Fantasy Island

Remote, raw, and utterly enchanting, Channel Islands National Park, nicknamed “the Galapagos of California,” is an undeveloped, far less traveled archipelago off the coast of Ventura. Explore this once lost world by adventuring all across the largest of its five islands—Santa Cruz.

Week: 05.12.2016
Regions: Southern CA

Island Traverse

Backpacking and camping on Santa Cruz Island on Channel Islands National Park

Backpackers traversing the seaside mountain range on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park
As the largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz also has bragging rights to two mountain ranges. For a grand (and grandly scenic) tour, lace up the boots and go on a 15-mile (one-way) backpacking trek that traverses the eastern side of the island.
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Get a Lodi This!

Lodi Wine and Cycle Spring Adventures

Outdoor adventure and wine country? This combination doesn’t get any bigger or better than in Lodi. Just 90 miles from San Francisco, Lodi is already on the map for its 85 wineries. But it’s the adventures you can pair them with that make Lodi a one-of-a-kind destination. Miles o
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Cavern Point Loop

Cavern Point Loop Hike on Channel Islands National Park

One of Santa Cruz Island’s most accessible trails is all about the essential elements: The 2-mile Cavern Point Loop Trail will get your eyes jazzed on vivid sea vistas as it traces the cliffs west of Scorpion Cove. You’ll find the trailhead just inland from the beach, next to a l
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Caves, Waves, and a Greenroom

Kayak tour off of Scorpion Cove on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Island National Park

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Etched into volcanic rock awhirl with swooping brown pelicans, sea caves make for dramatic echo chambers, hissing with foam and swelling with ocean waves. And you, in the thick of adventure! Don’t miss exploring one of the Channel Islands’ most dynamic stretches of coast on a thr
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  4. Bucks Up!

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    Tram to Cool Treks

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  2. Coming Up Roses

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  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

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