shout : into : the : wilderness
Channel Islands
National Park
Del Norte
Trail
trail details
Type of Trip: Thru
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Where: Channel Islands National Park
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Permits Required: Yes (Camping reservations)
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Miles: 15
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Net Elevation Change: 3047 ft
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Trailhead: Prisoners Harbor
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Description: Thru hike across Santa Cruz Island, from Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage
logistics & itinerary
Wilderness Area : Channel Islands National Park
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When to apply? Campground reservations open 6 months in advance and do fill up quickly
Permit Style: None, but you do need to reserve the campgrounds on Recreation.gov. Campgrounds need to be reserved individually. You will need to reserve one night at Del Norte and one night at Scorpions if you want to follow this itinerary. We stayed the night at Scorpion due to Island Packer's departure schedule
Permit Application: None
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Real Time Del Norte Campsite Availability
Day
Miles
Camp
1
2
3
3.5
11
0.2
Del Norte
Scorpion
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When did we do this hike? March 2023
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Transportation: Parked in the Island Packers long term lot and took the Island Packers boat to Santa Cruz Island
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Itinerary:
Water: There is no water available at Prisoners Harbor or Del Norte camp nor is there any water available in-between Del Norte and Scorpion. There is potable water available at Scorpion camp.
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Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Only camp in the two campgrounds provided on the island. Del Norte provides raised platforms to pitch the tent on. Utilize the provided pit toilets. Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash. No fires.
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Flora Considerations: Tall grasses, brush and the occasional cactus
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Fauna Considerations: Do not feed any of the animals. There are ticks on the island.
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Trail Specific Considerations: Temperatures and weather can range drastically in this area depending on the time of year. There is full exposure to the elements with little to no tree cover. It can be incredibly hot or it could dip below freezing. There can be thunderstorms or a pure cloudless day. The lack of available water can be dangerous if not taken into consideration. The trail can be pretty rugged at times and steep. Be kind to the plants and animals found on the island. Many are endemic and cannot be found in the wild anywhere else in the world.
#California #Channel Islands