Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Park ClosureJun 30, 2026

Parts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire Recovery

View →
Steep, rugged ocean cliffs extending in an island chain.

Inspiration Point, Anacapa Island: One of the most spectacular views in the park can be found from Inspiration Point. Looking to the west, one may see Middle and West Anacapa, with Santa Cruz Island in the distance.

Photo: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

About

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingGroup CampingCompass and GPSOrienteeringFishing
Saltwater Fishing
Food
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Boat Tour
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Paddling
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Junior Ranger Program
SCUBA Diving
Snorkeling
Surfing
Swimming
Saltwater Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.

Get directions →

Weather

In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that visitors should take into consideration when visiting the park. In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/weather.htm

News

Channel Islands National Park Announces Limited Reopening of Santa Rosa Island Day Use Beginning July 1
Jun 18, 2026

Channel Islands National Park Announces Limited Reopening of Santa Rosa Island Day Use Beginning July 1

Channel Islands National Park will reopen Santa Rosa Island for day use beginning July 1, following preliminary assessments of post-fire conditions on the island.

Santa Rosa Island Closed to Visitors until at Least June 30
Jun 4, 2026

Santa Rosa Island Closed to Visitors until at Least June 30

Santa Rosa Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, will remain closed to visitors until at least June 30 following the Santa Rosa Island Fire, a human-caused wildfire that burned less than 40 percent of the island.