Channel Islands National Park

Lonely PlanetJul 20, 2026

A guide to California's Channel Islands

Discover how to explore California

23 things in this story

Santa CatalinaSightAvalon, United Statesresort island set up in the early 20th century
AnacapaSightVentura, United Statesthree-islet sliver of land with wildflowers
Santa BarbaraSightVentura, United Statesisland with no current boat service
Santa CruzSightVentura, United Stateslargest island with two mountain ranges
San MiguelSightVentura, United Stateswind-swept island best on sunny summer days
Santa RosaSightVentura, United Statesisland with hiking trails and rare pine trees
Santa Barbara IslandSightVentura, United Statessmallest and least visited island in the park
Island PackersPlaceVentura, United Statesruns passenger boat services to the park
Recreation.govPlaceVentura, United Stateswebsite to reserve NPS campgrounds
Mt DiabloSightVentura, United Statespark's tallest peak at 2450 ft on Santa Cruz
Painted CaveSightVentura, United Statessea cave with striking colors on Santa Cruz
Scorpion AnchorageSightVentura, United Statesmain landing site on Santa Cruz island
Scorpion CanyonSightVentura, United Statespopular camping site on Santa Cruz island
Point BennettSightVentura, United Statesshore on San Miguel with 30,000 pinnipeds
Caliche ForestSightVentura, United Statescalcium carbonate casts of roots on San Miguel
Water Canyon BeachSightVentura, United Statesspectacular 2-mile strip of white sand
Signal PeakSightVentura, United States634ft peak on Santa Barbara Island
Sutil IslandSightVentura, United Statesrocky islet near Santa Barbara Island
Casino at AvalonSightAvalon, United Statesred-roofed art deco building on Santa Catalina
Anacapa deer mousePlaceVentura, United States
Channel Island slender salamanderPlaceVentura, United States
China CampSightVentura, United States
Cluster PointSightVentura, United States

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

OutsideMar 25

These Permit-Free Adventures Are Just as Epic as Half Dome, Angels Landing, or Teton Crest

Did you miss the permit window for Angel’s Landing, Half Dome, or the Teton Crest Trail? We have 10 alternatives to keep your next outing epic, even if you didn’t nab a reservation.

22 things in this story

El CapitanSightYosemite National Park, United StatesThe granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous…
Desolation WildernessTrailLake Tahoe, United StatesMoonscape with erratic rocks and open ridges.
Tahoe Rim TrailTrailLake Tahoe, United States167-mile loop around Lake Tahoe.
Cloud’s RestTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesStrenuous hike with panoramic 360-degree views.
Tenaya LakeSightYosemite National Park, United StatesElectric blue lake visible from Cloud's Rest.
The SpineTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesRocky, narrow route to Cloud's Rest summit.
Watchman TrailTrailZion National Park, United StatesShort hike with broad vista of river valley.
Washakie Pass LoopTrailWind River Range, United States36.5 untamed miles in the Wind River Range.
Cirque of the TowersSightWind River Range, United StatesHorseshoe-shaped, many-spired peaks above 12,000 feet.
Alice-Toxaway LoopTrailSawtooth Wilderness, United States18.8-mile loop through Sawtooth Wilderness.
Coyote Gulch Loop TrailTrailGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesSlot canyon hike with arches and natural bridges.
Jacob Hamblin ArchSightGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesArch in the landscape, good resting spot.
Virgin RiverSightZion National Park, United StatesAquamarine river cutting through desert sandstone.
Beaten PathTrailRed Lodge, United StatesTrek through Beartooth-Abroska Wilderness.
Beartooth HighwayPlaceRed Lodge, United StatesRoute 212 in Montana and Wyoming between Red Lodge and the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Alice LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with sunrise reflections of El Capitan.
Toxaway LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with flat, sun-baked slabs.
Twin LakesSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lakes flanked by granite slopes.
Buckskin GulchTrailWire Pass Trail, United StatesLongest continuous slot canyon, requires scrambling and wading.
Lizard Head PlateauSightWind River Range, United StatesHighest point on Washakie Pass Loop with wraparound views.
Cathedral RocksSightYosemite National Park, United States
Watchman PeakSightZion National Park, United States

Read the full piece at Outside →