![]() ![]() Endemic land birds such as the Channel Island song sparrow, island loggerhead shrike, and the island scrub jay, plus bald eagles can be seen soaring over the islands throughout the year. The endemic island fox-one of the smallest canids in the world-makes its rounds on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel islands, while the island spotted skunk is only found on Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. Where to find the best spots for seeing wildlife Reminiscent of Utah’s canyons, Lobo is like nothing else in the park. Other popular hikes include the strenuous nine-mile Lobo Canyon hike on Santa Rosa Island, which follows a stream through sandstone formations to a dreamy coastline. The moderate five-mile round-trip excursion begins at Scorpion Anchorage and skirts around marine terraces, leading to dramatic views of the harbor and the island’s western coastline. One of the best day hikes for first-time visitors is the Potato Harbor Overlook on Santa Cruz Island. Numerous trails meander across the Channel Islands following historic Chumash routes. ( Take great travel photos with these essential tips.) Where to find the park’s best hikes In spring, giant coreopsis with bright yellow flowers bloom before a dizzying vista of the Anacapa islets and, if you’re lucky, breaching whales. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike begins at the pier with a steep 157-step ascent before crossing to this lofty perch. While every island has its own stunning viewpoints, many say Anacapa’s Inspiration Pointis the most breathtaking, even on a foggy day. ( Make the most of your next national park trip with these planning guides.) Where to find the best views in the park The smallest island, Santa Barbara comes alive with vibrant wildflowers in spring. More remote islands like Santa Rosa offer challenging backpacking and rare pine trees, while San Miguel Island allows hardy travelers the chance to witness thousands of pinnipeds gathering on wide beaches. On Santa Cruz Island, you can paddle into North America’s second-largest sea cave, while nearby Anacapa Island provides extraordinary birding and photography opportunities. Visitors are drawn to the park’s five islands seeking wildlife, solitude, and active adventures, such as sea kayaking and snorkeling. Activities like this are part of what makes a visit to Channel Islands National Park a remarkable adventure, just 20 miles from big city life. Today, the islands remain the center of the Chumash creation story, told to overnight visitors by crackling campfire, under the stars. The oldest human remains found anywhere are likely an ancestor of the Chumash, who lived here before they were forcibly moved to the mainland by Spanish conquerors in the 1820s. Yet, archaeological evidence shows the presence of humans as far back as 13,000 years ago. “Millions of people live on the Southern California mainland, but you don't hear engines or see lights or have any sense that human beings other than you exist,” local novelist T.C. Photograph by Melissa Groo, Nat Geo Image Collection Visitors may spot other endemic birds, including the Channel Island song sparrow and the island loggerhead shrike. Right: A blue island scrub jay perches on a branch in Channel Islands National Park. Humpback and gray whales travel the surrounding waters, while tens of thousands of elephant seals and sea lions find respite on sandy shores. ![]() Endemic species of fox, skunk, and lizard, plus millions of shorebirds call these islands home. Composed of five tectonically formed islands and surrounded by an extensive marine sanctuary, the park teems with wildlife not seen anywhere else on Earth. Why you should go to Channel Islands National ParkĬhannel Islands National Park is often referred to as the “North American Galapagos” for good reason. Smaller visitors centers are located on Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands. ![]() Open daily except Wednesdays and select holidays, it has information about the park, Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, and Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center is located in Santa Barbara. It’s open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas and has exhibits about each island, a film, a bookstore, and ranger programs. Lagomarsino Visitor Center is located in Ventura Harbor.
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