All 17 Trails in Channel Islands National Park | YNPG

Black Mountain Hike

8mi strenuous island climb. Steep grind, serious views. Hydration critical.

Cabrillo Monument Hike

2-mile island summit to historic monument. Permits, ranger escort, and boat access required—intense but brief payoff.

Caliche Forest Hike

5-mile strenuous island trek through a fossilized forest. Mandatory ranger escort due to unexploded ordnance.

Cathedral Cove Hike

Quick rock-and-marine-life payoff. Sea caves, sea lions, kelp forests. 0.6 mi, zero strain.

Cavern Point Loop Hike

Coastal loop to dramatic whale-watching overlook. Steep push, big views, 2 miles short.

Cuyler Harbor Beach Hike

Remote white sand beach walk with seal viewing. Boat access required. 2 miles, easy, pristine.

Elephant Seal Cove Overlook Hike

Strenuous island scramble to volcanic cliffs and seal colonies. Rewards fit hikers with dramatic views.

Inspiration Point Hike

Easy 1.5-mile island viewpoint hike. Minimal effort, maximum views from visitor center.

Lobo Canyon Hike

Strenuous 9-mile canyon trek with sculpted sandstone, year-round water, and coastal payoff. Worth the grit.

Montañon Ridge Loop Hike

Unmaintained 10-mi strenuous loop. Experts only with map. Zero shade, serious exposure. Views worth the grit.

Pelican Bay Hike

4-mile island grind: moderate-strenuous coastal exposed trail. Boat-only access. Grit required.

Point Bennett Hike

Seal colonies, 16 strenuous miles, mandatory ranger backup. Serious island hiking.

Potato Harbor Overlook Hike

5 miles of island exposure: dramatic harbor views, relentless wind, zero shade. Hydrate hard.

Scorpion Canyon Loop Hike

Rocky 4.5-mi loop. Ferry required. Spot the island scrub-jay if you handle extreme rockiness and full sun.

Signal Peak Hike

Island peak, zero shade, strenuous—bring water. Ferry required.

Smuggler’s Cove Hike

7.5mi strenuous, no water, historic beach.

Torrey Pines Hike

Hike the world's rarest pines on this strenuous island loop—only 2 places on Earth have them.