Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park consists of five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of California. The islands within the park extend along the southern California coast from Point Conception near Santa Barbara to just north of Los Angeles. Park headquarters and the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center are located in the city of Ventura.

Channel Islands National Park is home to a wide variety of nationally and internationally significant natural and cultural resources. It was designated a U.S. National Monument on April 26, 1938 and a National Biosphere Reserve in 1976. It was promoted to a National Park on March 5, 1980.

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What to do at Channel Islands National Park

Hiking, Bird-watching, picnicking, camping nature viewing and visiting ancient native american ruins are the popular land based activities. While fishing, kayaking, boating (with permit), swimming and whale-watching are all popular activities at the park. The diving and snorkeling is said to be like diving in an aquarium, and is considered some of the best in the world.

A tour of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands via Kayak.
For more information contact www.kayaksb.com. Video Courtesy YouTube.com

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Plants and Animals of the Channel Islands

Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found within the park. However only four mammals are endemic to the islands, one of which is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) which is known to carry the sin nombre hantavirus. Other animals in the park include Island Scrub Jays, harbor seals, sea lions, island fox, spotted skunk, island night lizard, barn owls, American kestrels, horned larks and meadowlarks and California brown pelican.

One hundred and forty-five of these species are unique to the islands and found nowhere else in the world. Marine life ranges from microscopic plankton to the endangered blue whale, the largest animal to live on earth. Archeological and cultural resources span a period of more than 10,000 years.

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Climate

In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s.

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Facts:

The park consists of 390 square miles, half of which are under the Pacific ocean, the parts above water include the islands of:

• San Miguel 9,325 acres (38 km²)
• Santa Rosa 52,794 acres (214 km²)
• Anacapa 699 acres (2.8 km²)
• Santa Barbara 639 acres (2.6 km²)
• Santa Cruz 60,645 acres (245 km²) 76% owned by the Nature Conservancy, 24% by the National Park Service

Channel Islands has 177 miles of undeveloped California coastline the way it has been for millinia. Even though the islands seem tantalizingly close to densely populated southern California, their isolation has left them relatively undeveloped.

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Lodging/Camping:

Camping

Camping reservations for National Park Service campgrounds on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, East Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands are available through Biospherics Inc. at (800) 365-2267. Campsites are generally located close to one another and if the campground is filled to capacity conditions may be crowded. No trash service is provided and all campers must pack out their own trash. Be prepared to carry your camping gear from the landing areas to the campgrounds.

Anacapa Island. The campground is on East Anacapa Island, 1/2 mile from the dock landing, up 154 stairs. There are 7 campsites with a campground capacity of 30 people.

Santa Barbara Island. The campground is 1/2 mile uphill from the dock landing. There are 8 campsites with a campground capacity of 30 people.

San Miguel Island. The campground is a 1 mile hike uphill from the beach landing and has windbreaks. There are 9 campsites with a total campground capacity of 30 people. Fewer than 200 people per year ever get the experience of camping on San Miguel Island.

Santa Rosa Island. The campground in Water Canyon is 1 1/2 mile miles across the flats from the pier landing, or 1/4 mile from the airstrip. There are 15 campsites with a 50 person campground capacity. The campground has windbreaks, running water (most people bring drinking water) and an invigorating shower.

Santa Cruz Island. The campground is in Scorpion Valley and has 40 sites and allows 4-6 people per site. The campsites are spread out along the valley floor 1/2 to 1 mile up the flats from the beach landing.

Backcountry Camping

Camping on the beaches on Santa Rosa Island is available for experienced kayakers and boaters on a seasonal basis; a permit is necessary by calling (805) 658-5730.

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Fees/Permits

There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a fee is charged for camping on the islands. The fee includes both the National Park Service fee that supports the operation of the campgrounds and a reservation fee by the company that manages the reservation system for the National Parks.

Boating permits required (free) and available from the Nature Conservency (805-898-1642).

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Visitation

Annual visitation to the park's mainland visitor center is 300,000. Visitation to the islands and waters is low, with about 30,000 visitors traveling to the islands, and another 60,000 who go only into park waters. Although most visitation occurs in the summer, migrating gray whales and spectacular wildflower displays attract visitors in the winter and spring. Autumn is an excellent time to travel to the park, as well as for diving, as the days are usually sunny, with minimal winds and clear ocean water.

Hours:

Park is open daily year-round, Visitors centers open daily 8:30-5.

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