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. Please subscribe to the YouTube channel if you would like to know about future episodes: Youtube.Map of Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park created using Exploring 6 different anchorages on Santa Cruz Island before sailing to Catalina Island to ring in the New Year. This Podcast was recorded as part of a 9 day long sailing trip I took the last week of 2017. You can see the corresponding video episode about Little Scorpion on my YouTube Channel and read the journal entry from my log book, all of this can be found at I spent the afternoon exploring the sea caves in the water snorkeling. With no safe landing for dinghies you can explore the sea caves and cliffs by dinghy or kayak or make your way around to Scorpion to land and hike. Little Scorpion is divided from its namesake, Scorpion, by two large rocks that protect the anchorage from the winds and swells that primarily come out of the west or northwest.Ī deep anchorage with 30' only being found near to the rocks or cliff sides. In this podcast, recorded under anchor at Little Scorpion, I tell you what I know about the anchorage and my thoughts and experiences at this anchorage and talk a little about my trip to the anchorage from Pelican Bay. Episode 006 : Little Scorpion Anchorage is located on the Eastern most point of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California.
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