Current Conditions

Alerts

 

The National Park Service is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows:

Open: All islands are open for day and overnight visits. Park boat concessioner Island Packers has resumed trips to the islands, including to Scorpion Anchorage. The park's campgrounds and visitor centers are open.

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

 

Public Notices
The following public notices have been issued for Channel Islands National Park. For information on other regulations please visit Laws and Policies.

 

Pier Construction at Scorpion Ranch, Santa Cruz Island Starts This Summer

The pier at Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island, one of Channel Islands’ most popular destinations, will be undergoing construction this summer.

Construction on the pier will begin around July 24, Monday through Fridays. The pier will remain accessible to visitors with modified closures. Swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities on the north side of Scorpion Cove will be restricted, while the south side of the cove will remain open. Visitors should check-in with a ranger upon arrival for the most up-to-date information.

During a one-week period in mid to late September, the adjustable platform on the pier will be closed, which will impact accessibility for those with limited mobility. Visitors should anticipate arrival via skiff to Scorpion beach while the platform is closed. If the tides are favorable, visitors may be required to climb a steel-rung ladder to the pier. Visitors with concerns who have booked transportation via Island Packers during this period are encouraged to contact the company to discuss alternative options for island trips.

This is the final phase of a comprehensive project which began in 2019 to complete the new Scorpion Pier on Santa Cruz Island.

 

Partial Closure of San Miguel Island

EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER CN#23-02
Issued February 2, 2023

All trails and facilities on San Miguel Island, except the sandy beaches of Cuyler Harbor, are closed to the public until emergency repairs can be made to Nidever Canyon Trail.

A rockslide occurred on the Nidever Canyon Trail during the series of storms in January 2023. The trail is the only practical public access point to San Miguel Island. The rockslide occurred at a time when there were no visitors on the island. Large boulders are now blocking the trail and hazardous conditions persist due to continuing erosion.

This temporary closure will continue until further notice.

Learn more at:Press Release

 

Public Closures on Santa Rosa Island
Certain areas throughout Santa Rosa Island are closed to protect island wildlife. Visitors to the island need to be aware of these closures prior to planning their trips.

• 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.
• Backcountry Beachcamping postponed until August 15th.
  Due to the continued presence of elephant seals on the beaches at Santa Rosa Island, beach camping will open on August 15th.

 

Prevent Introduction of Non-Native Species
Public Notice April 16, 2007: Public Use Restrictions to Prevent Introduction of Non-native Species and Use of Unauthorized Motorized Vehicles and Bicycles

Affected Areas: All Park Islands

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.

Therefore 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.

 

Federal Land Passes No Longer Available for Sale

As of July 1, 2015, Channel Islands National Park will no longer sell federal lands passes. The federal lands passes, including versions for seniors, active military, and the disabled, cover entrance fees at national parks and other federal lands. There is no fee to enter Channel Islands National Park.

All federal land passes can be obtained or purchased at parks that charge an entrance fee as well as other federal recreation sites. To find a location near you that issues these interagency passes, search the  list of all federal recreation sites where the passes are issued, including national parks..

Also, most passes can be purchased either online, by phone or by mail at the USGS Online Store as well as most sporting good stores like REI locations.

Military passes must be obtained in person and are available locally at Los Padres National Forest headquarters in Ojai and Santa Barbara or Angeles National Forest headquarters in Arcadia. It is recommended you call ahead before you purchase your pass at these locations.

More information is available at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.