Channel Islands National Park
Trailie
Build your Channel Islands itinerary
Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Channel Islands National Park plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Channel Islands at a glance
- Best time
- January–May, November–December
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Main Channel Islands highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- Ventura, CA
Explore this park
Alerts(3)
Closure of Santa Rosa Island Due to Wildfire
NPS detailsSanta Rosa Island is closed to all public use through June 30, 2026, due to a recent wildfire. Day use in unburned areas resumes July 1. Burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least August 13. Click the more link for additional information.
Western Gulls Nesting on Anacapa Island From April Through Mid-August
During this time, visitors will encounter seabird rookery conditions: guano, strong odor, constant noise, bird carcasses, and birds protecting their territory. If visitors consider these conditions adverse, it is advised that they visit another island.
Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge
NPS detailsSanta Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Common questions
Planning Channel Islands
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
No park-wide entry reservation is required for Channel Islands. Cave tours, campgrounds, or activity passes may still need advance booking — see Overview on this page for fees, hours, and what to book ahead.
