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California

CHANNEL ISLANDS

ESTABLISHED 1980


California’s answer to the Galápagos in Ecuador, the Channel Islands are inhabited by a staggering number of unique plants and animals living in a verdant playground. In this wildlife-spotters’ utopia, you’ll love the hiking, paddling, and diving adventures, too.

At the edge of the North American continent sits a wild group of primitive islands that provide a rare glimpse into California at its most raw and untamed. Not far from here, you have the bustle, bright lights, and big city of Los Angeles. But in these wild environs of the Pacific, life couldn’t be more different. Visitors head out for hikes across bucolic bluffs, camp under the stars—reveling in remarkable ocean views on all sides—kayak to the edge of lost coves, and spend afternoons sprawled on rocky beaches having a picnic.

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Three rocky islands make up Anacapa, whose name derives from the Chumash “Anypakh,” meaning “mirage island”

Did You Know?

The islands are home to 2,000 plant and animal species, 145 of which are found nowhere else.

Five distinct habitats

Discover a unique world of wildlife and nature on each island. Closest in, Anacapa encompasses three tiny islets, where birds caw and clamor for space in springtime. Farther out into the winds and wilds of the Pacific Ocean is Santa Cruz Island, topped by the menacingly named but beautiful 2,450-ft (747-m) Diablo Peak, with the huge striped Painted Cave in the sea below. You can explore archeological sites and other treasures on this most-visited spot. California’s second-largest island, Santa Rosa, is home to just three terrestrial mammals: the island fox, island spotted skunk, and island deer mouse, whereas San Miguel Island hosts one of the oldest American Indian archeological sites, dating back 11,600 years. On Santa Barbara Island, 38 miles (61 km) out to sea, amateur botanists can learn about endemic plant species, including unique forms of dudleya buckwheat, and cream cups, along with the native and threatened island night lizard.

The natural history of these singular islands dates back 14 million years, when volcanic activity and tectonic shifts formed a large 724-sq-miles (1,875-km) island just off the California coast. Erosion and changing sea levels eventually split the island apart, creating the chain you see today, comprised of eight islands in total, although people often refer to the three islets of Anacapa as one. The individual islands were formed just 2,000 years ago, a mere blink of an eye when looking at geologic time. Evolving in isolation, the islands each nurtured the rare, unique flora and fauna that exist today.

Wildlife at a Glance

The islands have been inhabited, in turn, by American Indians, traders, and ranchers, and this delicate habitat is still recovering from human excesses. In and around the water is a tapestry of native animals seldom seen elsewhere.

Northern elephant seal Brought back from the brink of extinction, these barking, mighty sea mammals mate and have their babies here in the winter months. Adult males can weigh more than 5,000 lb (2,270 kg).

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California sea lion Playful pinnipeds abound. These sea lions—one of six species worldwide—love to frolic. Watching them dash in and out of the water (or just sun themselves) provides hours of entertainment.

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California brown pelican On the rebound, this once endangered species has breeding colonies on Anacapa and Santa Barbara Island. At sunset, watch them dive for dinner with keen precision and speed.

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Island fox One of only three native land mammals to call this habitat home, this petite fox lives on six of the eight islands. Each island’s population is considered its own separate and endemic subspecies.

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BEST FOR

Diving

Advanced divers will love exploring the sea caves, kelp forests, and wild underwater habitats found here. There are dives off every island, and some of the world’s most unique sites can be found at the park. In the harbor, you can dive to the remains of the USS John C. Butler. Seals and giant bat rays are among the bigger animals you will see on the wall, reef, and cavern dives found here.

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Gregarious sea lions gather in crowds at a rocky rookery on Anacapa

Human footprint

People have made their mark here for the past 12,000 years. The native Chumash were the first to call these islands home, and they largely lived in balance with the islands’ natural ecosystems. Ongoing sociological research into these early inhabitants is shedding light on the migration patterns of early American Indian tribes. Interestingly, the Chumash did not live in isolation. Rather, they crafted plank canoes, called tomols, from drifting redwoods and likely had contact with the mainland and engaged in commerce with the people there.

The first European to reach the islands was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who arrived on San Miguel in 1542. Explorers and traders followed, hunting otters, seals, and sea lions for their pelts and oil. By the 19th century, settlers had set up large-scale sheep and cattle ranches. The United States military took over in the 20th century, building lighthouses on Anacapa and Santa Barbara Island and establishing army, navy, and air force bases on Santa Rosa and San Miguel. The human imprint is still felt today: on East Anacapa, there are a cluster of historic buildings and a scenic lighthouse to visit, and the navy retains a small post on Santa Cruz.

The park was first established as a National Monument in 1938, protecting only Anacapa and Santa Barbara Island. In 1980, the Channel Islands National Park was formed, bringing in the remaining three Northern Channel Islands.

Through the Seasons

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Spring ▷ Wildlife watching is plentiful in spring, when migratory birds and western gulls nest here. The island fox pups are also born at this time, and California sea lions and northern fur seals gather in their rookeries. Look to the horizon for the last of the season’s gray whales.

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Summer ▷ The summer months bring long days, warmer temperatures, and less rain. It’s a great time to go camping on a serene backcountry beach or take on some of the longer day-hike excursions offered in the park.

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Fall ▷ Kayaking is a wonderful way to explore the lost coves of the Channel Islands. In fall, blue and humpback whales pass through, along with a number of migratory birds, and the northern elephant seals begin to gather in their rookeries. Ocean temperatures reach 70°F (21°C).

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Winter ▷ The park is home to more than 800 plant species. In late winter and early spring, the bluffs come to life. You won’t want to miss the bright yellow coreopsis flowers, which peak between January and March.

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A scuba diver squeezes through tight crevices filled with Californian hydrocorals

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