Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is a rugged wilderness island accessible via Channel Islands National Park ferry. Known for dramatic coastlines, salt marshes, and alpine terrain, it offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and historic ranching sites.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Southern California Coast |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Santa Barbara County |
| District | Channel Islands |
| City | Santa Barbara |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 34.006 |
| Longitude | -119.55 |
| Maps |
6:15 PM LOCAL TIMESanta Cruz Island is the largest of the Channel Islands and a core part of Channel Islands National Park. Its landscapes range from serene salt marshes and oyster beds along the northern coast to steep, willow-lined canyons and a high, windswept plateau at over 1,400 feet. Historically, the island was home to ranching and Chumash settlements; today remnants of the ranch-era structures are accessible on guided tours. Visitors come for multiday backpacking, kayaking, and swimming, but are equally drawn to tranquil dayhikes like the Cavern Point and Potrero Canyon routes. Note that services and amenities are limited — plan overnight stays accordingly and check current ferry schedules and park conditions before visiting.
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