Great Outdoors Santa Barbara/Ventura County
&
San Diego Chapters
Presents
Santa Cruz Island Campout
June 7 - 9, 2024
(3 days, 2 nights)
Breathtaking ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Santa Cruz Island. Join your Great Outdoors friends as we return to this classic getaway. Set on the eastern part of the island, the Scorpion Canyon Campground is about a 3/4 hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds.
The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world.
The trip will begin on Friday, June 7th (9:00 AM departure from the dock at Ventura harbor -arrive at 8:00 AM and will conclude on Sunday, June 9thth in the early evening (12 PM return to Ventura harbor). We’ve taken care of the campsite and boat transportation over to the island, so all you have to do is register online, and you’re set. As part of the trip, a two-person ocean kayak will be available for individuals to use to explore the incredible coastline. Sign-up sheets will be available at the campsite to reserve your time on the water. There are 20 spots available. So, register early to reserve your space!
If you have your own kayak that you would like to take, you can do so by contacting Island Packers (805) 642-1393 to arrange for boat transportation. There are special regulations for kayaking around the island, you must have life vests and helmets (for falling rocks), talk to Island Packers about all the details.
There are no services provided on the island. You'll need to bring all items that you will need during your stay. To keep our impact on nature as small as possible, we will not be providing disposable plates and utensils, we are requiring that everyone bring their own reusable plates and utensils. Potable water is available at the campsite. There is a 1/2 mile to 1 mile walk to the campsite from the pier. So make sure you’re completely mobile; we recommend that if you're taking a cooler, make sure it has wheels and plenty of ice! (Some restrictions apply from the transportation provider. Click here for additional information.) Don’t forget your 10 essentials.
This jewel off our coast offers some of the most beautiful ocean and landscape views to be had in southern California, we hope to see you there!
Your Trip leaders are;
Matthew click here (San Diego)
Brian click here (SB/VC)
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel for a full refund on or before May 21, 2024. Any cancellations after May 21st, 2024, will not be eligible for a refund. Please contact Your trip leader
Itinerary*
Friday
8:00 AM Arrive @ Ventura Harbor, check-in
9:00 AM Boat departs for Santa Cruz Island
10:00 AM Arrival @ Santa Cruz Island
1:00 PM Day Hike
5:00 PM Luau themed Meet & Greet Tea
7:39 PM Sunset
Saturday
6:14 AM Sunrise
9:00 AM Day Hike: Smugglers Cove (7.5 miles round-trip)
6:00 PM Potluck
7:40 PM Sunset hike to Potatoe Harbor (5 miles round trip)
Sunday
6:13 AM Sunrise
10:00 AM Check-in for boat departure
12:00PM Depart the island for the mainland
1:00 PM Arrive @ Ventura Harbor
*Times are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Getting There:
Click here for directions to Island Packers.
Contact Information: SANTA CRUZ SCORPION
Mailing Address:
1691 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura CA 93001
Phone Number:
(805)658-5730
National Park Services Rules & Regulations:
· 1/2 mile to 1 mile hike to campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear.
· Primitive camping. Tent camping only, no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Bring low profile tents and extra food for weather delays. Partial shade from trees. Picnic table, food storage box, and drinking water provided. No stores or services.
· Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 pm.
· Proper food and trash storage is required. Food/trash storage lockers are provided at each site. Recommend hard-sided container (i.e., action packer) to further protect food/garbage from animals.
· Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage.
· No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.
· Smoking is only allowed on beach areas at Scorpion, Smugglers, and Prisoners Harbors.
· Avoid contact with deer mice. Hantavirus has been found in island deer mice. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/hantavirus.htm.
· To help prevent the introduction of nonnative species the following items may not be brought to the park: pets; live or potted plants; soil; cut flowers; firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks); corrugated boxes; tools or equipment with attached soil; motorized vehicles; bicycles; and single-use plastic grocery bags.
· No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker required to fish outside marine reserves.
Kayakers: ocean conditions can rapidly change, requiring expert abilities. Ocean kayaking is an inherently dangerous activity. Always check weather and do not kayak beyond experience level.
