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Santa Rosa Island

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Overview

Showcasing the characteristic rugged coastlines of the Channel Islands, Santa Rosa Island is a hiker's paradise. With several roads and trails that provide access to much of the island, there are ample opportunities to explore the area. Visitors will enjoy observing abundant marine and terrestrial wildlife such as seals, sea lions, and the snowy plover. The island is also home to the rare Torrey Pine. Varied terrain ranging from mellow beach-side trails to rugged canyon routes, give visitors plenty to choose from.

For more information on Santa Rosa Island, visit the park's website.

Local Info

A small visitor center is located near the pier and airstrip at Beechers Bay. The trail system on the island incorporates 25 miles of trail and roads. Hikers are asked to stay on trail, and no off-trail travel is permitted. The back beaches and sand dunes including Skunk Point and just north of East Point are closed from March 1 to September 15 to protect the nesting area for the snowy plover.

Visiting Tips

Santa Rosa Island is accessible by boat or by plane. Island Packers offers boat transportation from April through early November, 2-4 days per week. Channel Islands Aviation offers flights year round, on demand. Travel time by boat is approximately 3 hours from Venture Harbor. Flight time from Camarillo Airport is 25 minutes. Please be aware that visitors must climb a steel-rung ladder from the boat to the pier, and that flights land and take off from a dirt airstrip.

For more information, click here.

Camping & Lodging

Primitive camping is available on the island. 15 sites are available. Reservations are required and cost $15 per site per night. A picnic table, food storage box, pit toilet, and potable water are provided.

Maps & Guidebooks

To download a free brochure to help plan your trip, click here.

Food & Drink

There is no food or drink available on the island. Be sure to bring your own food with you. Picnic tables are available at each campsite and at the visitor center.

Other Activities

The waters surrounding the island are ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Fishing is allowed only in designated areas and with a valid California state fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp. No fishing is allowed in the marine reserve.

Santa Rosa Island Hiking

  • 122 Miles 196 Kilometers of Trail
  • 0 Recommended Routes
  • 25 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 27 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 5 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Trails in Santa Rosa Island - 57

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails

3.9 mi 6.3 km #1Carrington Point Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
1.5 mi 2.4 km #2Lobo Canyon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
1.8 mi 2.9 km #3Torrey Pine Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
2.0 mi 3.2 km #4Cherry Canyon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
2.5 mi 4.0 km #5Twin Peaks/Soledad Canyon Road
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Solvang, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Solvang, CA
4.2 mi 6.7 km #6Smith Highway
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
0.8 mi 1.2 km #7Carrington Point Road Connector
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
6.7 mi 10.8 km #8Coastal Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
1.0 mi 1.6 km #9Torrey Pines Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
17.2 mi 27.7 km #10Smith Highway
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Isla Vista, CA

Photos of Santa Rosa Island - 11

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos

Hiking up through Windmill Canyon on Cherry Canyon Trail. Note paintbrush flowers and singletrack trail.
Sep 7, 2016 near Isla Vista, CA
Santa Rosa Isl: Bechers Bay from Cherry Canyon Tr. Airstrip and Coastal Road in foreground. Pier mid left, across from boat.
Sep 7, 2016 near Isla Vista, CA
Santa Rosa Isl: Cherry Canyon singletrack. Lupine and hikers wind their way down Windmill Canyon.
Sep 7, 2016 near Isla Vista, CA
Walking past the catci on the Cherry Canyon Trail.
Sep 8, 2016 near Isla Vista, CA
View of Torrey Pines and the shore from the Cherry Canyon Trail.
Sep 8, 2016 near Isla Vista, CA
Halfway to the top of the Torrey Pines Trail, you'll have a pleasant view of Black Point below and Carrington Point in the distance.
Apr 6, 2017 near Isla Vista, CA
View of Water Canyon Beach.
Mar 16, 2018 near Isla Vista, CA
Wild flowers on the way to carrington point .
Jun 25, 2018 near Santa C…, CA
Sea Lions on Carrington Point
Jun 25, 2018 near Santa C…, CA
Waypoint on Carrington Point Trail
Jan 13, 2019 near Santa C…, CA
Climbing down a steeper portion of the trail
Jan 13, 2019 near Santa C…, CA
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