09.15.11
From the issue Channel Some Adventure
Scorpion Lair
Get right into the thick of Santa Cruz Island’s isolation and beauty by pitching a tent at Scorpion Campground. Surrounded by lush hillsides, it offers easy access to snorkeling in the waters at Scorpion Anchorage Beach. The campsites are nestled among shaded eucalyptus groves accessed by a half-mile hike from the ferry dock. Good bets are sites 20 and 22 (pictured) at the lower loop campground, two spacious lots located near pristine hiking trails. With fewer tourists at this time of year, rustles in the foliage are most likely to come from the protected island fox, Santa Cruz’s top predator despite weighing in at just 4 pounds. Take a walk among cream-colored live-forever and endemic island barberry. Or explore the coastline by hiking to neighboring Canyon Point along 2 miles of rugged cliffs. The trail begins at site 22 and loops back to a steep decline at Scorpion Anchorage. Watch the sunset from the point’s bluffs or just get a brilliant ocean view from the vantage point before returning to camp.
Camping reservations are required prior to planning ferry travel. An overnight stay at Scorpion Campground is $15 per night. Sites offer water and primitive toilets. Campfires are not permitted. Make reservations through reseveamerica.com, 877-444-6777. Arrange ferry travel with Island Packers, 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. Adult day trips, $56; camping trip, $75.
Camping reservations are required prior to planning ferry travel. An overnight stay at Scorpion Campground is $15 per night. Sites offer water and primitive toilets. Campfires are not permitted. Make reservations through reseveamerica.com, 877-444-6777. Arrange ferry travel with Island Packers, 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. Adult day trips, $56; camping trip, $75.
