| ISE Campers September 2004 Trip Info |
Santa Rosa Island Channel Islands National Park |
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| The second largest of the Northern Channel Islands, Santa Rosa Island is over 52,000 acres in size and is located about 27 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. Most of the island consists of of hills and grasslands, with some high mountains (to 1500 ft) and deep canyons. The northeastern shore of the island has terraces and cliffs, and sandy beaches abound there as well as on the northwest and southwest shores. With hundreds of different native and introduced plants on the island, there are many different biomes including marsh, chaparral, coastal, forest, and woodland communities. Along with the many plants on Santa Rosa, there also exists a stand of Torrey pines on the northeast part of the island, with the only other natural occurrence on the southern Californian coast in San Diego County. The endemic island fox, spotted skunk, seals, sea lions, and sea birds live in these many biomes, as well as deer and elk imported for chartered trophy hunts (due to be phased out in 2011). | There are many archeological and paleontological sites on the island, with some dating back as late as 11,000 years ago. Santa Rosa Island is also the site of the finding of the world's most complete skeleton of the pygmy mammoth. Found in 1994, this dwarf species is related to the Columbian mammoths, and more sites are being found. Known as Wi'ma by the native Chumash tribes, Santa Rosa Island maintained a number of medium-size villages, the majority of which were concentrated on the northern side of the island. The island contains numerous deposits of igneous rock, which the natives used to make tools such as spearheads and drills. As with all the islands, the natives traded extensively with the mainland, offering tools, beads, fish, sea lion meat, shells and sea otter skins for things unavailable on the islands. More detailed information on island history, geology and natural elements. |
For scale, it is four miles from the campsite to the eastern flag at Skunk Point. The entire island is about ten miles across. |
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Photo Links Video excerpt from A Treasure in the Sea: Channel Islands documentary (needs RealPlayer) Daily and Summary Weather Data |
The campground on Santa Rosa is tucked back into Water Canyon with a spectacular view of Santa Cruz Island across the ocean. Campers may spend hours hiking unescorted along the length of the canyon's watershed, kayak along the coast or walk along a portion of the beach at the canyon's month. Guided, ranger-led walks can also be arranged. The Channel Crossing takes approximately three hours. There is a good chance of seeing Humpbacks and Blue Whales during the boat trip from June thru Sept. |
 Bechers Bay - looking North toward campsite and boat landing |
 Skunk Point - with Santa Cruz Island beyond |
