Parking
There is no island parking. Access is by boat from the mainland at Landing Cove; after the dock landing, climb the 157-step stairway to the plateau and Visitor Center trail system.
Overview
About Anacapa Island Loop Trail
This is East Anacapa's full figure-eight walk from the Visitor Center. The mapped loop is about 2.3 miles and links the island's cliff-top overlooks, Cathedral Cove, Inspiration Point, Pinniped Point, and the 1932 Anacapa Lighthouse. Most of the hiking is easy, with gentle slopes once you reach the plateau.
Why go
- Full figure-eight layout links upper and lower routes with several dramatic overlooks
- Inspiration Point, Cathedral Cove, Pinniped Point, and the historic lighthouse fit into one compact island walk
Heads up
- Boat landing followed by a 157-step stairway before reaching the plateau trail system
- Exposed cliff edges, little shade, wind, and no potable water on the island
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Channel Islands map
Full mapElevation83–201 ft
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Best time to go
Safety
3 active Channel Islands alerts
- ClosureSanta Rosa Island wildfire-recovery closuresAvoid closed routes and shorelines on Santa Rosa Island during recovery from the 2026 wildfire.Official details
- ClosureSanta Barbara Island dock closed; landings restrictedThe Santa Barbara Island dock is closed; landings are restricted to the adjacent rocky ledge. - Severe winter storm damage caused the closure, and repairs are not expected in the near future.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Channel Islands Tour Guide
Your drive to Anacapa Island Loop Trail, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Channel Islands National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Channel Islands audio tourRecorded for this trailhead
Anacapa Island's Landing Cove and Visitor HubListen
“You're about to arrive at Landing Cove, the main hub for East Anacapa Island. Getting ashore here is an adventure itself — you’ll climb a ladder from the boat, then take about 150 steps up to the island's plateau.”
Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Channel Islands Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- East Anacapa Island and Cathedral Cove
- Anacapa Island Light Station and Arch Rock
- Inspiration Point: Anacapa's Best View
- SS Winfield Scott Shipwreck Site
- 47 audio storiesacross Channel Islands’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Island Fox, Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 31 trails, 49 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Trail guide
Hiking Anacapa Island Loop Trail
What You'll SeeThe route follows the top of East Anacapa's volcanic sea cliffs, with broad views across the…
The route follows the top of East Anacapa's volcanic sea cliffs, with broad views across the Pacific and toward the neighboring Channel Islands. Inspiration Point is the western highlight; Cathedral Cove and Pinniped Point look down on sea caves, kelp water, seals, and sea lions. The eastern arm reaches the historic Anacapa Lighthouse and its surrounding light-station buildings.
Trail ExperienceThe loop begins near the Visitor Center, follows the Landing Cove approach, and then traces the…
The loop begins near the Visitor Center, follows the Landing Cove approach, and then traces the complete mapped figure-eight before returning to the visitor-center approach. The route is mostly easy dirt trail over gentle slopes, but the island is exposed and cliff edges are unguarded. Stay behind the marked viewing boundaries and remain on the designated trail; the bluffs are fragile and can erode.
Wildlife and Natural HistoryEast Anacapa is a major seabird nesting island, with western gulls, brown pelicans, and other…
East Anacapa is a major seabird nesting island, with western gulls, brown pelicans, and other marine birds. From the overlooks, watch for harbor seals and California sea lions below, and occasionally dolphins or whales offshore. The island's volcanic cliffs, arches, and sea caves reflect ongoing marine erosion, while winter rain can briefly bring green vegetation and wildflowers.
Logistics and TipsDistance: about 2.3 miles total from the Visitor Center approach. The mapped route is 3.
- Distance: about 2.3 miles total from the Visitor Center approach. The mapped route is 3.73 km (2.31 miles), and the loop closes at the visitor-center approach.
- Time: plan about 1-1.5 hours, allowing extra time for overlooks and wildlife viewing.
- Access: East Anacapa is reached by boat at Landing Cove. After stepping onto the dock, visitors climb a 157-step stairway to the plateau and trail system.
- No services: there is no potable water and very little shade. Bring all the water, food, sun protection, and wind layers you need.
- Rules: no pets. Stay on designated trails, keep clear of cliff edges, and give nesting wildlife space. Check the boat departure time before exploring.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Channel Islands
2,232 sightingsIsland FoxMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
282 sightingsHumpback WhaleMost seen around 9 AMSighting map
79 sightingsBlue WhaleMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
101 sightingsGrey WhaleMost seen around 8 AMSighting map
364 sightingsCalifornia Sea LionMost seen around noonSighting map
105 sightingsBald EagleMost seen around 5 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Channel Islands. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
