Channel Islands National Park
Saturday, May 23, 2026 -
Saturday, May 30, 2026 --
$2100
★
Just off the coast of Southern California lies one of the country’s most remote and least visited national parks—
Channel Islands National Park.
Shaped by isolation over thousands of years, these islands are home to more than 100 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.
Because the park is only accessible by boat or small aircraft and lacks most visitor services, it remains one of the most pristine and peaceful destinations in the National Park system. For those seeking solitude, beauty, and a connection to nature, this trip offers a truly unique opportunity.
We’ll spend the entire week on Santa Cruz Island, the largest and most diverse of the Channel Islands. Highlights of the trip include visits to Scorpion Beach, Potato Harbor, Smugglers Cove, Montañon Ridge, and Chinese Harbor. One afternoon will be dedicated to kayaking or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific, exploring kelp forests and marine life up close.
Expect wide-open views, rugged coastline, unique geology, and an unforgettable blend of ocean and island landscapes. With no food stores, gear shops, or traditional amenities on the island (aside from limited kayak and snorkeling rentals), we will be largely self-reliant—a rewarding experience in its own right.
If you're looking for a Spring adventure filled with coastal day hikes, ocean exploration, and the quiet magic of an island few ever visit, this trip is for you.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always an important factor when planning a hiking adventure, especially in a remote environment like the Channel Islands.
In May, daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low 70s, with nighttime lows around 50°F. However, conditions can vary. Daytime highs may occasionally reach the upper 80s, and nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 40s. Morning fog is common, and passing afternoon thunderstorms are possible, though rare.
Given the variability, it’s essential to come prepared for a range of conditions. Pack layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day, and include a high-quality rain shell in case of showers. Fog and cloud cover may persist through the morning, but the sun often breaks through by afternoon. Sun exposure can still be strong, so bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight long-sleeve clothing for protection.
Being well-equipped for both cool, damp mornings and warm, sunny afternoons will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the island.
Probable Trip Leaders
Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Michael Devlin
Cost
$2100
per person pre-trip single occupancy, post trip double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Las Angeles, CA (LAX) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 3 nights in a front country campground, 2 nights in a backcountry campground, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, water and ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve.
Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make
up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important
part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the
trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally
account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the
greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted
to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing
exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well,
please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles
of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small
holes they've dug.
Important notes about this trip
This is a remote and self-supported hiking adventure. Once we arrive on Santa Cruz Island, we will be without access to typical services such as food stores, restaurants, or gear shops. All necessary supplies must be brought with us, and participants should be prepared to be fully self-reliant throughout the week.
While the trails on Santa Cruz Island are generally well-maintained, the terrain can be rugged in places, with steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and exposed sections along ridgelines. Day hikes will vary in difficulty, and a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Weather conditions can change quickly, and proper sun protection, layered clothing, and hydration are essential. Each participant must be able to carry sufficient water and gear for the day’s hike.
This trip is ideal for those who enjoy coastal solitude, are comfortable with basic outdoor conditions, and seek a quiet and rewarding adventure in one of the National Park system’s most untouched environments.
On our second-to-last day, we will be backpacking to a dry camp, where no water source will be available for the remainder of the trip. This means you must carry all the water you will need for hiking, cooking, and drinking until we return at the end of the trip. Each participant must be prepared to carry at least 2.5 gallons (10 liters) of water in their full pack on that day. Proper hydration and water management are essential to ensure a safe and successful experience in this remote environment.
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