Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park provides opportunities for hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The park features 68 routes across these sports. More information is available in the Attractions in Channel Islands National Park guide.

Popular hiking trails include the Montañon Ridge Loop, which is about 8.8 miles (14.2 km) long, and the Scorpion Canyon, Potato Harbor and North Bluff Loop, approximately 7.9 miles (12.7 km). These routes are generally rated as moderate difficulty. For more options, consult the Hiking in Channel Islands National Park guide.

Yes, the park offers easy hiking options. The Anacapa Island loop is an easy jogging route, approximately 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long. Additional easy routes can be found in the Easy hikes in Channel Islands National Park guide.

While the islands themselves have limited cycling infrastructure, routes like the Ventura Loop (about 31.5 miles / 50.8 km) and the Ojai loop (about 44.3 miles / 71.3 km) are popular for touring cycling near the park's mainland access. For more options, see the Cycling in Channel Islands National Park guide.

Yes, several road cycling routes are available, primarily on the mainland near the park's access points. Examples include the Ojai-Ventura Bike Path – Ventura Beach and Pier loop (about 34.7 miles / 55.9 km) and the Ventura Beach and Pier – Mondo's Beach loop (about 26.7 miles / 43.0 km). Consult the Road Cycling Routes in Channel Islands National Park guide for more details.

The park is known for its unique ecosystems, rugged coastlines, and numerous sea caves, particularly on Santa Cruz Island. It is often called the "Galapagos of North America" due to its endemic species. Over half of the park's area is underwater, forming a rich marine sanctuary.

Channel Islands National Park is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 1,700 visitors having explored its routes. The park's routes have an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on over 70 ratings.

Komoot offers several guides for Channel Islands National Park, including Hiking in Channel Islands National Park, Cycling in Channel Islands National Park, and Running Trails in Channel Islands National Park. There are also guides for Easy hikes and MTB Trails.

While the islands are largely undeveloped, some mountain biking routes are available on the mainland near the park's access points. Examples include the Karen and Tom Bench View loop (about 8.9 miles / 14.3 km). More details can be found in the MTB Trails in Channel Islands National Park guide.

Jogging is possible on many of the park's trails. The Potato Harbor Loop via North Bluff Trail (about 4.4 miles / 7.2 km) and the Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail (about 4.4 miles / 7.0 km) are popular jogging routes. For additional routes, refer to the Running Trails in Channel Islands National Park guide.

The Channel Islands are largely undeveloped, and there are no lodgings, stores, or restaurants directly on the islands. Visitors typically access the park via ferry from the mainland and must plan for self-sufficiency during their visit.

The official website for Channel Islands National Park is nps.gov/chis. The park's phone number is +1-805-658-5730.