Santa Rosa Island--Historic Ranch Area

Santa Rosa Island--Historic Ranch Area

Santa Rosa Island Official Website

About this location

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About Santa Rosa Island

See all hotspots at Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island is the second largest of the Channel Islands and is situated between San Miguel Island and Santa Cruz Island. It is part of the Channel Islands National Park and is owned by the National Parks Service. The island is dominated by rolling hills covered in chaparral and also features canyons and mountains. The rare Santa Rosa subspecies of Torrey Pine can be found here.

There are two to three ferries per week taking passengers from Ventura Harbor to Santa Rosa Island. This gives visitors two options: a short day visit or multi-day camping. There is a campsite about a mile and a half from the dock, and backcountry camping is also available by permit. Potable water and restrooms are available near the dock, but otherwise facilities are limited.

Birding on the island most commonly takes place within a few miles of the ferry dock. As you approach the island in winter, there is usually a large flock of scoters, sometimes including White-winged and Black. The Historic Ranch Area has some trees - otherwise scarce on the island - and can have migrant passerines in spring and fall. A coastal trail leads to Skunk Point, offering views of shorebirds on the beach and passing by Torrey Pine Grove. There are several hiking trails on the island, including Cherry Canyon Trail, which has its own hotspot. This trail features mostly chaparral-associated species. Other trails on the island lack hotspots, so personal locations are recommended for eBird checklists.

Content from Santa Rosa Island Official Website and Linus Blomqvist

Last updated September 9, 2023