Channel Islands National Park is made up of five islands just off of the California Coast. In this guide, I’ll provide all of the information you need to explore Santa Cruz Island, the largest island in Channel Islands National Park.
The 1808ft summit of El Montañon is the highest point on the east side of Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. The hike to El Montañon Peak starts out at Scorpion Ranch and gains more than 2,000ft of elevation over 4 miles to the summit. In this guide for El Montañon, I’ll provide gpx files, maps, photos, and a hike description.
If you’re a hiker visiting Santa Cruz Island, this hike to Smuggler’s Cove has to be on your itinerary. This 8.2 mile hike gains a modest 1500ft of elevation gain, but provides some incredible ocean views in the process. Most hikers reach Smuggler’s Cove via an out-and-back route on Smuggler’s Rd, but in this guide I’ll provide directions for a more scenic loop route through Scorpion Canyon.
This loop hike from Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point takes place on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of eight islands making up Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz is also the largest island in California at 96.5 square miles. Starting at the Scorpion Anchorage Visitor Center, hikers will scale an ocean bluff with majestic views of the California mainland. From there, the trail follows the coastline before returning to Scorpion Anchorage via the Scorpion Ranch Campground.Â
This 4 mile out-and-back hike of Cerro San Luis begins at the Lemon Grove Loop Trailhead in my old hometown of San Luis Obispo, CA. This hike gains 1082ft to reach the 1292ft summit of Cerro San Luis for commanding views of the Central Coast. This guide provides a detailed hike description with photos, maps, and directions.