 Hikers enjoy the view from the top of Cavern Point. Photo K.d.-Oleson |
Cavern Point Loop Trail
This scenic hike covers a round trip distance of 2 miles, and has an elevation gain of 300 feet. It is a easy to moderate hike due to the elevation gain, but if you are in no hurry to get to the top of the trail, it is by no means a difficult hike. You easiest way to make the loop trip hike past the ranch site and continue along a flat dirt road until you pass the first section of the campground. You will find a trailhead that departs from the road and heads west (right turn) up a narrow winding trail. Keep alert for the cryptic Island fox which has been spotted hear recently on several occasions. Part way up the trail stop and look to the east to view Anacapa Island. Continue up the trail that will land you at the base of Cavern point. From this point you can enjoy views along the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. You may also hike up the lava rock trail to the tip of Cavern point, but keep about 6-10 feet back from the edge of these fragile cliffs. You can have lunch up on the bluff if it is not windy, or head back to the picnic tables at the ranch or beach area. To return to the beach area pick up the trail that heads east towards Anacapa, and you will end up with a great view over Scorpion Anchorage before descending a steep narrow trail back to the ranch site. |
 Scenic view from the Potato Harbor overlook. Photo K.d-Oleson |
Potato Harbor Loop Trail
If you want to hike further than the short 2-mile Cavern Point loop, consider the 4-mile round trip hike to the Potato Harbor overlook. To access this trail you can either begin the same way as described for the Cavern Point trail and take the signed turn off to Potato harbor part way up the narrow trail that leads to Cavern Point. Another way to take in both Cavern Point and Potato Harbor is to take the trailhead that is just behind the picnic tables by the ranch site, it is steep than going up the other way, yet you will be rewarded with views over Scorpion Anchorage on the way. If you take this second alternative you will head south (inland) after viewing Cavern point and then take the signed turn off that heads west towards Potato harbor. Along the coastal bluffs you can view many native and endemic plants such as yarrow, cliff aster, woolly sunflowers, Island buckwheat, San Miguel locoweed, and giant coreopsis (winter & spring). As you near Potato Harbor the narrow trail will merge with an old road. After enjoying the overview at Potato Harbor, you can return using the old road. Along the old road you can view interesting geology including diatomaceous earth, colorful lichen encrusted lava rock, and chert outcroppings. The old road drops into Scorpion Valley between the two campgrounds, turn left at the base of the road to return to the racnh and beach area. Back to News Archives |
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