Potato Harbor Road

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Spring · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

If you like hills and can carry your own water one can get anywhere from 2 to 20 miles in on these trails before the ferry returns to the mainland.

From the Scorpion Valley Road, you'll encounter a doubletrack road that will take you up and away from the campground. Along the way stop and take in the vista below and across the valley. Looking west you'll see the highest peak of this part of Santa Cruz Island. You'll also be able to see to the end of the Scorpion Valley below. The trail has a number of ruts but they are easy to negotiate.

Once you reach the top of the trail, the plateau continues straight ahead and you'll be rewarded with wonderful vistas of the northern part of the island. Head to the end of the trail and you'll have an outstanding view of Potato Harbor. Be sure to look out to the Santa Barbara Channel. On a clear day the view all the way across to the mainland is immaculate.

The island fox, though low to the ground, can be seen along the bluffs and in the camp and picnic areas.