Camping Channel Islands National Park (Santa Cruz)

[@elliotmann9787]

We used to travel out to Santa Cruz on our small sailboat, and hang out there for 4 days at a time. But that was back in the 1970's, before you needed a permit to go there. It was a total wild adventure back then, with a certain amount of risk. But we always came back alive with lots of 8mm movies of the trips.

[@musilicks]

thats so fun

[@ThomasLuley]

Great video, it brought back some great memories! During our two nights camping on Santa Cruz we enjoyed the Smugglers Cove and Potato Harbor hikes and the island foxes. But the best thing we did was a guided kayak tour of the sea caves-- it is highly recommended!

[@Perch_Master_Nick]

I fished at Santa Cruz Island in the past on the Island Spirit out of Ventura Harbor Sportfishing. I usually fish at Catalina Island on the Pursuit more frequently. All the Channel Islands are awesome.

[@honeylea88]

I’ve been waiting for this video! As a Ventura resident, I make it a point to visit one of the islands at least once a year. They are SO underrated and I’m glad to see you went during the blooms. February and March are some of my favorite times to visit! ❤

[@Hikingguy]

Ah nice - yes, I spent this winter visitng a few of the islands - going back next year to do some more guides - it's such a magical place - almost feels fake - seeing whales on the way, the foxes, etc.

[@jonhagar4171]

Use to be a hunting guide in late 70's, so many Foxes back then. Lots of Marino Sheep and Feral pigs, wild turkey, quail and wild peacocks. We stayed a west end of island at Christie Ranch, always finding piles of Abalone shells left From Chumash, piles as big as a house. Dr. Staunton still ran Herford cattle on the island, and had a cattle round up from horse back, they turn the horses loose till next year. He would barge out huge tanker trucks full of propane and diesel that ran large generators for his Ranch. There was still olive tree orchards out dieing grape vines from old days of Santa Cruz wine. Loved that island, still do

[@jccharly2000]

great video buddy!!

[@shikawgoh]

Really nice and informative video. Super serene and enticing. I plan on going for the first time in late summer this year. This was the perfect introduction to what I can expect and how to navigate the trip. Thanks.

[@RobinSangston]

Great video of tour. We went last spring and absolutely loved the day hike experience. We also signed up to do the kayaking along the coast and into some of the caverns. That was really wonderful and exciting. Some kayaking experience is recommended as the seas were pretty choppy and you needed to guide your kayak through some fairly narrow cave openings. But it was really cool! We’d do it again!

[@randysvids4774]

I wish it was sunny when we were there but still got some good video shots….especially the island foxes

[@mikek6313]

I get out there about every year or two, and I love it. Such a beautiful ecosystem. I also recommend you bring snorkeling gear or rent a kayak, because there is some great snorkeling in Scorpion Cove and you can easily kayak to the caves.

[@fpark101]

Great info. Thank You

[@yanlingtao]

Very detailed and informed introduction. We are going to take the Potato Harbor trail for the breathtaking views. Thanks for video!

[@Mrgoofyoops]

Just found this video, nicely done!

[@WoodUFF]

This is a great video !! Thank you!!

[@keeldragger]

Great video. I sail to the Channel Islands often. This is a good reminder to do more hiking while I'm there.

[@leapheap6837]

What a wonderful hike. I was born in Ventura but I’ve never done a hike on the island. Well done!

[@BuffaloInTheClouds]

hi thanks for the video, does anybody know if I can bring my bike on the ferry / is it allowed to bike on the island?

[@Hikingguy]

no bikes on the islands

[@docberry630]

Hi - your videos are amazing. I love how you show maps, and include information about practical things like parking and bathrooms. We are going to Santa Cruz and Joshua Tree and your videos have been very helpful. I have a question about Santa Cruz. We are doing a day trip, planning on hiking to Potato Harbor. Is it possible to link up with an interior trail and still get back to the ferry? Or should we just go straight back to the ferry. We are in our 60's, but move pretty quickly. Answer if you have a chance; no worries if you don't see this or have time to respond.

[@steveschwartz6138]

What a great hike. Definitely adding it to my list. I heard the sea cave kayaking is awesome there too.

[@Hikingguy]

yea there's a company there you can book and go on guided kayaking tours

[@vancekeith5642]

Another great video, thanks

[@rudycortez2565]

This looks so cool! 🔥 I'm definitely going soon 💯💯💯 love your videos man

[@papillon5537]

Great video!

