10 Best hikes and trails in Channel Islands National Park

Best trails in Channel Islands National Park

4.7(7,724 reviews)

United States
:
#40 of 60 national parks

Five of the eight Channel Islands are protected, and half of the park's area is underwater. They are home to over 2,000 species of land plants and animals, and 145 are unique to the islands. The islands were originally settled by the Chumash people, and there is a unique Mediterranean ecosystem.

Commercial boats and planes are used to access the park. Please contact those services directly to ask about accessibility. All of the islands are remote with rugged terrain.

Top trails

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 - Cavern Point Loop

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 - Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor

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...

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 - Montañon Ridge Loop

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 - Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail

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 - Del Norte and Scorpion Campground via Del Norte and Montañon Trail

4.7(275)

•Hard

•12.7 mi

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 - Prisoners Harbor to Del Norte Campground via Del Norte Trail

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.

#9 - East Anacapa Island Trail

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...

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

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.

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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

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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

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.

Guides

Top Picks in Channel Islands National Park

8 trails

Hidden Gems in Channel Islands National Park

3 trails

Explore more national park guides

Trail reviews for Channel Islands National Park

11,290 trailgoers Busiest in June

Lisa Tahir

Aug 9, 2025

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

This hike was gorgeous! Moderate in difficulty bc I was wearing a backpack full of food and water for the day. This is a must do hike in the Channel Islands National Park!

Potato Harbor

Shanti Ezrine

Jul 19, 2025•Hiking

This hike switches between a bit of incline and decline. There also is no shade so make sure you go early in the day before the mist burns off and gets really hot. We saw island foxes and one of the juvenile eagles on this hike. There’s a restroom and plenty of benches at the beach to enjoy the views and listen to the waves crash against the shore. You will also find the Channel Islands sign at Smugglers Cove.

Smugglers Cove

matt pinkos

Jul 11, 2025•Hiking

Did the cavern point loop on Channel Islands

Cavern Point Loop

Akshat Ataliwala

Apr 20, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

My watch ended up dying so the activity got messed up, but this route was pretty good since it covered most of the big viewpoints First time at Channel Islands NP, definitely be prepared to hike. Once you get off the ferry and leave the beginning area, there’s pretty much just trails and nothing else. Was pretty sunny but also a nice breeze at times, definitely bring layers since weather is fluid. Also make sure to bring plenty of water and food too! There were some 2-3 foxes at the beach/NP sign, definitely check them out. They kinda don’t really even notice you and are just too busy trying to find food. Super cute

Difficulty: Moderate

Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor

Shelby Porter

May 10, 2025•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat views

Great trail, first time in Channel Islands. Stuff I wish I knew: you can bring coolers/ lunch stuff and put into animal lockers they have near where the boat lets off so you can hike all day and come back to it. There are bathrooms at the dock and in the campground. It was warm enough to swim so you should bring a swimsuit! And the beach is rocky - so might be nice to have water shoes or flip flops plus your hiking boots (trail is rocky but well maintained). The trail is fully exposed with no trees and on the cliff side most of the time so not for those afraid of edges.

Potato Harbor

Noah Boxer

Dec 26, 2024•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Absolutely beautiful trail, was the only one on most of it. Love Channel Islands

El Montañon Trail

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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 2,128 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 rating from 7,724 AllTrails community reviews.

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

If you're looking for elevation gain, Channel Islands National Park has you covered. Ford Point via East Point Trail and South Road boasts 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 will get you 3,090 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Channel Islands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 13 camping trails in Channel Islands National Park and the most popular is Potato Harbor with an average 4.9 star rating from 2,128 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 2,128 community reviews.