California's Santa Cruz Island
Located in the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz is visible along California's famous coastline. I took a trip to this curiosity jutting across the horizon.
The Channel Islands’ silhouette has been in the background of my life. I live in viewing distance of its grand mountains, and surf just miles away from the brilliantly blue beaches. However, it was not until I did a presentation on the islands’ wildlife that I began to realize their presence. When I finally found time to pursue the adventure last summer, I took the chance immediately.
Santa Cruz, my destination, is the largest island in California’s coast, and boasts a diverse ecosystem; similar to how the state would look untouched. Inviting me to this natural wonder, during the boat trip, were dolphins, whales, and shimmering blue water. I felt like Dr. Alan Grant from Jurassic Park first witnessing the island on the helicopter. The ride was an adventure of its own.
Reaching the island, I stepped onto the pier and stood in awe of the towering cliffs and massive kelp forest below my feet. Just beyond me was the Scorpion Ranch House, a fairly small adobe structure which was built in 1887. The ranch included sheep, cattle, and various crops, but the operations finally halted in 1984. Overgrazing had done too much damage to the existing wildlife and fauna (NPS Scorpion Ranch House).
I hiked inland along the Smuggler’s Road trail, stopping on occasion to peek over the menacing mountain ledges. Breathing the fresh, almost-soft air, I couldn’t help but think that the whole landscape resembled California but without the artificial sights. There was no McDonalds just around the corner, but instead more trees and singing birds.
While entertaining these thoughts, I stepped onto Smuggler’s cove. With waves ferociously crashing onto the stony beach, there was no swimming any time soon. To substitute this impossible activity, I grabbed a sandwich and sat down on a convenient wooden bench, listening to nature’s symphony. Just behind me was the Smuggler’s Ranch, where a house dated 1889 was standing on. The building was used as one of the operating buildings for a large-scaled ranch that encompassed the aforementioned Scorpion Ranch House (NPS Smuggler’s Ranch House).
I had little time left to pursue extra trails around the cove, and so I quickly hiked back up Smuggler’s Road. About halfway to the pier, I caught a glimpse of the famous Island Fox, which was smaller than mainland species. I slowly followed it to get a better view, but it hid behind a large bush. I waited, but I had to eventually leave. Racing the clock, I made a detour down a dotted route on my map; hopefully, I thought, it would not be too rough. Dodging branches and attempting not to trip on rocks, I entered Scorpion Canyon, which surprised me. Everything was green, and flowers grasped for the sun. This was unlike the other areas I explored, which had subdued colors and significantly less fauna.
To visit the other side of the island, I took another off-road to Cavern Point, which revealed a stunning angle of coastal cliffs and the mainland. After years of viewing the islands from my home, I was now doing the exact opposite. In hindsight, I now see Santa Cruz and its neighbors differently, remembering my trip.
With less than half an hour left, I rushed down a steep trail, which opened up to the Scorpion Ranch. I completed around 15 miles and sat down on the rocky shore to oust the pebbles from my shoes, and dunked my feet into the cold, refreshing water. In anticipation of the arriving boat, I pushed myself to the pier and waited.
The Channel Islands proved to be a worthy exploration, and I could not have asked for better conditions or outcomes. I saw everything, from the historical ranches to the fox. Though, my destination was only a small portion of Santa Cruz, and an even smaller part of the whole archipelago. Whenever the opportunity arises, I will make haste to visit more of the exciting location.