Place
National Park
Channel Islands National Park
CA · USPark map
Explore roads, trails, and places
Places
Places in Channel Islands
Viewpoints, landmarks, trailheads, and useful stops.More places
Trails
Trails in Channel Islands
Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.More trails
Easy
Inspiration Point Trail
Cliff-top loop to the park’s signature ocean overlook on Anacapa.
Moderate
Potato Harbor Trail
Clifftop stroll to a turquoise cove you can only admire from above
Challenging
Lobo Canyon Trail
Sculpted sandstone canyon to a wild, lonely Santa Rosa coast
Challenging
Montañon Ridge Trail
Big ocean views on a rugged, exposed island ridgeline loopWildlife
Wildlife in Channel Islands
Always follow park rules and local laws. Never approach wildlife, stay in your vehicle when required, and stay completely out of roadways.More wildlife
Sighting mapWhere to look
Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliaeReports peak in the late morning, around 9 AMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
Island Fox
Urocyon littoralisReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
California Sea Lion
Zalophus californianusReports peak in the afternoon, around noonOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
Common Dolphin
Delphinus delphisReports peak in the late morning, around 11 AMOpen wildlife mapBefore you go
Current park alerts
Road work, closures, safety notices, and updates from official park sources.More alerts
Closure
Santa Rosa Island Campground Closed Through at Least Aug. 13
Santa Rosa Island remains open for limited day use only; no overnight visits are allowed while wildfire recovery continues. The park says burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least August 13. Official conditions page: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm News release: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/news/2026-06-18-santa-rosa-fire.htmOfficial detailsClosure
Santa Rosa Island Reopens to Limited Day Use Only
Santa Rosa Island will reopen to limited day use on July 1, 2026, but overnight visits are not allowed. Water Canyon Campground and burned areas remain closed through at least August 13 during wildfire recovery. Official updates: Current Conditions and Santa Rosa Island Fire Recovery.Official detailsClosure
Santa Rosa Island: Burned Areas Remain Closed
Day use in unburned areas resumes July 1, but burned areas on Santa Rosa Island — including Water Canyon Campground — remain closed through at least August 13. Visitors should check the current conditions page before planning island access: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/conditions.htmOfficial detailsClosure
