Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor – Santa Cruz Island
Details
Back by popular demand! This one’s not your typical trailhead-and-go hike—it starts with a boat ride. THC hikers will cross the Santa Barbara Channel to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island for a day of hiking through Channel Islands National Park. The crossing itself is part of the experience—keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds along the way, with possible whale sightings. The Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon, and Potato Harbor loop is the signature day hike on the island’s east end: a 7.8-mile circuit that threads through open grasslands, climbs to coastal ridgelines, and delivers jaw-dropping ocean views at nearly every turn.
The route begins at the Scorpion Ranch area and heads south up Smugglers Road, a steady climb through rolling. After topping out, the trail cuts over to Scorpion Canyon and winds through the Upper Campground beneath ancient eucalyptus trees—a good spot to rest and scan for the endemic Santa Cruz Island Fox and the Island Scrub-Jay, the only bird species in the continental U.S. found on just a single island. From there, you’ll climb again to the Bluff Trail and make your way to Potato Harbor, the undisputed highlight: a dramatic, potato-shaped cove carved into sea cliffs with turquoise water below. The return along the North Bluff Trail back to Scorpion completes the loop with panoramic views of Anacapa Island, the mainland coast, and the open Pacific. At 1,282 feet of elevation gain spread across moderate terrain, it’s a full day’s effort rewarded by scenery you simply can’t get anywhere on the mainland.
DETAILS:
• Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
• Meet: Ventura Harbor, Island Packers (IPCO) office. Check in no later than 8:15 am (45 minutes before the 9:00 am departure). The boat arrives at Scorpion Anchorage around 10:15 am (Aug. 15).
• Distance: Approximately 7.8 miles.
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,282 feet.
• Time: Approximately 4 hours hiking, plus travel time on the boat.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition. The trail is fully exposed with no shade and involves a sustained initial climb.
• Dogs: Dogs are NOT permitted on Channel Islands National Park trails.
• Restrooms: Vault-style restrooms available at Scorpion Anchorage near the campground. No restrooms along the trail.
• Adventure Pass: Not required. There is no entrance fee for Channel Islands National Park. You must purchase your own Island Packers boat ticket (see below).
• Turnaround: If you want an easier hike option (~5.3 mi./~700 ft. gain), you can skip the Smugglers Road portion and hike the Potato Harbor trail as an out-and-back from Scorpion.
BOAT RESERVATION (REQUIRED):
You must book your own passage on the Island Packers ferry. Round-trip adult tickets start at $72 (pricing may vary; check the Island Packers website for current rates). Book your trip BEFORE you sign up with THC. These reservations fill quickly—especially for weekend departures in peak season—so don’t wait.
Island Packers’ reservation process is all online:
1. Go to islandpackers.com and click “Book By Date.”
2. Choose the 9:00 am outbound trip to Scorpion Cove, Santa Cruz Island, add it to your cart, then choose the 4:30 pm return trip from Scorpion to Ventura.
3. Pay for both legs to complete your reservation.
4. IPCO will send a confirmation email with essential information about visiting Santa Cruz Island. Read it carefully.
CANCELLATION & WEATHER POLICY: You must cancel or reduce your passenger count at least 5 days before your departure time to receive a refund from Island Packers. No refunds are given for no-shows. Cancellations must be made by calling Island Packers at (805) 642-1393. In case of unfavorable weather or sea conditions, Island Packers may cancel or modify departures at 5:30 AM on the day of the trip. On the morning of departure, after 5:30 AM, call (805) 642-1393, select option 4, and listen to the recorded message for the status of your trip. IPCO will not call you if weather prevents the boat from going—you must check yourself. If IPCO cancels due to weather, you’ll be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll maintain a moderate pace (~2.5 mph), so please plan to stay with the group for a safe, enjoyable outing. The trail is fully sun-exposed with loose gravel on some descents and overgrown sections of tall grass. Long pants are recommended. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. All hikers must return to the Scorpion pier no later than 4:15 pm—at least 15 minutes before the 4:30 pm boat departure. Arrive at the pier earlier if you want a specific seat on the boat. Expected return to Ventura is approximately 5:45 pm. This event may be cancelled due to weather or rough sea conditions.
ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended (the boat ride is chilly even in summer). Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing—there is NO shade on this trail. Snacks and a packed lunch (there are no food sales on the island). Refillable water bottle with 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Fresh water is available for refills at Scorpion Anchorage only. Dramamine or Bonine if you’re prone to motion sickness—the Channel crossing can be rough. Binoculars and/or camera recommended for wildlife viewing.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the THC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?
THC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
- Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
- Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
- Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
- Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
- Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Island Packers – Ventura Harbor:
1691 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to. Cell service is extremely limited to nonexistent on the island—download your AllTrails maps and IPCO confirmation for offline access before you leave the mainland.
NPS Hiking Eastern Santa Cruz Island Map (link)
We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via cash contribution (at each hike).
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing The Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Hiking Club (THC) Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders, and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any The Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing The Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.