Channel Islands National Park

Set just off Southern California’s mainland and surfacing from the depths of the Pacific Ocean, untouched Channel Islands National Park spans more than 12,000 years of human history. Today, you can walk in the shoes of the native Chumash, stroll the shores where European explorers landed, explore California’s ranching history, and observe the remnants of offshore shipwrecks. If you’re lucky, you may even observe orcas surfacing from the deep, blue sea.

The Flora and Fauna

Boasting great diversity, the Channel Islands support a wide range of terrestrial flora, including many rare, relict, endemic and nonnative species. From coastal dunes, coastal bluffs and coastal sage scrub to chaparral, grasslands, mixed hardwood and island oak woodlands, riparian areas, and pine stands, there’s something fascinating at every turn.

Enthusiasts should watch for endangered plant species, such as endemic, flowering Hoffmann’s rockcress; island barberry, which survives as three tiny populations on Santa Cruz Island; and Trask’s Live-Forever, a succulent that clings to rocky cliffs.

As for wildlife, the islands and ocean host everything from sharks and bald eagles to deer mice and island foxes. They’re also a sanctuary for a wide range of land, shore and sea birds. Additionally, notable paleontological remains have been found, including the extinct pygmy mammoth, a dwarf elephant and descendant of the larger Columbian mammoth.

The Weather

Despite its location in “sunny” California, there are distinct seasons on the Channel Islands. Summer temperatures average in the low 70s F. and afternoon winds are common. Calm winds and seas prevail from late summer through October. In addition to being calm — at least unless strong east or Santa Ana winds appear — fall continues to offer warm weather, plus 100-foot water clarity and ocean temperatures that hover around 70 F. During winter, storms surface between sunny, clear days and the bulk of the rain falls between December and March. When spring arrives, so do fierce winds and dense fog.

Keep abreast of conditions on the National Park Service website.

Anacapa Island

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The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints

Bordered by the sea, you can find transportation to the island park yearround — just know it’s only by park concessionaire boats and planes or by private boat.

Smuggler's Cove Trail

Set off of Santa Cruz’s magical, 7.7mile Smuggler’s Cove Trail, an out-andback, inland and coastal beauty with a 1,400-foot elevation gain. Pause for a picnic beneath massive cypress trees.

Potato Harbor To Cavern Point

Offering a hike-within-a-hike in Santa Cruz, take the 4.9-mile Potato Harbor to Cavern Point trek, appreciating valley views and cliffside panoramas of dramatic coves. Continue 1.4 miles further along the Cavern Point Loop for coastal vistas from a long stretch of bluffs.

Santa Barbara Loop Trail

Just one square mile, it takes three hours by boat from the mainland to reach Santa Barbara Island — and then a 131-step climb to set foot on it. The 5.5-mile Santa Barbara Loop Trail — and the wildflowers, Arch Point and Elephant Seal Cove — will make you glad you did.

East Anacapa Island Trail

Anacapa Island is an unofficial bird sanctuary. See them and a 1932 lighthouse on the 2.5-mile East Anacapa Island Trail, taking time to appreciate the barking seals at Pinniped Point.

Anacapa Island

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Lobo Canyon Trail

Beachy, primitive Santa Rosa Island feels like a tropical paradise with backcountry camping and the marvelous 4.8-mile, out-and-back Lobo Canyon Trail with its Spanish moss and rare vegetation.

Point Bennett Trail

As the westernmost island, windy, foggy conditions on San Miguel can be intense. Provided you’re not faint of heart, take a ranger-led hike on the 13.8-mile Point Bennett Trail, passing sea cliffs, huge colonies of seals and sea lions, Green Mountain, and Caliche Forest with its ancient, fossilized vegetation.

Potato Harbor, Santa Cruz Island

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About the Park

Location - Off the coast of Ventura, California

Established - March 5, 1980

Area - 249,354 acres