Quick Details
Scorpion Anchorage – Santa Cruz Island
Scorpion Anchorage offers visitors a comfortable and scenic starting point for exploring Santa Cruz Island. Amenities include vault-style restrooms, tree-shaded picnic tables, and potable drinking water.
Recreation & Relaxation
Swim or snorkel through vibrant kelp forests just offshore, or unwind on the peaceful cobblestone beach. For adventure-seekers, coastal kayaking is a favorite activity—paddle along volcanic cliffs carved with sea caves and hidden inlets. Kayaking information
Discover Nature & History
Begin your visit at the island’s visitor center, located at the historic Scorpion Ranch. Informative exhibits, interpretive panels, and a detailed topographic relief map showcase the island’s incredible biodiversity and deep cultural heritage.
Grab a trail map and explore at your own pace, or join a guided hike led by a knowledgeable naturalist. As you walk the island’s scenic trails, keep an eye out for the island’s unique wildlife, including the endemic Santa Cruz Island Fox.

Hikers on Scorpion Canyon Loop trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park, California