Epic trail run across Santa Cruz Island with significant elevation gain and challenging terrain, and only way to access is through a boat which is the cherry on top because you’re running against time to reach the boat to get back to land. This route is from Point to Point Northbound. There is only one access point in the entire island for drinking water at Scorpion Canyon Campground, so one must carry the necessary water as there are no streams to filter water along be trail. To maximize time you take the earliest departing boat provided by Island Packers in Ventura to begin at Prisoners Harbor. I took the first available ferry at 8:30 am. Again what makes this fun & exciting is the logistics of the ferry/boat because travel times vary. Clock began on the first step taken off the dock/pier onto the dirt, for me it was at 10:49am. Trail is well maintained and is an all dirt trail. Montañon Peak is the highest point at 1,808 ft (551 meters) & must veer slightly to the right off the main trail to reach this point getting absolute 360 views of entire island and California coastline. One must then come back down and rejoin main trail to complete the final portion of the trail. Officially ended when last step was taken from the dirt onto the opposite dock/pier Scorpion Anchorage. Reached Scorpion Cove pier at 2:36:pm for a total time of 3 hours 47 minutes & 44 seconds, 14.45 miles total. This is a beautiful scenic trail as you get views of the clear blue water of the Pacific Ocean along with cute Island Foxes only native to these islands, wildflowers, Blue Jays, and even Bald Eagles. Also saw marine life on the ferry ride; humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins and sea lions. A stunning National Marine Sanctuary!
