Island Colors Santa Rosa Island, CA

Off the coast of Southern California lies the Channel Islands. They are a collection of natural eco systems each with their own identities. On a recent visit to Santa Rosa Island we explored Cherry Canyon and found wonderful colors amongst the rocks.

We took off up the road from the Ranch.

An easy hike with a few more curves but with each turn there is always something interesting to draw you in.

Stay left when you come to the "Y" in the road.

And soon appears the Cherry Canyon Trail head.

The trail head opens into this nice meadow with a beautiful dry river bed within. The very neutral yellow-tan and muted green palette set off the red flowers beautifully.

An amazing layering of various soils has been revealed as the canyon has eroded away over time.

A riverbed runs through it.

The trail narrows as it travels farther back into the canyon and there is a slight incline through the rocks. As you hike deeper into it there is more evidence of the Island Fox and lots of varieties of lizards.

The ranger mentioned that the trail will turn up to the top of the hill and overlook Bechers Bay and onto Santa Cruz Island. It seems far but here is looking back from the knarly oaks turning point before reaching the view.

The knarly oaks turning point.

Looking towards Skunk Point. Across the bay is Santa Cruz Island.

Looking towards Carrington Point.

Heading down towards the tent camp.

There is a flat plateau above the sandy cliffs and white sandy beaches on your way from the Rance to Skunk Point.

The island is fairly brown this time of year. A bit overcast when our walk started created a very pleasant temperature for experiencing the beauty of the canyon. There are hills that are greener than some, catching moisture better than others depending on which way they face. The beautiful greens of these hills contrasted by the neutral browns presents a peaceful feeling in this harsh environment.

As we descended back to the main road we found we had reached the tent camp. Compared to camping at Scorpion, Santa Cruz Island, this looks to be the best. A bit harder to access but well worth the ride. There are flushing toilets, permanent tents and showers. Not to mention the white sandy beaches below the plateau for when the wind is not blowing 35 knots.

If you time your dingy landing on the beach with the tide you have plenty of time to complete the hike, have a picnic and get back to the boat before it floats away on the high tide. Timing the waves is of most importance for your beach landing and departure. As always, pack in what you need and pack out your debris. Be sure to take water and watch the winds if your return dingy ride is in the NW Anchorage.

The colors of the water change as the day reveals various moods.

Sailing is a color-filled journey.

Story & Photos © 2017 S. Sampson Simplemodernstyle.com Color + Design + Pattern

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Sandy Sampson
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Photos © 2017 S. Sampson, Simple Modern Style, All Rights Reserved

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