Santa Rosa Island

The Channel Islands National Park, the Rangers who serve at the Channel Islands NP Visitor's Center, and their concessionaire Island Packers are all first class. Special thanks to the rangers at the Visitor's Center who introduced me to Ranger Juliana when I was planning my trip in early 2023, and to Ranger Kim the day before my trip to Santa Rosa Island on 16 August 2023. Both were gracious with their time when answering detailed questions I still had after reading the extensive and excellent online literature. The online literature is true to what I experienced on the island. One thing not mentioned is the majestic view of Santa Cruz Island one gets from Becher's Bay on Santa Rosa Island. The view of Santa Cruz Island at sunset is not to be missed. Special note is also owed to Ranger's Sam and Alex who were stationed on Santa Rosa Island during my trip. My 7 day trip was cut short by Tropical Storm Hilary. The NPS made the proper decision to evacuate the islands when the cone of probability was still predicting the storm might pass directly up the channel between the mainland and the islands. Alex and Sam, worked quickly to find all visitors who were on the island, including those on backcountry hikes, and ensure their safe passage off the island. I remain thankful that life gave me the opportunity to visit Santa Rosa Island and to meet and know all of the Rangers and Island Packers crew I met during the trip.

Very nice campground on an amazing island!

Absolutely loved this trip! Probably my favorite National Park experience so far! There is water on the island that you can drink and the bathrooms at the camp site have flushing toilets and sinks to wash your hands. I would highly recommend using a collapsible wagon if you're taking a cooler! Campsite is beautifully upkept and all the trails are very well maintained. Lobo canyon was absolutely beautiful and a great day hike, definitely take lots of water. We hiked out there and had lunch on the shore side. Be prepared for some wind! 10/10 will definitely be going again.

The shelters at Water Canyon were a godsend! Winds were constant at 10 - 15 mph, often higher. The lockboxes were also very welcome, as the Island Foxes can be a bit bold in mooching for food.

Access to potable water became a real thing over the course of my stay.

Was a very nice trip, great weather, did lots of hiking, had some luck fishing, even saw whales during the cruise back. Here are three improvements I would like to suggest 1) When the group of day travelers go to the island, the bathroom capacity is too small for the crowds, and the wait gets to be very long. 2) I would like to see if more picnic tables might be placed in various locations around the island to give hikers a nice place to rest 3) In the campground, I wonder if perhaps a shower could be set up. This should not have a direct water tap there, but instead it might just have a washing enclosure and a drain so that campers could bring their own bucket of water from an outside tap and wash themselves, so that water would not be wasted. Thank you.

Island packers were very helpful, the views were beautiful, it does get pretty windy at night. No showers but very well kept bathrooms, also Torrey pines is a must.

Facilities were top notch and well maintained, especially for a remote island! Easy access to water at several spots in the campground and the bathrooms were well cared for. Wind shelters provided a nice break when the gusts came through. Food storage "fox boxes" are a little small for more than 2 people in a site, so work to consolidate food and minimize trash.

Wonderful, well-maintained campsite with a variety of trailheads accessible from camp.

Loved the isolation and the wildlife, will definitely go back.

Best restroom I've ever seen in a national park. Also the Island looks like a meadow out of heaven.