Parking
No road parking—arrive by boat at Scorpion Anchorage. The route starts near Scorpion Ranch Campground, around site #22, and returns through the ranch/anchorage area.
Overview
About Cavern Point Loop
This short loop climbs from the Scorpion Ranch campground to Cavern Point for broad Pacific views, then returns through the ranch and anchorage area. Start near campground site #22 and hike clockwise to make the initial climb more gradual.
Why go
- Short loop with coastal views and a sunset-worthy Cavern Point
- Convenient to the Scorpion Ranch campground and anchorage
Heads up
- Initial climb is short but steep and can be loose or uneven
- Bluff sections are fully exposed to sun, wind, and cliff-edge exposure
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Channel Islands map
Full mapElevation20–282 ft
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
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 Cavern Point Loop, 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
Scorpion Ranch: The Heart of Santa Cruz IslandListen
“You're approaching Scorpion Anchorage, the main landing spot and activity hub for Santa Cruz Island. Just inland is the historic Scorpion Ranch, which is the jumping-off point for the island's best-known adventures.”
Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Channel Islands Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- Camping at Scorpion Canyon
- Cavern Point Overlook and Whale Watching
- South Bluff Trail: A Quiet Coastal Connector
- Scorpion Anchorage Overlook and Cavern Point Loop
- 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 Cavern Point Loop
Route and DistanceThe loop is about 2 miles round trip from Scorpion Beach/Scorpion Anchorage.
The loop is about 2 miles round trip from Scorpion Beach/Scorpion Anchorage. From the campground, follow Cavern Point Loop Trail uphill to the North Bluff section and Cavern Point, then take the signed loop back through the Scorpion Ranch access tracks to the anchorage. This record covers Cavern Point only; the North Bluff continuation to Potato Harbor is a separate longer hike.
What You’ll SeeExpect coastal-bluff views, seasonal whale-watching opportunities, and views toward Scorpion…
Expect coastal-bluff views, seasonal whale-watching opportunities, and views toward Scorpion Anchorage and the mainland on clear days. The route passes near the historic Scorpion Ranch and campground, with the island’s distinctive coastal vegetation and wildlife habitat along the way.
Trail Feel and DifficultyModerate overall, with most of the climbing concentrated in the first part of the loop.
Moderate overall, with most of the climbing concentrated in the first part of the loop. The trail is exposed and can be loose or uneven in places; wind and sun are common on the bluffs.
Know Before You GoThere is no road parking at the island trailhead—visitors arrive by boat at Scorpion Anchorage.
There is no road parking at the island trailhead—visitors arrive by boat at Scorpion Anchorage. Use the campground/visitor-center facilities before starting; there is no water or restroom service along the loop. Pack out trash, secure food in fox boxes, stay back from cliff edges, and bring layers for changing island weather. Pets are not allowed.
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.
