Autumn Equinox Cruise – Santa Rosa Island

Join Channel Islands Restoration members and environmental educators on Thursday, September 19th, 2024. Channel Islands Restoration is excited to bring you a trip to the beautiful and remote Santa Rosa Island, where you will enjoy spectacular views, great company, and ample time to enjoy island life among friends. Learn about the island’s history, geology, and ecology among peers and like-minded environmental enthusiasts! Join us in exploring sandy white beaches, visiting the rare Torrey Pines, hiking the breathtaking Cherry Canyon, and much more! We’re looking forward to the island adventure!

The island cruise is available to everyone. You don’t have to be a CIR member to join us.

To learn more or to register, please visit: https://cirweb.org/autumn-equinox-cruise-2024

A Few Highlights of Our Itinerary….

Pristine White Beaches of Bechers Bay & Water Canyon

Water Canyon offers exceptional island views, access to hiking opportunities, and white sandy beaches. High mountains with deeply cut canyons give way to gently rolling grass-covered hills, extensive beaches, and coastal wetlands. Our day-trip options include an easy beach walk through Water Canyon to see the array of plant and animal species that make up the island’s unique environment.

Visit the Torrey Pines Grove

Santa Rosa Island is one of only two places in the world where Torrey Pines exist! This extremely rare species of pine tree is found only on this island and in San Diego. At 26-56 ft tall, standing alone on this isolated patch of coast, the Torrey Pines are magnificent in scale. Exposure to the elements has twisted these trees into beautiful shapes that spark the imagination and provide incredible photographic opportunities.

Plus Unique Geology, Ecology, and History Found Nowhere Else on Earth….

There is much to discover on Santa Rosa Island, and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface! Santa Rosa Island is the second largest island in California, at approximately 53,000 acres. It includes several plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth, over 100 birds, and the endemic Channel Islands Fox. Evidence of fossils discovered on the island, including miniature mammoths that were only around 5 feet tall. During our visit, you may see some of their remains! The island also has a long history of various inhabitants that have shaped the way the island culture has developed over time. Our guides will speak about the rich history of Santa Rosa Island and the relics of the historical ranch found at Becher’s Bay.

Explore Santa Rosa Island with Guided Hikes

You can choose from 6 distinct island adventures to ensure you’ll enjoy your island visit! Learn about island ecology, geology, history, and more with our expert guides.

#1 Cherry Canyon Botany Walk with Steve Junak

• An easy guided nature walk of Cherry Canyon.
• Will include frequent stops to view plants.
• Route Planned: From Historical Ranch to Cherry Canyon Loop
• Total Distance Covered: 2.2 mile round trip loop

#2 Cherry Canyon Hike with Outdoor Guide Greg Giloth & John Ziegler

• A guided nature hike of Cherry Canyon.
• Allotted time allows for free time at Water Canyon Beach.
• Route Planned: From Historical Ranch to Cherry Canyon Loop
• Total Distance Covered: 3.5 mile round trip

#3 Torrey Pines Hike with Ecologist Lauren Harris Guide & Caleb Stumberg

• A quick hike to the Torrey Pines Grove.
• For experienced hikers only, limited spots.
• Route Planned: Along East Point Road To Torrey Pines Loop Clockwise
• Total Distance Covered: 6.5

#4 Complete Coastal Walk with Rachel Metz and Carol Gravelle

• An extended coastal hike exploring the coast of Santa Rosa Island.
• Route Planned: Along East Point Road
• Stops at Water Canyon, Black Rock, and the base of Torrey Pines
• Total Distance Covered: 4.9 out and back

#5 Geology of the Channel Islands with Professor Sabina Thomas

• A hike along the coastal bluff trail & may include an easy beach walk.
• Includes discussions on geology, scenery, and island features
• Route Planned: Ranch House to Coastal Trail to Beach
• Total Distance Covered: 3.0 miles walk along the coastal trail

#6 Channel Islands Archeology and History with Professor Jennifer Perry

• An easy tour of the ranching house and history of Santa Rosa Island.
• Suggested for guests less inclined to walk as far during their visit.
• Route Planned: Staying at the Ranch House and Main Bechers Bay
• Total Distance Covered: 1.0 – 2.0 miles of casual walking and talking

TIMELINE FOR THE DAY:

Meet at Ventura Harbor at 7:00 am
The boat leaves from Ventura Harbor at 8:00 am
The boat arrives at Santa Rosa Island at 10:30 am
The boat leaves from Santa Rosa Island at 3:30 pm
The boat returns to Ventura Harbor at 6:00 pm

Please get in touch with John Ziegler at john@cirweb.org or 805.448.1501 for questions and information regarding this event.