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Santa Rosa Island |
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Santa Rosa Island Genral Information Santa Rosa has a diverse landscape ranging from pristine white sand dunes and beaches, rolling hills to dramatic weather sculpted canyons. Visitors to Santa Rosa should be prepared for windy conditions that are normal for this location. Day visitors will find a public restroom with modern facilities including running potable water. There are a few picnic tables adjacent to the ranch area and they are exposed, as there are no shade trees in the immediate area. Day hikes along the coast and to the endemic Torrey pines are possible. *New this year (2005), hiking trails through Cherry Canyon, and the steep interior habitat of the Torrey pine forest have been added to the list of hiking opportunities. The Cherry Canyon trail makes an excellent hike for day visitors wanting a little adventure and scenic views of Bechers Bay, the Vail Vickers ranch, and Skunk Point. There are also some new picnic tables at the top of the coastal bluff, so you can have lunch with a view. To get more details on hiking while on Santa Rosa Island, you can download the NPS Santa Rosa Hiking Guide. |
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Camping Hike in camping is available at the main campground 1.5 miles from the pier up a dirt road with a slight hill at the end of the trail. Each site in the main campground has a sturdy wind shelter with three sides and a roof for the comfort of campers. Picnic tables and a food storage box are also provided. There is an indoor restroom, solar shower, and potable water in the camping area. You must contain and pack out all trash. Be prepared to secure your food from island animals including mice, skunks, foxes, gulls and ravens. Island Packers will transport your camping gear to the island but each packed bag must not exceed 45 pounds in weight. Water and any camping fuel should not be included in packed bags but may be carried onboard for special storage. No fires are allowed in the campground, propane/gas camp stoves are permitted. Reservations are required and can be made directly with the National Park reservation system at www.recreation.gov, or for complete camping information in the Channel Islands National Park and to make a reservation go to; http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/camping.htm. Important, before you make your camping reservation you must secure transportation with Island Packers. |
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Backcountry Beach Camping |
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Watersports There is access to the water from several locations along Bechers Bay. The beaches are primarily sand and sand dunes with a gentle slope out to 30-40 feet deep inside the bay. There is a small rocky intertidal habitat just south of the pier that can be explored during periods of low tide. During minus tides one can walk from the pier along more than 2 miles of white sand beach. Kayaking is possible but kayakers should have experience in reading wind and currents both which can be strong at times in the bay or anywhere along the island’s coastline. Kayaks may be stowed onshore in the designated area (see park kayak regulations and the ranger at island for more information). Water temperature ranges from 50-60 degrees and is warmest during summer and fall. Anyone spending time in the water should dress appropriately for exposure in cold water, which includes some type of wetsuit. Please visit the watersports page for details including information on kayaking, kayak transportation. Fishing north of the pier at Bechers Bay is not permitted because it is within the Carrington Point, Santa Rosa Island Marine Protected Area. Fishing outside of the Marine Protected Area is accessible from the pier, the beaches south of the pier or by kayak. For more information on the Channel Islands Marine Protected areas go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/channel_islands/index.html |
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Seasonal Highlights Spring through mid August the interior of the island is open for hiking and exploration, however backcountry beach campers need to check for specific closures designed to protect nesting and or breeding wildlife. Mid August through mid November the Vail Vickers Company operates a private hunt for introduced (non-native) deer and elk. During this period hiking to certain interior parts of the island is restricted, or can be accessed by arrangement with a NPS ranger or volunteer naturalist. Most of the coastline of Bechers Bay including the famed Torrey Pines remains open for unrestricted exploration. September 15th Skunk Point at the south end of Bechers Bay is open for exploration through the remaining duration of Island Packers transportation season. |
| Santa Rosa Island |
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| Schedule of Fares | Adult | Child (3-12) | Senior (55+) | Other information |
| Day Trip | $65.00 | $50.00 | $60.00 | 3-4 1/2 hours on island |
| Camper | $90.00 | $72.00 | $85.00 | use green baggage label |
| Kayak Transportation | If 13ft. Or less $7.00, over 13ft. Or if fiberglass $10.00. Kayak fare is the same for all islands. Kayak reservations required for kayak transportation. | |||
- Day visitors plan to check in at our office 1/2 hour before departure.
- Campers or anyone transporting a Kayak plan to check in at our office 1 hour before your scheduled departure and pre-board your equipment at the direction of the boat crew.
- Campers, no packed bag or any item may weigh more than 45 pounds.
- Keep fuel and water separate from packed bags.
- Kayakers visit the Watersports page for instructions on kayak transportation.
- Weather can be unpredictable at times; you can call our automated message system (805) 642-1393 after 5:30 a.m. the day of your trip that will inform you if there have been any changes to the days scheduled trips due to weather beyond our control.
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Island Packers
(805) 642-1393 |
Anacapa |
Santa Rosa
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