It is a little over one mile of an uphill hike from the ferry drop off to the campground. There are nine campsites on this island and you must sign a waiver and have a permit before going. You can backpack on San Miguel Island July – October as this is the only time that Island Packers offers ferries to the island. San Miguel Island is known for its pristine beaches and huge seal colonies. You can also go backcountry beach camping mid August- December- something that is very high on my own bucket list! San Miguel Island This island offers potable water for day trippers and backpackers. There is one main campground open year round on the island with 15 sites, about a 1.5 mile flat walk from the pier. Santa Rosa Island features high mountains, white sand beaches, canyons, and grasslands. The year round ferry to Santa Rosa Island takes approximately 2 hours. While the Scorpion Canyon Campground has 25 sites available and only half of a mile from the main ferry dock. The Del Norte Campground is Santa Cruz’s backcountry campground with only 4 sites- and ocean views! There is no potable water available at this campground. The ferries also run year round, though weather dependent, unlike some of the other islands which may not be accessible year round. The ferry from Ventura to Santa Cruz Island is only about 1-2 hours each way. So this may be the best option for you too! This is the island we chose since it is the largest in the National Park and the most accessible, making it the easiest to backpack. Some are easier to access than others and have more amenities, which can be a big factor into planning your backpacking trip. There are five islands apart of Channel Islands National Park. Yes you can camp, and backpack, in Channel Islands National Park! Keep in mind that peak season in the Channel Islands is June through August- so be sure to book your ferry and campsites well in advance if this is when you’re planning to go.Ĭan you camp in Channel Islands National Park? When is peak season in the Channel Islands? Wind can play a factor too- which are more intense Sept-Dec, and March. Winter months bring temps from 53-59 degrees Farenheit and the summer months average 62-70 degrees Farenheit. You could make Channel Islands a year round destination, but the seasons do vary and there are some ‘better’ times to go.Īccording to the National Parks website: Dec-March are the coolest months and July-October are the warmest months. What time of year is best for a Channel Islands Backpacking Trip? Ventura is 1 1/2 hours North from Los Angeles and 30 minutes South of Santa Barbara. The town of Ventura is where all the ferries depart from. The Channel Islands are located off of the coast of Southern California. Tours/experiences – Viator and Get Your guide! Where Are The Channel Islands, California? Travel insurance – Safety Wing keep your trips insured to protect yourself while traveling. Rental cars – DiscoverCars to shop around at multiple car rental agencies. Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!Īccommodation – to find the best deals on hotels.įlights – Skyscanner to look for the best prices and deals on flights. Wrap up: Backpacking the Channel Islands.Packing list for your Channel Islands Backpacking trip.Day Three: Hike Potato Harbor and take the Ferry back to Ventura.Day Two: Hike Del Norte Campground to Scorpion Cove Campground.Day One: Ferry from Ventura to Prisoner's Harbor & Camp at Del Norte Campground. ![]() ![]() Santa Cruz Island Backpacking Itinerary.What is the best island to camp on Channel Islands?.Can you camp in Channel Islands National Park?.When is peak season in the Channel Islands?.What time of year is best for a Channel Islands Backpacking Trip?.Where Are The Channel Islands, California?.If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. In this guide I go into detail about how to get to the Channel Islands, the best islands to backpack, the exact itinerary we used, links to book your ferries and campsites, and a packing list! We camped two lovely nights out on Santa Cruz Island, finding solitude with amazing ocean and coastal views. With miles of pristine and untouched coastline, stunning vistas, endemic plantlife, and diverse wildlife- backpacking on the Channel Islands is an experience unlike any other. This hidden gem is home to five unique islands that offer endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including backpackers. Are you planning a Channel Islands backpacking trip? Channel Islands National Park is an underrated destination just a short ferry ride from the coast of Southern California.
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