[@Gamefreak2079]

Great video thank you

[@rkatrails]

Very nice overview. Thanks!

[@VivianInTheOC]

Looks amazing!!

[@Addie1980]

Well done video. Only thing I’d like to have seen is discussing possible activities other than hiking. Snorkeling? Spear fishing? Kayaking? Etc

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, it's a hiking channel

[@dragonlo6514]

I've gone scuba diving and kayaking there

[@Perch_Master_Nick]

I been fishing there about 4 times in the past on the Island Spirit out Ventura Harbor Sportfishing.

[@RedRedDaDon]

Have you ever been to Landing Cove campland?

[@kimberlyhodgden3133]

You let the secret out! 😂 Great video!

[@tanasiluv]

Great video! Do I have to complete the whole cavern point loop to see Cavern Point? Or can I just do it clockwise & continue west to Potato Harbor when I see the junction/signs? Thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

You can do it as described

[@criscarlson5012]

Thank you for this beautiful video! What month did you do this for this video? February? March? I plan on going in April this year and I’m worried it won’t be as green and lush as your footage!

[@Hikingguy]

This was in March, April should be nice and green - have fun!

[@ColemanOutdoors]

What a great video...this looks amazing! I've been meaning to book the vacation at work, but have been so distracted with life in general that I've been putting it off. This is what I need to get back on track. How does Del Norte site compare?

[@Hikingguy]

Ah great to hear - Del Norte is great but involves a little more logistics and water - after doing a bunch of routes in CINP I found this itinerary at Scorpion to be a great place to start. If you're cool with the planning, start at Del Norte, take the boat there, then hike to Scorpion, it's not too bad.

[@DanielNortonReally]

We saw blue whales on the boat ride across.

[@jenn9432]

so neat. what month?

[@nathanieldupler3757]

Thanks for the great info! My girlfriend and I are going in October. Does anyone know of any good scuba/freediving spots on the island?

[@robertm.0034]

Well covered video! Nice job. Question: Does Island Packers charge you for parking your car at their lot while you camp overnight on the island?

[@k1k2lee]

No

[@vladlek6042]

How did the Kayak tours look?

[@vavilov2]

Do you have to bring all your water from a mainland or there’re places with drinking water?

[@Hikingguy]

You can get water there, check out the link in the description.

[@erict5878]

Can you camp at Smugglers Cove?

[@honeylea88]

I don’t believe so. You can only camp in designated area.

[@Hikingguy]

Exactly

[@adventureseeker9800]

Never been to the Channel Islands and I live in Socal as well. While Santa Cruz is absolutely stunning, I have my heart set on Santa Rosa first time out there. I hear the weather out there can be pretty sketch but if your well prepared, it's just part of the adventure. What's the hinky deal with the isobutane canisters? Do they mark which ones are yours if they're taking them from you? I guess because they're flammable, that must be some kind of USCG regulation or something, eh.

[@honeylea88]

We went in 2018 and it was epic! But SUUUUPER windy! It was worth it.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, it's prob a regulation, they have a sharpie so you can just mark the canister, not so many people that its a problem

[@WrathOfTheSpectre]

While camping in the islands, are you able to go fishing from the shores?

[@Hikingguy]

Info here: www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm#:~:text=Fishing%20in%20the%20waters%20of,to%20fish%20within%20the%20park.

[@EdCook-f4q]

Permits, limited boat space, potential sea sickness and mostly hiking is all there is to do. Dah!!! It's beautiful though if you do it! Glad its limited. Why I go. Get away from people and chill. I strongly suggest you don't go. You likely will hate it.

[@mistermerita341]

Is a day trip worth it?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, for sure, just do either one of those hikes.

[@Semtekk57]

Did you see any mountain bike riders? Is that allowed?

[@Hikingguy]

Nope

[@williamwalsh3210]

Song?

[@jeepster6419]

Can you swim there? Where can i park the car?

[@Lo-jh3so]

What time of the year is best to go visit?

[@Hikingguy]

I like the spring

[@Notinpotatoquality]

How much did it cost you around the total trip?

[@Hikingguy]

$100

[@alanle249]

Looks boring

[@Hikingguy]

stay classy

[@Abe18874]

Joe Walsh don't want you there. He loves it and wants it for himself and his cronies.