Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island is part of Channel Islands National Park, offering diverse landscapes, rugged hiking, and unique wildlife observing opportunities in a truly isolated setting.

53,000
Acres Protected
15
Miles of Trails
20,000
Annual Visitors
1980 (as part of Channel Islands National Park)
Year Established

About Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island
 

Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of California's Channel Islands, showcases a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from rolling hills and deep canyons to expansive beaches and windswept coastal terraces. The island is home to rare plant species such as the Torrey Pine, found in only two places globally. Visitors may encounter the island's endemic deer mouse or spot marine animals like dolphins and sea lions along its shores. The island's history is rich with traces of its past as a ranching site and even deeper indigenous Chumash roots. Recreation here centers around outdoor activities such as backcountry hiking, beach camping, and guided interpretive programs. Notable landmarks include the historic Carrington Point and the scenic Water Canyon. Whether visitors are interested in the natural beauty or the rich history, Santa Rosa Island provides an extraordinary opportunity to experience a truly remote and preserved natural environment.

Highlights

Highlight

Lobo Canyon Trail with its striking rock formations and sheer cliff views

Highlight

Viewing the rare island fox, an endemic species to the Channel Islands

Highlight

The historic Torrey Pines grove, one of the two places worldwide where this pine exists

Highlight

Exploring the ruins of the Vail Ranch operation, a glimpse into the island's ranching history

Notable Natural Features

Lobo Canyon

A hiking route featuring stunning geological formations and diverse plant life.

Torrey Pines Grove

A distinctive forest home to the rare Torrey Pine, an attraction for botany enthusiasts.

Carrington Point

A scenic overlook that offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and coastal cliffs.