Sightseeing at Channel Islands National Park

The lands of Channel Islands National Park were inhabited as early as 11,000-30,000 years ago. How people arrived there still remains a mystery. Today the fire pits containing the bones of small mammals that the people cooked can still be found in the outlying islands.

Archaeological remains are not the only treasures on the islands. On tidepool walks visitors may see starfish, sponges, periwinkles, crabs, and limpets. While snorkeling or scuba diving, the seaweed may seem like a multihued carpet on the sea floor, with sea anemones nesting together in small colonies that resemble wildflower beds. Boat-in backcountry campers will observe a variety of wildlife depending on the time of year. In the spring, double-crested cormorants, brown pelicans, pigeon guillemots, surfbirds, and oyster catchers prowl along the coast.

In June, hulking sea lions give birth to their young while vying for space on the rocks with the bulbous-snouted northern elephant seals. In December, 20-ton gray whales migrate south from their summer feeding grounds up north in places like Glacier Bay National Park. Higher up in the mountains, the sand dunes are anchored by the abundant vegetation, such as tree sunflowers that burst into a rich golden hue in the autumn months. Many people believe the best time of year to visit Channel Islands National Park is in the fall.

Anacapa Island
Only 90 minutes by boat from the coast of California is Arch Rock, a 40-foot high arch and the gateway to the Channel Islands. It makes a spectacular entrance to Anacapa Island for visitors who have made the journey from the mainland. The formation was once part of the rocky island, but now it stands offshore as a dramatic, delicate arch.

After climbing up 154 steps from the landing platform, visitors can stroll along a one-and-a-half-mile nature trail on their own or join a park ranger for a guided tour that reveals a lot of island lore.

In many ways, Anacapa is a microcosm of the Channel Islands. Making a home here are such unusual plants as the tree sunflower, which bursts into a rich golden color in autumn. In spring and summer, thousands of wildflowers bloom here, despite the dearth of fresh water on the island. Elsewhere, there are the remnants of a Chumash midden used for cooking.

In spring, thousands of sea birds, such as petrels and oystercatchers, nest on the island's rocky cliffs high above the sea. On fine days, the nature trail offers outstanding views of the mainland from its vantage point on the cliffs more than 140 feet above the sea.

Channel Islands National Park Photo Opportunities
All five of the Channel Islands have spectacular views and interesting wildlife. Here are some of our favorites places to take photos:

  • Arch Rock: The sea provides a rich background for snapshots of the trademark 40-foot Arch Rock, seen as visitors approach Anacapa Island by boat.
Channel Islands National Park has miles of beach from which travelers can explore the surrounding ocean.
©2006 National Park Services
San Miguel Island's perimeter is a rocky coastline dotted with white beaches.
  • Anacapa Island: Anacapa Island offers a chance to observe some unusual wildlife in their natural habitats.  On the west side of the island, a community of endangered California brown pelicans can be seen. Visitors can also observe the teeming life in undersea kelp forests. From Inspiration Point, the sloping peaks of West Anacapa sweep the horizon.
  • Point Bennett: Located on the far west tip of San Miguel Island, Point Bennett is one of the best places in the world to observe seals and sea lions. In the winter, as many as 50,000 of these beloved pinnipeds inhabit the island, where they spend the days lounging on the beach.

From a distance, it's plain to see that Channel Islands National Park is a mountain range that is nearly submerged in the sea. In the next section, we'll explain how the Channel Islands were formed.