Santa Cruz Island Gets Foxy

Let me start by saying if you didn't know that one of the Channel Islands was populated by these cute, 5 pound foxes that roam freely, same. Santa Cruz Island is the most popular island to visit and after finding out these fluff balls roamed around I can see why.

Reservations & Camping:

There is a ferry that leaves from multiple access points, find which is closest to you and most convenient. There ferry itself is about an hour and half ride. They slow the ferry down about halfway through because more often than not hundreds, if you're lucky, and thousands of dolphins will ride along the ferry and it is an incredible sight to see. You can book to go to a single island or during peak season island hopping is an option for campers. Santa Cruz also has an island day trip to see a section of the island that is closed off for conservation.

Camping reservations are required. This is not one you can hide or get around. When you check in for the ferry you have to have a return ticket already purchased as well as campsite reservations if your booking shows overnight. The camp spots are only $10-15 dollars which is very nice. There are bathrooms and water stations set up as well as fox bins, also known as bear boxes, for campers to store their items.

The camping reservation can be confusing because one of the campgrounds: Del Norte is labeled a backcountry camp spot. From experience back country or primitive means first come, first serve. That is not the case on this island. All accommodations have to be booked before coming onto the island. There are two different ferry ports: Scorpion Ranch and Prisoner's Cove. Make sure the campground selected matches up with the port being docked in otherwise there will be a long hike ahead of you.

Wild Animals:

There are bins for a reason. Use them. Ravens live on the island and are very smart creatures. They have learned to open zippers and puncture holes in any plastic water container. If you leave anything out they are sure to go through it. This is dangerous for the animal because they could end up eating something they shouldn't and as a guest on the island it is your responsibility to clean up after yourself.

The Santa Cruz Island Fox is a forager and will go around campsites looking for any leftover scraps of food. There are no sinks, and washing dishes out is not allowed. I recommend going with the MRE meals that you can get at any camp supply store. They are easy cleanup and won't leave a mess where the foxes will eat something they shouldn't.

What To Do:

Santa Cruz Island activities can include kayak tours, renting or bringing snorkel gear, and hiking. I went there to hike exclusively, but did enjoy using the beach to watch the sunset every night.

Smuggler's Cove is a medium to hard hike that takes you to the backside of the island where there is a beach with tables set up for picnics and plenty of sand to enjoy a beach day from a different spot. The island is not shaded and there will be large hills involved. If you are not used to hiking out in open sun make sure to bring water, sun protection, and take breaks as needed.

A lot of the trailheads intersect with one another so there are unlimited options on how you can explore for the day, by adding on or cutting it short. Smuggler's Cove loop takes you around the edge of the island to get expansive views of the blue water and the rock formations that line the coast.

If you are looking for a challenge, El Montanon Trail leads up to the highest point on the island. On a clear day you can see far and wide. It is a harder hike since there is a lot of elevation involved.

Santa Cruz Island is a perfect getaway for people curious about camping, and want to try it in a controlled space. There is a ranger on this island who is there to help in emergency situations and can answer any questions that might come up.

A weekend exploring one of the islands off the coast of California is a fun way to get away without having to go too far. Its definitely worth a day or two of exploring! I will definitely be going back to check out one of the other islands!