Hiking Santa Rosa Island

© Kathy de-Wet Oleson — Kathy deWet-Oleson

Several trails and roads traverse Santa Rosa Island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. These trails and roads range from the relatively flat route to Water Canyon Beach to the rugged, mountainous path to Black Mountain.

Maps and Guides for Download

These files require Adobe Reader.

Santa Rosa Island Hiking Map and Guide 8.5" x 14": Map not for navigation.
Santa Rosa Island Hiking Map and Guide with Shaded Topographic Map 24" x 36": Includes high resolution shaded topographic map for navigation. Note: This map is not georeferenced and cannot be used with your device's built in GPS.
High Resolution Georeferenced Hiking Map 24" x 36": High resolution shaded topographic map for GPS navigation. Along with the Avenza Maps app this PDF can be used to locate yourself without the internet or network connection using your device's built-in GPS.
Santa Rosa Island Interpretive Guide: Learn about the natural and cultural history on Santa Rosa Island.
The Official Channel Islands National Park Mobile App: Enrich your visit to Channel Islands National Park with the official, free app from the National Park Service. Digitally explore the park—by map or by topic of interest. Discover the natural and cultural stories in context with their locations. Find the information you need about visitor centers, events, services, and self-guided tours and trails throughout the park. All data must be downloaded before departing the mainland. There is no reliable cell service or wifi on the islands.

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Channel Islands National Park
Historic Ranch Hike
View the historic ranch buildings along this easy, flat walk ending at the main ranch house. Stop by the school house for exhibits on the ranching history of Santa Rosa Island. Distance: .8 miles (round trip from pier) Difficulty: Easy
Channel Islands National Park
Becher's Bay Coastal Trail Hike
A flat walk along coastal bluffs with great views. Connects with the coastal road near the airstrip with access to Water Canyon Campground, Water Canyon Beach, and other destinations. Be aware of planes as the airstrip is active. Distance: 2 miles (round trip from pier to airstrip junction) Difficulty: Easy
Channel Islands National Park
Water Canyon Campground Hike
A flat walk through the historic ranch and along the coastal terrace to the primitive Water Canyon campground. Drinking water, wind breaks, picnic tables, and food storage boxes are provided. Distance: 3 miles (round trip from pier) Difficulty: Easy
Channel Islands National Park
Water Canyon Beach Hike
If the wind is not too strong, explore the wonderful 2-mile-long white sand beach. Beachcombing, birdwatching, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, and kayaking are all popular activities at Water Canyon Beach. The pier is not accessible from the beach unless there is a minus tide. Distance: 3 miles (round trip from pier to beach entrance) Difficulty: Easy
Channel Islands National Park
Water Canyon Hike
Although the round trip to the mouth of Water Canyon is only 3 miles, the canyon continues for another 6 miles exiting near Soledad Peak. Follow the stream bed (plan on getting wet) through a beautiful canyon with year-round water and native vegetation on the steep walls. This is an off-trail hike for experienced hikers. Distance: 3 miles (round trip from pier) Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Channel Islands National Park
Cherry Canyon Hike
This trail winds through this canyon with a seasonal creek and eventually up onto the coastal terrace with sweeping views of Becher's Bay. Other trails branch off of the Cherry Canyon trail allowing for visits to Black Mountain, the campground, and Water Canyon beach. Make a loop out of this hike by returning to the pier via the coastal road or trail. Distance: 3.5 miles (round trip from pier via the loop) Difficulty: Moderate
Channel Islands National Park
Black Mountain Hike
A long, steep climb that rewards visitors with oak woodlands and great views (weather permitting) of Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and the mainland. Visitors may make this a loop hike by including the Cherry Canyon trail and Telephone and Soledad roads. Distance: 8 miles (round trip from pier) Difficulty: Strenuous
Channel Islands National Park
Torrey Pines Hike
View one of the rarest pines in the world, the Torrey pine. The moderate route allows visitors to view the pines along the flat Coastal Road. The strenuous route follows the loop trail to the top of the grove, providing spectacular views. . Distance: 5 miles to base of pines; 7.5 miles via the loop trail (both are round trip from pier) Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Channel Islands National Park
Skunk Point Hike
One of the most recognizable points on the island due to the extensive white sand beach. Opportunities to see snowy plovers, tidepools, and a shipwreck. Follow the coastal road until it meets up with the Skunk Point trail. Distance: 12 miles round trip (from pier) Difficulty: Strenuous
Channel Islands National Park
East Point Hike
A beautiful hike along the coast or along the Coastal Road with opportunities to explore the Torrey pines and beaches. The back beaches and sand dunes between and including Skunk Point and just north of East Point are closed from March 1st to September 15th. Please remain on the wet sand (below mean high tide) or the road throughout this area. Distance: 16 miles (round trip from pier) Difficulty: Strenuous (due to length)