Cherry Canyon Trail

Overview

A short ferry ride drops you at Santa Rosa Island’s pier, and from there the Cherry Canyon Trail serves up a surprisingly varied 3.5-mile round-trip loop: a sheltered canyon of native shrubs and oaks, a gentle climb to open terraces, and wide-open views over Becher’s Bay with Santa Cruz Island on the horizon. It’s a moderate, beginner-friendly outing with about 100 feet of gain—enough to feel like a hike without committing your entire day.

What You’ll See

Right out of the gate you’ll pass remnants of the island’s ranching era—old fencing and outbuildings—as the path slips into Cherry Canyon. The canyon is a protected pocket harboring toyon and holly-leaf cherry, plus native oaks that make this one of the greener, more diverse-feeling corners of the island. In spring a seasonal creek can add a bit of soundtrack and lushness. Midway, a small picnic area is a welcome spot to linger before the trail tops out onto wind-brushed grasslands with big looks across Becher’s Bay and the rugged Santa Rosa coast.

Wildlife is very much part of the experience. Keep your eyes peeled for the island’s charismatic foxes and a variety of birdlife moving between canyon and terrace.

Trail Stats & Route

Plan on 3.5 miles total. Many hikers start near the pier by the campground, ascend through Cherry Canyon, then return via the Coastal Trail to form a satisfying loop back to the pier. Junctions also connect toward Black Mountain, the campground, and Water Canyon Beach if you want to extend the day.

Best Time to Hike

Spring is prime: wildflowers, greener canyon walls, and the best chance of a trickling creek. Fall often brings the clearest skies and comfortable temps. Summer can run hot with limited shade once you leave the canyon, and winter storms can leave the trail muddy—still doable, just bring the right footwear.

Know Before You Go

• No potable water on the route—bring what you need from the mainland or campground.
• Footing is mostly dirt and natural surface; it can be uneven or slick after rain.
• Expect island weather mood swings—layers are your friend.
• Trails on Santa Rosa can be less signed than mainland parks; bring a map and download offline info before you leave the mainland. Stay on established paths and give unstable cliff edges a wide berth.
• Pets aren’t allowed. No hiking permit is needed for day use, but you must secure boat transportation to the island.

Bottom Line

Cherry Canyon is the definition of high-reward, low-commitment: easy logistics from the pier, a cool, sheltered canyon, and big coastal vistas without a grind. If you want an approachable sampler of Santa Rosa’s landscapes in a single, tidy loop, this is it.