It’s no secret that Channel Islands National Park in California is my favorite national park ever.

However, many people I’ve talked to have said that they were not impressed with Channel Islands.

Obviously, I disagree. So, I want to show the world what a spectacular and unique national park Channel Islands is.

Therefore, I have compiled my favorite photos of this wonderful park. All these photos were either taken by myself, my mom, or my little brother with a pocket and DSLR camera. They include Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Rosa islands as well as the surrounding scenery.

This is a different kind of blog post, but I hope you enjoy it just the same!

Santa Cruz Island Photos

Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the Channel Islands and since it is very accessible and has many activities, this is also the most popular island.

channel islands
Trail to Cavern Point Loop, looking out toward the mainland (taken in April 2022)
channel islands
Cavern Point Loop, looking back toward Scorpion Cove (April 2022)
cavern point
Cavern Point (April 2022)
potato harbor
Potato Harbor (April 2022)
beachhhhhhhhhh
santa cruz
Southern Santa Cruz Island (June 2023)
Painted Cave (June 2023)
Northern Santa Cruz Island (June 2023)
Smugglers Road (November 2023)
Smugglers Cove (November 2023)
View from Smugglers Road (November 2023)

Anacapa Island photos

Anacapa Island is much smaller island than Santa Cruz, so naturally there is less to do. However, this tiny place certainly packs a punch when it comes to scenery!

arch rock
Arch Rock (February 2023)
ladning cove
Landing Cove (April 2023)
blah
Loop Trail (April 2023)
cathedral cove
Cathedral Cove (April 2023)
inspiration point
Inspiration Point (April 2023)
pinniped point
Pinniped Point
archhhhhhhh
Arch Rock (April 2023)

Santa Rosa Island Photos

A 3.5 hour boat ride from the mainland, Santa Rosa is not for the average day-tripper. However, if you make the journey out to this large island, you will not be disappointed because Santa Rosa is a gorgeous island and probably my favorite out of all the Channel Islands.

santa rosa
View from Bechers Bay pier (June 2023)
coastal
Coastal Trail (June 2023)
llaaaaaaaaaaaa
Coastal Trail (June 2023)
beach
Water Canyon Beach (June 2023)
Torrey Pines Trail (June 2023)

Conclusion

Even though I have been to many grand and spectacular national parks, Channel Islands still remains my favorite after many years. Unlike some parks (ahem, Arches), I look forward to going back to the islands every time.

While I continue to visit more of Channel Islands National Park in the near future, I’ll keep this list of photos updated.

Until then, happy travels!

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4 Comments

  1. PG, I agree completely. Just looking at those photos, I can feel the tension melt away. When I visit the Channel Islands, I can breathe and move and feel how good it is to live. How lucky you are to live near such a beautiful place. But, it sounds like you already know that. ; )

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