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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a wonderful family day outing with spectacular views of Anacapa Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park. The trip starts with a 1 hour ride to Anacapa, where you are likely to see pods of porpoises, seals, and large pelicans along the way. After walking up 153 stairs from the sea cliffs to level ground, you can visit a park exhibit and take an easy 2 mile loop trail along the edge of this spectacular island. Rangers provide a narrated walk along the trails, or your can just do your own thing. This is a unique experience not to be missed with crystal clear water, awesome sea caves and arches, and lovely wildflowers in the spring. Trailhead: A company by the name of Island Packers operate shuttle boats that will take you out to Anacapa Island. The boats leave from Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor. Call Island Packers at (805) 642-1393 to get departure time, rates, and directions to the dock. (Lat:34.01663 Lon:-119.36209) Trail Guides for Anacapa Island: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) On The Trail - Malibu to Santa Barbara by Cathy Philipp (Cathy Philipp Publishing) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Channel Islands National Park - (805) 658-5730 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 105 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bill on 6/30/2008 My wife, 15 yo daughter and I took the 2 hour tour of the island June 28 through Island Packers. The island and it's history are fascinating. The veiws from Inspiration Point are breathtaking and definitely worth the trip! 
Reviewed by Jay on 11/5/2006 I have been to Ana Capa many times throughout the years. (I can now get there in my own boat!) Although this page describes the hike as "year round", I recommend Spring time. The seagulls are breeding, and you will see hundreds of them sitting on their nests right off of the trail. A little later all of the chicks will be running around. Quite a sight! Also, everything is green and in bloom in the Spring. Beautiful and spectacular. 
Reviewed by gisteacher on 1/20/2006 one of my favorite places and I have lived many places in the world. Some folks say a few hours is all you need on anacapa ... I say good. More solitude for others! :-) kayak around the island .. I use www.islandkayakers.com and of course island packers who can be rude once and a while but do we have a choice? I wont say the best times to visit because .. well!
Reviewed by Nathalie on 8/18/2005 Nice boat ride; saw plenty of porpoises and a school of bottlenose dolphins. The hike itself is easy, with a couple sections of very slight elevation but the steps could be hard for some people. Lovely island but a lot of bird droppings creating a slight odor. Good day trip but if you're a fast walker, be prepared to wait for the boat for the return trip. Well worth the visit at least once.
Reviewed by Amy on 10/19/2003 Actually, this was a trip that rekindled my interest in hiking and nature (about 1 yr ago). The island walk itself is basically a walk around the small island. We went when the seagulls were nesting -- many babies around, but also many unhatched eggs. The seagulls are utterly mad and will divebomb you to protect their babies (for heaven's sake don't step on them, touch them or leave the trail and smash their eggs!). Fascinating native plants, great views of Harbor seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the rocky beaches far below, and unbelievable fog-shrouded views of the other 2 parts of the island looking from the points. Warning for elderly or people with health problems: slippery ladder & many steps to top of island.
Reviewed by taintedmilk on 8/29/2003 A great trip to get out of the city and experience one of the great treasures of California! Great for first timers or an introduction into hiking. Kayaking around the island in 2-3 hours, hike in about an hour of leisurely stroll taking scenic pictures, and snorkeling for 1-2 hours. This is a fun trip with groups of 4-6 people who are willing to endure a full day of adventure! Pack 100 oz of water each, snacks, and maybe a change of clothing. Great great introduction for first time trip. The island is too small to recommend coming back twice. 
Reviewed by Paul on 8/21/2003 A boat ride to any place is always fun, but, the island is not all that big, you can walk from one end to the other in 30 minutes. Ispiration point and the lighthouse are cool, but that's it. Campground has NO SHADE WHATESOEVER and you're in the sun the rest of the day, had to stay at the dock most of the day to keep cool. I recommend only overnight at the most and some kind of shade. Good points, great for celestial viewing, and the campground latrine is solar-powered air conditioned!
Reviewed by Scott on 12/11/2002 I think this is one of those day trips that reminds you why you live in southern california. It has the element of both the ocean and hiking. The trip over was filled with dolphins, seals, and even an occasional blue shark which inhabit the channel is great numbers. Although the "hike" is short, the views are obviously stunning. Anacapa has many dymanic rock formations, most notably the arch at east end. As a diver, I have been to Anacapa many times, and the diving there at times can be extrordinary due to the water clearity. Most, if not all of the waters surrounding Anacapa are protected from taking game, so for snorklers, it can provide an abundance of fish to see. The boat ride and hiking makes for an interesting and varied day! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Ventura County Hiking, Ventura County Trails, Ventura County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||