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.

Great island for backpacking and hiking. Lots of diverse scenery and wildlife as well as solitude on the trails to fully allow you to enjoy nature. Water Canyon campground is well maintained and the bathroom building is a great facility to have on site. Come well prepared with everything you would take if backpacking out in the wilderness and you will have an excellent time.

Loved our trip out here to Santa Rosa, but it wasn't an easy one. Lots of preparations. Very windy! Hiking was the best and the beach was not - based on the wind factor. Going to the beach required eye protection and skin protection as the sand felt like small glass shards. I wore a wrap which helped me, but hubby and kiddos suffered. Snorkel gear was recommended which we bought, but didn't use. Go for the isolated island experience, little island foxes, ravens, remoteness, family games and terrific hiking. Bring: lantern, food, that is easy to pack and prepare, light camping gear (smallest stove possible if you can manage) and fit it all in a large plastic box so the foxes can't get into it. Cart it in on a wagon (one wagon per 2 people as the hike in on sandy and rocky and sometimes steep terrain is 1.5 miles). Clothes (it was hot in August, but windy and cool at night + the boat ride out was cool so I recommend at least one pair of long pants, windbreaker, and l/s shirt along other clothes), sturdy shoes, and extras into backpacks. Water is available - we overpacked water. One last thing - the boat sometimes leaves early and no-one told us that. So be prepared for that possibility as well!

The boat ride, tent site and hiking were relaxing and scenic. Grounds were in good condition and bathrooms clean. Great adventure.

Beautiful Island, nice clean amenities. The only thing that could make it better would be re-opening the campground showers.

We camped 3 nights on Santa Rosa Island and hiked each day. The pristine beach is spectacular with erosion, plant life, exposed sedimentary layers taking you back in time. The water is very cold and I could not stay in more that a few seconds before popping up. (We were there early June, 2023. We hiked Torrey Pines to Skunk Point and back, Black Mountain loop. Both are great. If I had to do it again I'd stay 5 nights to take in the 5 major hikes. If you take a wagon that is collapsible you can carry a lot more luxuries for your stay. We carried a full backpack, guitar, folding stool, lots of food and other things making our stay even better. The drinking water is good and the bathroom at the campsite is clean. A great overall experience.

Highly recommend. Great, well kept campsite. The island is beautiful. Lots of walking so be prepared.