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Climb up and out of Scorpion Valley to the cliffs edge.


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Map Key

1.5

Miles

2.5

KM

Point to Point

371' 113 m

High

49' 15 m

Low

336' 102 m

Up

16' 5 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs No Dogs

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

Family Friendly The ferry from the mainland and the wide open trails are ideal for kids to explore and learn about nature.

Description

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.

Flora & Fauna

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

Contacts

Shared By:

Phil DiGirolamo

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 6 votes

#1105

Overall
  4.8 from 6 votes
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Trail Rankings

#140

in California

#1,105

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,131 Since Aug 30, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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71%
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Photos

Looking back towards Scorpion Valley
Dec 11, 2016 near Anacapa…, CA
Potato Harbor looks calm and beautiful from the end of the trail.
Apr 1, 2017 near Anacapa…, CA
Potato Harbor Bay with the northmost view of Santa Cruz Island in the background.
Dec 11, 2016 near Anacapa…, CA
Facing the eastern part of the bay, down into the sea cave.
Dec 11, 2016 near Anacapa…, CA
Experience exceptional views of Potato Harbor and the west end of Santa Cruz Island, 16 miles in the distance, from the end of Potato Harbor Road.
Apr 1, 2017 near Anacapa…, CA
Heading back to the campground on the Potato Harbor Road trail.
Mar 16, 2018 near Anacapa…, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 94 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 2, 2022
Haden Smith
1.5mi
Apr 16, 2022
Noel Jimenez
Jul 15, 2018
Dylan Payne
Mar 30, 2018
Tim Hussey
Dec 23, 2017
Wei Liu
Sep 16, 2017
Scott Shenk
Mar 8, 2017
Hannah Kornfeld
Oct 15, 2016
Lauren Goetz
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