CALIFORNIA ◆ Vistas

Channel Islands, the trip.

Five islands off Ventura — "the Galapagos of North America" — boat-only access, sea caves, fox subspecies that exist nowhere else, and zero light pollution.

Field guide ◆

Stand inside the place.

Five islands off Ventura — "the Galapagos of North America" — boat-only access, sea caves, fox subspecies that exist nowhere else, and zero light pollution. Use the interactive map on our destinations page to plan a route, and check our field guides for season-specific advice on this region.

Best seasonLate spring to early fall

Trip length2–4 days

DifficultyModerate

PermitRequired for overnight

Pack the kit ◆ Trip-tested basics