Upper Scorpion Campground Loop via North Bluff Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail to Upper Scorpion Campground in Channel Islands National Park.

This trail goes by Potato Harbor and Scorpion Campground.

The trails show includes both the Potato Harbor/North Bluffs Overlook and the Scorpion Overlook Trail. The North Bluff's trails is described elsewhere (and is very worthwhile.) The Scorpion Overlook Trail starts either at the beach. The trail goes through the lower and upper campgrounds before heading back into the grass a the rear of the Upper Campground behind camp site B. The trail climbs steeply up the hill to a point where it reaches the junction with the Smuggler's Harbor Trail. Going left, the trail winds over the high rounded and treeless hills with views of the distant California coastline. To the east sits the alluring triangle that is Anacapa, looking as small as the island really its. As you begin to see the harbor, there is a small use trail that goes 1/2 miles out to an overlook of Scorpion Rock. Then the trail drops down to the beach right at the old Windmill. At only 4 miles, it's a pretty easy.

Getting Started

You can start this at the beach at the windmill or back at the rear of the upper campground behind campsite B. The trail is pretty clear, and there are good signs at the junctions.

Taking Children

The length of the trails makes it good for kids (7). The moderate elevation gain will make for complaints until you get to the top. A must-do for those camping at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campgrounds.