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Channel Islands National Park

National Park · CA · US

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Channel Islands National Park
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Places in Channel Islands

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Inspiration Point, Channel Islands National ParkInspiration PointAnacapa’s classic cliff-edge panorama of islands and PacificScenic ViewpointArch Rock (Anacapa Island), Channel Islands National ParkArch Rock (Anacapa Island)Signature sea arch a short paddle from East Anacapa’s dockPoint Bennett, Channel Islands National ParkPoint BennettRemote rookery with thousands of seals and sea lionsSanta Cruz Island, Channel Islands National ParkSanta Cruz IslandThe island for hikes, foxes, and sea-cave adventureTrailhead · RestroomScorpion Anchorage, Channel Islands National ParkScorpion AnchorageAll-in-one hub for hikes, sea caves, and kelp snorkelingTrailhead · RestroomPotato Harbor Overlook, Channel Islands National ParkPotato Harbor OverlookClifftop window onto a turquoise, potato-shaped coveScenic ViewpointTorrey Pines Grove, Channel Islands National ParkTorrey Pines GroveRare island grove of ancient Torrey pines with coastal viewsCavern Point, Channel Islands National ParkCavern PointCliff‑top overlook with big ocean views and seasonal whale watchingScenic Viewpoint

Trails in Channel Islands

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Inspiration Point Trail, Channel Islands National ParkEasyInspiration Point TrailCliff-top loop to the park’s signature ocean overlook on Anacapa.1.5 mi · 1.3 hrPotato Harbor Trail, Channel Islands National ParkModeratePotato Harbor TrailClifftop stroll to a turquoise cove you can only admire from above5.2 mi · 2.2 hrLobo Canyon Trail, Channel Islands National ParkChallengingLobo Canyon TrailSculpted sandstone canyon to a wild, lonely Santa Rosa coast9 mi · 6 hrMontañon Ridge Trail, Channel Islands National ParkChallengingMontañon Ridge TrailBig ocean views on a rugged, exposed island ridgeline loop9 mi · 6.5 hrTorrey Pines Grove Loop, Channel Islands National ParkModerateTorrey Pines Grove LoopWindy island loop through the rare Torrey pines of Santa Rosa2 mi · 1 hrPoint Bennett Trail, Channel Islands National ParkChallengingPoint Bennett TrailRemote, ranger-led epic to roaring seal and sea lion colonies16 mi · 6 hrSea Lion Rookery Trail, Channel Islands National ParkEasySea Lion Rookery TrailShort, windy climb to a roaring sea lion overlook1 mi · 1 hrAnacapa Island Loop Trail, Channel Islands National ParkEasyAnacapa Island Loop TrailShort, cliff-top loop to Inspiration Point with nonstop ocean views1.5 mi · 1.5 hr

Find wildlife in Channel Islands

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Island Fox in Channel Islands National ParkIsland FoxReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PM2,137 sightingsHumpback Whale in Channel Islands National ParkHumpback WhaleReports peak in the late morning, around 9 AM267 sightingsBlue Whale in Channel Islands National ParkBlue WhaleReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AM79 sightingsGrey Whale in Channel Islands National ParkGrey WhaleReports peak in the early morning, around 8 AM100 sightingsCalifornia Sea Lion in Channel Islands National ParkCalifornia Sea LionReports peak in the afternoon, around noon353 sightingsBald Eagle in Channel Islands National ParkBald EagleReports peak in the early evening, around 5 PM102 sightingsNorthern Elephant Seal in Channel Islands National ParkNorthern Elephant SealReports peak in the afternoon, around noon148 sightingsCommon Dolphin in Channel Islands National ParkCommon DolphinReports peak in the late morning, around 11 AM666 sightings

Before you go

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CLOSURE

Santa Rosa Island wildlife-protection closures

Several Santa Rosa Island areas are closed or restricted to protect nesting wildlife, seal rookeries, and sensitive resources. - Skunk Point to just north of East Point: back beaches and sand dunes are closed to hiking from March 1 through September 15 to protect the nesting area for the snowy plover, a federally listed threatened shorebird. Stay on the wet sand below mean high tide or on the road. - Sandy Point: the coastline is closed year-round to protect seal rookeries. - China Camp to Cluster Point: beaches, dunes, and the area between them are temporarily closed year-round to all visitor access to protect sensitive resources; travel is allowed on marked paths. Follow marked routes and stay out of closed areas. Review current park conditions before planning a trip.

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CLOSURE

Santa Rosa Island wildfire-recovery closures

Santa Rosa Island is open for day use only; all overnight use is closed through at least October 12, 2026, because a wildfire burned nearly 40% of the island and recovery hazards remain. - Burned areas, Water Canyon Campground, and shorelines next to the burned area are closed, including areas near Johnsons Lee, Ford Point, and Southeast Anchorage. - Water Canyon Campground and backcountry beach-camping reservations are canceled through October 12; backcountry camping in the island’s southeastern quadrant remains closed for the rest of the 2026 recreation season. - Torrey Pines Trail, Water Canyon upstream from the beach, and a segment of Cherry Canyon Trail near Water Canyon Campground are closed. Stay out of closed areas while staff clean up burned asbestos, fallen barbed-wire fences, and unstable trails. - Drinking water is unavailable. Campground and historic-ranch spigots are for washing only; bring drinking water or purify natural water before drinking or washing. Flush toilets are available in the ranch area, and no other facilities are available on the island. Check current park conditions before traveling.

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CLOSURE

Santa Barbara Island dock closed

The Santa Barbara Island dock is closed because severe winter storm damage restricts access to the adjacent rocky ledge. - Santa Barbara Island remains open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. - Do not plan on dock access; be prepared for a rocky landing. The dock is not expected to be repaired in the near future. Check current park conditions before traveling.

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The whole park

33.9979, -119.7713
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PARKWOLF TOUR GUIDE

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