"Aerial view" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
![]() | Anacapa IslandHiking Map and Guide |
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covered parks
Channel Islands
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Channel Islands National Park
Hiking Anacapa Island
Welcome to Anacapa Island, one of the five islands in the Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa is composed of three
islets: East, Middle and West. You have arrived on East Anacapa. Middle and West Anacapa are set aside for the island
wildlife except for a small beach on the West islet called Frenchy’s Cove that can be reached only by boat.
Once you have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairway from the landing cove, you will find a figure eight-shaped
trail system that meanders over gentle slopes to dramatic overlooks, magnificent coastal views, and the last permanent
lighthouse built on the west coast. An interpretive trail guide is available to interpret these and other island resources.
Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. To increase your odds of a
safe hike, decrease your disturbance to wildlife, and lessen damage to resources, visitors should be in good physical
condition and must follow the regulations and guidelines in the “Limiting Your Impact” section of the park newspaper
and those listed below:
•
•
Visitor must stay on the designated trail system when
hiking around Anacapa Island. No off-trail hiking is
permitted.
Avoid cliff edges. Wood railroad ties on the ground
mark the safe boundary of viewing areas at some
overlooks. For your own safety, do not stand on or
step past these wood markers. Some cliff edges are
not marked. Please stay back from exposed cliff edges
as they are eroding and can be very fragile. Children
should be supervised at all times by an adult.
•
Since East Anacapa is a cliff island, access to the water
is only at the Landing Cove (no beaches, only a dock).
•
To protect wildlife and visitors, do not throw anything
off the island into the ocean below.
•
Hikers should never hike alone—use the buddy
system. This allows someone to go for help if you
encounter trouble.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
•
Carry plenty of water and drink it. One quart for short
walks, more for longer hikes.
•
Be aware of poison oak, “jumping” cholla cactus,
ticks, and scorpions. Poison oak can be identified by
its clusters of three shiny leaflets. Some ticks carry
disease; check your clothing and exposed skin after
hiking.
•
In order to help prevent wildfires, do not smoke on
trails or in brush areas. Smoking is allowed only on the
cement area by the crane at the top of the stairs.
•
When departing from the islands, visitors are
responsible for meeting the boat concessionaire on
time. Be aware of departure time by asking the ranger
or concessionaire employees.
N
Hiking Destinations
Destination
(from visitor center)
Distance
(miles,
round trip)
Difficulty
Description
1 Inspiration Point
1.5
Easy
Extraordinary views. Not to be missed.
2 Pinniped Point
.4
Easy
Overlooks a haul out site for California
sea lions.
3 Cathedral Cove
.6
Easy
Overlooks a cove with beautiful rock
formations.
4 Lighthouse
.5
Easy
View the historic lighthouse built in 1932.
Inspiration Point, timhaufphotography.com
N
EAST
A N A C A PA
Landing
Cove
Cathedral
Cove 3
Inspiration
Point
4
2
1
ott
0
0
Arch
Rock
Pinniped Point
1 km
1 mi