

  4. #4 - Smugglers Cove

    4.7(859)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.6 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    This route takes you along Smugglers Cove Road to the beach at Smugglers Cove. There is no water available at the beach, so it is a good idea to bring plenty of water with you on this trip. There is little shade along the way. This route begins at Scorpion Beach / Scorpion Anchorage where Island Packer boats drop passengers off. There is a bathroom facility at the trailhead. Camping is available nearby at the Scorpion Campground.

  5. #5 - Montañon Ridge Loop

    4.8(666)
    ·Hard
    ·8.7 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    This rugged route takes visitors on a tour of Santa Cruz Island's popular vistas, but also offers a true challenge by including several miles along Montañon Ridge. The Montañon Ridge portion of the trail is rough and not well-maintained. It is a good idea to carry a printed copy of your map and/or download your route ahead of time.

  6. #6 - Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail

    4.7(593)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.3 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This hike is a great way to see Santa Cruz Island and offers beautiful views along the north and east coastlines. From Scorpion Anchorage, you'll head inland and uphill along Smugglers Road towards the Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail. You can make a short detour from Smugglers Road to Scorpion Rock Overlook and/or a longer detour to Smugglers Cove. Once you hit Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail, you'll begin the descent. There's a camping area with picnic tables near the bottom if you wish to take a...

  7. #7 - Del Norte and Scorpion Campground via Del Norte and Montañon Trail

    4.7(300)
    ·Hard
    ·12.7 mi
    ·Est. 6.5–7.5 hr
    This rugged backpacker-friendly trail takes you to Del Norte Campground from Prisoners Harbor. You can spend the night at Del Norte, then hike to Scorpion Campground for another night. The route ends at Scorpion Anchorage. There is no water at Del Norte campground or along the route. It is a good idea to pack plenty of extra water for your trip. The trail can sometimes be overgrown, so long pants are recommended. While you are crossing the Montañon ridge at the high point, it requires some...

  8. #8 - East Anacapa Island Trail

    4.5(324)
    ·Easy
    ·2.4 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Anacapa Island is one of five islands in Channel Islands National Park. The park was established to protect, preserve, and enhance understanding of the islands' unique past and remarkable resources. This route encircles the island visiting the Fog Signal Building, Cathedral Cove, Inspiration Point and Pinniped Point. Twelve miles from the mainland, Anacapa Island emerges from the ocean as a five-mile-long volcanic rock divided into three islets-East, Middle, and West. Waves have eroded...

  9. #9 - Prisoners Harbor to Del Norte Campground via Del Norte Trail

    4.5(340)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.2 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    The Prisoners Harbor to Del Norte Campground via Del Norte Trail offers a beautiful coastal hike on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. This trail takes you through a mix of coastal chaparral and lush canyon landscapes, with sweeping views of the ocean and rugged terrain. Along the way, you'll pass through unique plant life and may encounter local wildlife. The route culminates at Del Norte Campground, providing a great destination to camp and enjoy the beauty of the island.

  10. #10 - Torrey Pines via East Point and Torrey Pines Trail

    4.8(191)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.6 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The hike takes you from the Santa Rosa pier to the famous Torrey Pines grove of the Channel Islands. This route follows a dirt road and is fairly level for a few miles. You'll eventually reach the Torrey Pines Trail, which takes you on a loop uphill through the Torrey Pines grove. Don't miss this loop at the end for panoramic views and a closeup look at the rare and endemic Torrey Pines.
Showing results 1–10 of 31
Explore more trails

Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
No fee required
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(805) 658-5730

No entrance fee or pass is required.

Annual pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
Overview

Channel Islands National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on other park amenities, such as camping.

The Mainland Visitor Center and Contact Station are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available. Orientation films include open captioning.

The islands are remote, with rugged terrain, and the park website states they are not "readily accessible" for those with limited mobility. The only way to access this cliff-island park is via commercial boat or plane. Please contact those services directly to ask about accessibility.

Assistive listening devices and tactile exhibits are available.

Additional information about accessibility at Channel Islands National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The Mainland Visitor Center and Contact Station are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available. Orientation films include open captioning.

Santa Cruz Island: At Scorpion Anchorage, offloading from the boat is via an adjustable platform to a pier and a ramp up the pair. At Prisoner’s Harbor, offloading from the boat is done via a ladder to a pier. Staff is available to assist passengers on and off the boat. A beach wheelchair is available at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoner's Harbor. Please call 805-658-5730 or email chis_information@nps.gov in advance to make a reservation for equipment.

Santa Rosa Island: Offloading from the boat is done via a ladder to a pier at Santa Rosa Island. Staff is available to assist passengers on and off the boat. A beach wheelchair is available, and requests can be made for a vehicle tour. Please call 805-658-5730 or email chis_information@nps.gov to make a reservation for equipment or a tour.

The Santa Cruz Island Picnic Area, Santa Rosa Island Picnic Area, and Santa Barbara Island Picnic Area are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces.

There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: Santa Cruz Island Visitor Center and Santa Rosa Island Ranch House.

Camping

The Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Island Campgrounds have level wheelchair accessible camping sites and wheelchair accessible picnic tables. Staff is available to help access the campsites, but contact the visitor center beforehand to arrange assistance.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park and must have a health screening before visiting the islands. Visit the park website to find the protocol for the service animal health screening.

Plus badge image

Guides

in Channel Islands National Park
Top Picks in Channel Islands National Park
8 trails
in Channel Islands National Park
Hidden Gems in Channel Islands National Park
3 trails
Explore more national park guides
Explore more national park guides
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Channel Islands National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Channel Islands National Park is Potato Harbor, which has a 4.9 star rating from 2,350 reviews. This trail is 5.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 629 ft.

What is the longest trail in Channel Islands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Channel Islands National Park is Ford Point via East Point Trail and South Road. This trail is estimated to be 19.6 mi long.

How many trails are in Channel Islands National Park?

There are 31 trails in Channel Islands National Park.These trails have an average 4.7-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Channel Islands National Park?

Ford Point via East Point Trail and South Road has the most elevation gain with 3,169 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is High Mount, Montañon Peak, and Montañon Ridge Trail, which has 3,083 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Channel Islands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 18 camping trails in Channel Islands National Park and the most popular is Potato Harbor with an average 4.9 star rating from 2,350 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Channel Islands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 14 running trails in Channel Islands National Park and the most popular is Potato Harbor with an average 4.9 star rating from 2,350 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Channel Islands National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Channel Islands National Park are Potato Harbor, Cavern Point Loop, Smugglers Cove, Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, and East Anacapa Island Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Channel Islands National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Channel Islands National Park are Potato Harbor, Cavern Point Loop, Smugglers Cove, Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, and Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail.

What are the best winter hikes in Channel Islands National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Channel Islands National Park are Potato Harbor, Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail, Montañon Ridge Loop, and Smugglers Cove.

What are the best spring hikes in Channel Islands National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Channel Islands National Park are Potato Harbor, Cavern Point Loop, Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, Smugglers Cove, and Montañon Ridge Loop.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Channel Islands National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Channel Islands National Park?

Yes, there are 6 trails with scenic viewpoints in Channel Islands National Park, including Potato Harbor, Cavern Point Loop, Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, Montañon Ridge Loop, and East Anacapa Island Trail.

Are there any trails with bays in Channel Islands National Park?

Yes, there are 18 trails with bays in Channel Islands National Park, including Potato Harbor, Cavern Point Loop, Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor, Smugglers Cove, and Montañon Ridge Loop.