Cavern Point Loop

One of Santa Cruz Island’s most accessible trails is all about the essential elements: The 2-mile Cavern Point Loop Trail will get your eyes jazzed on vivid sea vistas as it traces the cliffs west of Scorpion Cove. You’ll find the trailhead just inland from the beach, next to a late 19th-century implement shed and historic ranch house that now serves as a visitor center, illuminating the history of sheep ranching at Scorpion and the life of the Chumash, who inhabited this island for over 9,000 years. The path climbs steeply up a bluff, whisking you into an elemental realm: just sea, sun, and sky, gnarly volcanic cliffs, and a million grass reeds hissing in the wind for miles.

After a mile, the trail reaches the edge of Cavern Point’s dramatic drop-off, where waves crash into mist far below and strong winds often whip up from the sea. Views to the west, along the island’s untarnished coast, speak of a land that time forgot, and the Dr. Seuss–like giant coreopsis blooms yellow along the cliffs. From here, follow the fork sign back to the campground to complete the loop. If not yet satiated, you can continue up the coast along North Bluff Trail for another two miles to Potato Harbor before turning back.

No dogs.