Current Conditions

 

Channel Islands National Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Channel Islands National Park is announcing modifications in operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing.

As of March 16, 2020, the park’s mainland visitor center in the Ventura Harbor is closed until further notice. The five remote islands that comprise Channel Islands National Park remain open to public visitation. However, current access will only be via private vessel.

The park’s boat transportation concessioner Island Packers announced a two-week halt to their public transportation services as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The cancellation in boat services includes all landing and non-landing trips.

Virtual visits to the park and are popular via webcams at Channel Islands Live where you can experience the kelp forest, one of the richest marine environments in the world. These and many more wildlife webcams are provided by our partner explore.org.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Channel Islands National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations. Campers can contact recreation.gov to request refunds for any trips affected by the boat concession cancellations.

 

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

 

Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge

Santa Barbara Island is open to public access. Landings at the island are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. In order to ensure a safe landing, boaters need to carefully assess the weather conditions, particularly the tide and swell heights, prior to landing in this area.

The dock remains closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe nature of damage that occurred with successive storms the past two winters.

The island trail system has been stabilized following severe damage from winter storms.

 

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. Also, most passes can be purchased either online, by phone or by mail—more information is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.

Annual passes are also available at most REI locations and on Amazon's website.

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.