| Visiting the Outer Islands in The Park | ||
 Santa Rosa view of Skunk Point |
 San Miguel, heading to Cabrillo Monument |
 Endemic island flower on Santa Barbara |
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Because the outer islands Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel are located further offshore, they are often exposed to the more rugged wind and waves found in the outer waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Trips to the outer islands are seasonal, and visitors should be prepared for more of a wilderness experience, arriving prepared to deal with a variety of weather and sea conditions. The summer and fall seasons tend to offer the best conditions for visiting these remote locations, yet any lucky day can capture an experience to remember. Island Packers provides day trips and camper transportation to the outer islands from late spring into early fall, check the Outer Island Trip Schedule for trip dates. Trips to the outer island create good opportunities to see marine life such as seabirds, dolphins, and several species of large whales. |
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| Visiting Santa Rosa Island | ||
 Day Trips: Day visitors to Santa Rosa Island have approximately 3 - 3.5 hours on the island. During a day trip it is possible to explore the beach near the pier via a steep ladder that provides access to the small beach area adjacent to the pier. If there is a minus tide on the day of your visit a small tidepool area (pictured left) is exposed at this location. A second larger beach area can be accessed by hiking a little over one mile along a dirt road leading to Water Canyon Beach. There is an actual hiking trail (not a road) that goes into Cherry Canyon. The Cherry Canyon trail has some narrow and steep sections that bring you to the top of the coastal bluffs high above Bechers Bay. From the bluffs you then hike towards Water Canyon and descend to the beach access at that location. The Cherry Canyon loop from the pier, through the canyon and back along the main road covers 3.5 miles of varied terrain.
Santa Rosa Island is well known for the unique Torrey Pines that are found on the steep slope overlooking Bechers Bay. Hiking to the Torrey Pines, and even the new Torrey Pines loop trail (very steep) is possible for day visitors who are fit, and want to spend their entire island time hiking. Round trip distance from the pier to the bottom of the Torrey Pines is 5 miles, taking the loop trail makes a 7.5 mile round trip hike. *During the fall a few hiking trails are closed due to a special permit hunt for introduced elk and deer. The closures have minimal impact on your island experience, as most areas regularly visited by day hikers remain open. Preparing for your day trip: There are no services on the island. Visitors should bring lunch and beverages. There is a public restroom and water on the island is potable. There are no shade trees unless you hike into Cherry Canyon or all the way to the Torrey Pines. Therefore, sunscreen and a hat or visor are recommended. Day visitors should dress in layers, conditions range from calm and sunny to cool and windy, though high winds are less likely during the fall season. Hiking shoes are recommended, as even hikes to the beach can be a little over one mile along a dirt road. Food and day gear is best carried in a backpack or duffle. Small ice chests that can be carried by hand or OK, but you will find it awkward to travel the dirt roads and trails with ice chests not easily carried by hand. Camping Trips: For general SRI camping info go to the Santa Rosa page. Campers visiting Santa Rosa after September 15th will actually have the unique opportunity to explore the coastal area of Santa Rosa known as Skunk Point. Skunk Point is closed during most of the spring and summer months to protect the nesting area the threatened snowy plover. Some parts of the island are closed to hikers from mid August - December. The popular coastal hiking areas will remain open all year. For more information go to Santa Rosa Island News. Preparing for your camping trip: Camping is by reservation only. Campers must hike in all gear to the Water Canyon Campground that is located 1.5 miles from the pier. Water is available at the site. For complete information on SRI camping, including backcountry beach camping visit the camping section on the Santa Rosa Island page. |
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| Visiting San Miguel Island | ||
 Day Trips: There are usally only one or two day trips offered to San Miguel Island, in 2008 those will be Sat. Sept 6th and Sunday Oct. 12th, check the outer island schedule for specifics. Camper transportation runs from the late spring into the month of October. Visit the San Miguel News page for a more detailed description of the San Miguel Island experience for both day hikers and campers.
Preparing for your day trip: There are no services and no potable water, and no shade trees on the island. Hikers should pack in all food and water for the approximately 3 hours you will spend on the island. It is recommended that you pack your day supplies in a back pack or duffle bag. Hiking anywhere other than the beach at Cuyler Harbor will be on a narrow and steep trail for the first mile. You should wear sturdy shoes if you plan to leave the beach area. Dress in layers, conditions can range from clear and sunny to cool with wet fog, windy conditions are possible but less likely in the fall months. Hiking past the ranger station requires an NPS escort. The National Park will provide staff for this service for trips scheduled through Island Packers. If you plan to join the NPS guide on a hike to the Caliche forest you will be hiking during the entire duration of your island visit. Therefore you may want to have lunch on the boat before arrival, or on your trip home. Preparing for your camping trip: Camping is by reservation only. Campers must hike in all gear to the campground that is located about 1 mile up a steep and narrow dirt trail from Cuyler Harbor. There is no water is available on the island, you must provision for all food and water, and it is a good idea to have one days worth of extra rations since there are no stores or daily boats to get supplies if you run out. Upon arrival a National Park ranger will provide you with information specific to your island stay, including the various guided hikes that will be available during your visit. For complete information on SMI camping visit the camping section on the San Miguel Island page. |
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| Visiting Santa Barbara Island | ||
 Day Trips: Day hikers can travel over most of the island's hiking trails during the 3-4 hours ashore. Scenic overlooks, seabirds, seals and sea lions are highlights of the Santa Barbara Island experience. Watersports such as snorkeling and kayaking are also popular at this little volcanic island. The fall season tends to provide clear water with visibility extending more than 50 feet into the cool blue pacific. The water is accessed via the Landing Cove Dock. The small area once open for tidepooling has been taken over by local sea lions, so you should not expect to tidepool from the island during your visit. The entertaining antics of the sea lions however, more than makes up for the loss of this access. If your main interest is in watersports, please view the Watersports page to learn more about snorkeling, kayaking or scuba diving in the park.
Preparing for your day trip: There are no services, no water, and no shade trees on Santa Barbara Island. Dress in layers, sunscreen a hat or visor, and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Conditions range from hot and sunny, overcast and humid, to cool and foggy. You should pack in your food and water for the day. The trail leading to the top of the island is quite steep, you will want to pack your day supplies in a back pack or duffle. A small ice chest that can be carried easily by hand is OK, but you will find it awkward to travel the trails with an ice chest that can't be easily carried by hand. Camping: Camping reservations are required. To learn about camping on the island visit the camping section of the Santa Barbara Island page. |
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