First time Backpacking on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Island National Park

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Santa Cruz Island is part of Channel Island National Park off the coast of Ventura. Santa Cruz is the largest of the eight Channel Islands. We’ve been to the island to kayak around the shore and explore the sea caves, but wanted to check out more of the Island and what better way than to backpack to a remote backcountry site?

Santa Cruz Island has two harbors that are accessible to the national park, Scorpion and Prisoners Harbor. This trip we got dropped off at Prisoners Harbor.

Once you get to the Island, you're met by the park ranger who will go over the island rules, what to expect, where to find them in case of an emergency.

The hike to the campground isn't far, but it's a little hilly with approximately 1,175 feet of climbing over 3.31 miles.Strava Route

 

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Some of our Gear

• NemoHornet 2 person Tent
• REI Half Dome Tent 
• Therm-A-Rest NeoAir
• Therm-A-Rest ProPlus
• Sleeping Bags
• MSR Stove
• Luci Light
• BioLight Head Lamp
• Pillow

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Ready to go?

• Reserve your site at Recreation.gov
• Book your boat ride at Island Packers
• Start packing.

 

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What our trip looked like

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