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Channel Islands National Parktidepooling at frenchy's cove, anacapa island
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Channel Islands National Park
Clothing and Gear

Due to the weather variation on the islands, the landings, and long treks to campgrounds, please consider the following suggestions:

  • Dress in layers. Plan light clothing for warm afternoons and addd layers such as long sleeves, jackets, gloves, and hats for cool mornings and evenings. Bring short and long pants, fleece jacket or sweatshirt, windbreaker, hat, sunscreen, and waterproof outer clothing. In addition, visitors should wear sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles.

  • Pack as light as possible. Concessionaires limit each bag of gear to 45 pounds. Pack food and gear in easily carried duffels, backpacks, or coolers with handles.

  • Since there is no pier at San Miguel and landing is by skiff, bags should be waterproof and visitors should consider reefwalkers or old tennis shoes for the landing.

  • All food containers should be mouse-proof.

  • Plan meals carefully, keep them simple, and repackage your food at home first to reduce space, weight, and litter.

  • Bring extra food in case your return transportation is delayed.

  • There is no water available on the island except in the Scorpion Ranch campground on Santa Cruz Island and in the Water Canyon campground on Santa Rosa Island,  where some visitors find it has an unpleasant taste. Bring one gallon of water per person per day in containers no larger than 2.5 gallons each.

  • Clean any seeds or insects from gear from gear and boots to protect fragile island ecosystems from introduced species. Overnight campers should shake out their tents, sleeping bags, and packs to clean them of seeds and soil, paying special attention to clinging burrs and "foxtail" grass seeds. For more information visit Help Prevent Non-Native Pests.
Anacapa Island lighthouse                         timhaufphotography.com  

Did You Know?
The Anacapa Island lighthouse, turned on in 1932, was the last permanent lighthouse built on the west coast.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST