Hike the Torrey Pines Trail on Santa Rosa Island

The vast diversity of terrain of Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands National Park is matched in uniqueness only by its own flora and fauna, in particular the endangered and endemic Torrey Pine. The best way to view and experience these strange, broad trees is via the Torrey Pines Trail, which in addition to having several massive ravines filled with pinecones, also has incredible views up and down the north shore of the island. The trail itself is only about 1.6 miles in length.

Getting to the Island is the first step. Your first option by a 2-2.5 hr ferry ride from Island Packers which departs from Ventura Harbor. Your other option is a short plane trip via Channel Islands Aviation.

Your next step is to secure your National Park Pass and if camping, a permit from the National Park Service or by phone at (877) 444-6777.

The typical route to the Torrey Pines Trail begins at Water Canyon Campground, proceeding out of the campground taking a right on the Coast Road for roughly 1.5 miles till it intersects with the trail. You can go right up the trail here where it loops back down to the Coast Road or you can go farther up the Coast Road and go right for a loop back.