East Anacapa Island Loop

Anacapa Island is the closest island to the mainland and the most accessible in Channel Islands National Park, reached by a 90-minute ferry from Ventura. The entire above-water trail system loops around the small mesa of East Anacapa — the only section with visitor facilities — passing the historic lighthouse, sea cliff overlooks, and the most accessible western gull and Brandt's cormorant nesting colony in California. Between January and June, the plateau erupts in bright yellow giant coreopsis blooms visible from miles at sea.

The cliff edge overlooks provide views directly down into kelp forests, sea caves, and the rocky reefs where harbor seals and sea lions haul out on ledges at the cliff base. Brown pelicans, once near extinction due to DDT contamination, now nest abundantly on Anacapa and their recovery is one of the great conservation success stories associated with the national park. The island's lack of fresh water means all visitor supplies must be brought from the mainland, keeping the ecosystem relatively intact. The surrounding waters are a designated Marine Protected Area where all take is prohibited; snorkeling directly off the landing is permitted and access to sea caves by kayak is excellent. The loop trail is short enough to complete in under two hours, leaving time for snorkeling or simply watching seabirds from the cliff tops.