Santa Cruz Island Highlights Hike

Purchase your ferry ticket from Island Packers in Ventura and join Weekend Hikers & Beyond for a Channel Islands National Park adventure on Santa Cruz Island as we hike one of my favorite loops highlighting some of the most beautiful views on the island. * **[Website: www.islandpackers.com](www.islandpackers.com)** Attendance will be limited to space available through Island Packers Cruises in Ventura. Reservations are refundable until 120 hours (5 days) before sailing, so **purchase your ticket well in advance, they sell out quickly!** We will be taking the 9:00am departure to Santa Cruz Island and the 5:00pm departure back to Ventura. **Meeting Place and Transportation to Santa Cruz Island** Meet at Island Packers in Ventura, 1691 Spinnaker Drive. Arrive no later than 8:15am for the 9:00am departure to Scorpion Harbor. You must make your own reservations on the ferry through Island Packers in Ventura. Website: [www. islandpackers.com](https://www.islandpackers.com/book/ventura/trips/santa-cruz-island/) **Book this reservation for Saturday, April 25, 2026** * Go to the calendar for trips to Santa Cruz Island * On April 25, click on Day Trip at Scorpion Anchorage. * Select the 9:00am departure from Ventura to Scorpion Anchorage. * Then select the 5:00pm return trip * You must check in with Island Packers 45 minutes prior to departure. * Free parking is available at Island Packers in Ventura. Carpooling recommended and you can use the comments section to connect with others about carpooling. Organizers **do not** arrange carpooling. **Hike Itinerary and Essentials:** * Distance: 8+ miles, but we may add an extra mile or two exploring a few other areas as time permits before the ferry arrives. * Elevation: less than 1,300 * All Trails:[ link](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/smugglers-road-scorpion-canyon-potato-harbor) to the main hike * Shoes or boots with good tread. * At least 2 - 3 liters of water. * Potable water may be available at the campground, but be prepared with water packed in your backpack. * Backpack with lunch and snacks (salty snacks, high protein, etc.) There is no food for purchase on the island. Be prepared with a packed lunch and snacks in your backpack. * Hat, Sun Protection, and Layers (wind breaker / rain jacket) * Trekking poles (optional, but recommended for descending parts of the Scorpion Canyon trail). **Important notes:**. * This is a hike, not a stroll, although we will definitely stop along the trail to enjoy the amazing views, eat a snack, have a lunch break, and snap some pics, we will be hiking with some elevation gains. * You must pack out all of your litter, consider packing your lunch and snacks in reusable containers. There is no trash service available on the island. * **Please bring all you need to be self-sufficient for the day** * There may be no cell reception available, so plan accordingly. * Pit toilets are available at Scorpion Cove. * Review the Island Packers website for all pertinent instructions and requirements. * No dogs allowed, except service dogs, per NPS.gov regulations. Disclaimer This Meetup group, its organizers, and its members, take no responsibility for any injuries or accidents that may occur during events. By joining this event you take full responsibility for your own safety. Please ensure that you are in good health before participating and understand that there is risk involved in your participation. This Meetup group does not certify the qualifications of any of its organizers or trip leaders, and they are not responsible for your safety. We are all just participants. By participating you acknowledge you have read this Disclaimer and agree to its terms.