Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Before you shove off from the mainland, stop by Ventura Harbor's
NPS Visitor Center
for educational natural history exhibits, a free 25-minute nature film and on weekends and
holidays, family-friendly activities and ranger talks.
Anacapa Island
Actually three separate islets totaling just over 1 sq mi, Anacapa gives a memorable intro-
duction to the islands' ecology. It's the best option if you're short on time. Boats dock year-
round on the East Island and after a short climb, you'll find 2 miles of trails offering fant-
astic views of island flora, a historic lighthouse, and rocky Middle and West Islands.
Kayaking, diving, tide-pooling and watching seals and sea lions are popular activities here.
Inside the small museum at the island's visitors center, scuba divers with video cameras
occasionally broadcast images to a TV monitor you can watch during spring and summer.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz, the largest island at 96 sq miles, claims two mountain ranges and the park's
tallest peak, Mt Diablo (2450ft). The western three-quarters of Santa Cruz is mostly wil-
be accessed with a permit (apply online at
www.nature.org/cruzpermit
). However, the re-
maining eastern quarter, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), packs a wallop -
ideal for those wanting an action-packed day trip or a more laid-back overnight trip. You
can swim, snorkel, scuba dive and kayak. Rangers meet incoming boats at Scorpion An-
chorage, a short walk from historic
Scorpion Ranch
.
There are rugged hikes too, which are best not attempted at midday, as there's little
shade. It's a 1-mile climb to captivating
Cavern Point
. Views don't get much better than
from this windy spot. For a longer jaunt, continue 1.5 miles west mostly along scenic
bluffs to
Potato Harbor
. From Scorpion Anchorage, the 4.5-mile
Scorpion Canyon
Loop
heads uphill to an old oil well for fantastic views, then drops through Scorpion
Canyon to the campground. Alternatively, follow Smugglers Rd all the way to the cobble-
stone beach at
Smugglers Cove
, a strenuous 7.5-mile round-trip from Scorpion Anchor-
age.
