Current Conditions

Alerts

Closures on Santa Rosa Island

Areas affected by the Santa Rosa Island Fire are closed during recovery.

Certain areas throughout Santa Rosa Island are regularly closed to protect island wildlife:

• March 1 to September 15—Skunk Point to East Point Back Beaches and Sand Dunes Closed
  The back beaches and sand dunes between and including Skunk Point and just north of East Point are closed to hiking from March 1st to September 15th to protect the nesting area for the snowy plover, a federally listed, threatened shorebird. Please remain on the wet sand (below mean high tide) or the road throughout this area.
• Year-round—Sandy Point Closed
  The coastline around Sandy Point is closed year-round to protect seal rookeries.
• Until August 15—Backcountry Beach Camping
  Due to the continued presence of elephant seals on the beaches at Santa Rosa Island, beach camping will close until August 15.
• Year-round—China Camp to Cluster Point Closure
  The beaches and dunes of China Camp and Cluster Point, and area in-between, are temporarily closed to all visitor access for the protection of sensitive resources. Travel is allowed on marked paths.

 

Prohibited Items

Pursuant to the Authority of the Superintendent under the Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 section 1.5 (a)(1)&(2) and section 2.1(a)(2) the following public use restrictions are imposed on the aforementioned area, to prevent introduction of non-native species and use of unauthorized motorized vehicles and bicycles.

The following types of items shall not be transported or delivered to any island within Channel Islands National Park:

• Pets or any animal
• Service animals, except by permit from the superintendent
• Single-use plastic grocery bags
• Live or potted Plants
• Soil
• Cut flowers
• Firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks)
• Corrugated boxes
• Tools or equipment with attached soil
• Motorized vehicles
• Bicycles

Pursuant to CFR title 36 1.5 (c) - Determination - this restriction action is necessitated for the protection of the islands unique values, ecological systems and protection of breeding populations of marine mammals, endangered species of seabirds, eagles, islands foxes and other unique and rare species of flora and fauna inhabiting the Channel Islands National Park. Less restrictive measures would have the potential for introduction of non-native species that could adversely effect many species and/or endanger the islands ecosystems. Additionally the unauthorized vehicle and bicycle use would pose significant safety risks and adversely affect visitor experience and park values.