National Parks Journal
Photo: Craig Baker · CC BY-SA 4.0
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances & departure points
- Directions to Ventura Harbor (Island Packers) (opens in a new tab)
Ventura Harbor (Island Packers)Main
Ventura, CA · Island Packers (park concessioner) · Year-round; trip schedule varies by island and season
- Directions to Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard (Island Packers) (opens in a new tab)
Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard (Island Packers)
Oxnard, CA · Island Packers (park concessioner) · Seasonal departures, mainly to Anacapa Island
Airports
- SBA
Santa Barbara Airport · Santa Barbara, CA
ClosestMid-size airport - BUR
Hollywood Burbank Airport · Burbank, CA
Major airport
No roads reach the islands: Island Packers, the park concessionaire, runs boats year-round from Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Ventura, CABoat departure town
Directions to Ventura Harbor (Island Packers) — driving directions from Ventura (opens in a new tab)
Oxnard, CABoat departure town
No lodging inside the park · NPS lodging info (opens in a new tab)
Activities
Top Hikes
2 mi · 361 ft gain · loop
Scenic coastal loop on Santa Cruz Island with views of Scorpion Bay, sea caves, and the Pacific Ocean.
Starts at: Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
5 mi · 620 ft gain · out & back
Past Cavern Point to a stunning potato-shaped harbor overlook. One of the most rewarding day hikes on Santa Cruz Island.
Starts at: Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
7.7 mi · 1,400 ft gain · out & back
Challenging hike to a remote beach cove on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. Largely exposed with little shade.
Starts at: Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
4.3 mi · 787 ft gain · loop
Scenic loop through Scorpion Canyon with views of the north and east coastlines of Santa Cruz Island.
Starts at: Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
Upcoming Events
Guided Hikes on the Islands
On days that the concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes may be offered by national park rangers, volunteers, or concessionaire naturalists. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Guided hike locations, distances, and departure times will be announced after your arrival on the island during the visitor orientation. Please check with a ranger, volunteer, or concessionaire employee for more information.
Native Plant Sale
Find native plants to transform your garden, patio, or windowsill. California and the Channel Islands are blessed with a variety of beautiful, easy to care for plants. They provide essential habitat for neighborhood wildlife. Donations during the sale support the park through its philanthropic partner, Channel Islands National Park Foundation.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands
Best time to visit: April–May, September–October
The best time to visit Channel Islands National Park is April–May and September–October. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers; fall often has the calmest seas and clearest water for kayaking and snorkeling.
In those months, average highs are 65–72°F at Scorpion Ranch, Santa Cruz Island. Visitor numbers peak in July, so these months are usually less crowded.
Monthly averages at Scorpion Ranch, Santa Cruz Island (10 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that visitors should take into consideration when visiting the park. In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/weather.htm
