“Step into two different worlds with the Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. Both offer breathtaking views, but each park has its own personality that sets it apart. From kayaking through sea caves in Channel Islands to hiking through lush, tropical forests in Virgin Islands, the options for adventure are endless. So, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed vacation, these two parks offer something for everyone. Get ready to escape to the islands and discover their unique charms!”
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park in Southern California boasts rugged terrain and scenic coastal views. A few easy hikes include Scorpion Cove and Smuggler’s Cove beach walks, accessible by water taxi. For a more strenuous experience, try the 1,589-ft climb to Mount Orizaba’s peak on Santa Cruz Island for panoramic views of the Channel Islands and Pacific Ocean. The park also offers multi-day backpacking trips to explore its remote islands.
Virgin Islands National Park on St. John in the Caribbean has lush tropical landscapes and pristine beaches. Its most popular hike is the 2.5-mile Reef Bay Trail, which descends to a secluded bay with historical sugar mill and petroglyphs. Another easy option is the 1-mile Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, through a coastal dry forest. For a challenging hike, Bordeaux Mountain (4-mile RT) is the highest point on St. John and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potato Harbor Trail | 7885.766 | 183.7944 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Smugglers Cove Trail | 12391.918 | 426.72 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop | 2574.944 | 84.7344 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| El Montanon Trail | 13679.39 | 569.976 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Santa Cruz Island: Pelican Bay And Prisoners Harbor Trails | 13840.324 | 436.7784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| East Anacapa Island Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 238.9632 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campgroud | 20116.75 | 810.768 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock Trail | 11748.182 | 535.8384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Pelican Bay Trail | 6437.36 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Channel Islands NP and Virgin Islands NP are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the species found at each park differ. Channel Islands NP is located off the coast of California and is home to endemic species such as the island fox, sea lions, and elephant seals. Over 145 species of birds, such as bald eagles and peregrine falcons, can be seen, along with endemic wildflowers and scrub oak. Virgin Islands NP, located in the US Virgin Islands, is famous for its marine and terrestrial wildlife, including iguanas, green sea turtles, and bananaquits. Over 800 species of plants, including mangroves and mahogany trees, can be found, along with diverse marine life including coral, fish, and invertebrates.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Channel Islands National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Channel Islands National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | Coyote |
| Deer Mouse | American Beaver |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Muskrat |
| Hoary Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Bobcat |
| California Myotis | Striped Skunk |
| Fringed Myotis | Little Brown Bat |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Raccoon |
| Pallid Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Rat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Bullsnake |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | Racer |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Rattlesnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Flathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Carp/European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park boasts rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and unique ecosystems. Montanon Ridge offers views, while kayaking in kelp forests is popular. Virgin Islands National Park features turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. Bordeaux Mountain offers panoramic views, while snorkeling and diving in the park’s coral reefs and shipwrecks reveals diverse marine life.
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Channel Islands NP is popular for its marine life & scenic vistas, activities include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, rock climbing, camping, ranger-led programs, birding. Virgin Islands NP is famous for white sand beaches, turquoise waters, activities include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, boat tours, sailing, windsurfing.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Channel Islands NP, located off the coast of Southern California, has a Mediterranean climate of cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers. Spring and fall offer mild weather and less wind, making them the best times to visit. Virgin Islands NP, located in the Caribbean, has a warm, tropical climate with a rainy season from May to October. The best time to visit is from December to April, with less rainfall and calm waters for snorkeling/swimming. The weather plays a key role in determining the best time to visit both parks.
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Both Channel Islands National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique opportunities for families to connect with nature. However, the Virgin Islands provides easier access and more amenities, with family-friendly activities like snorkeling and kayaking, whereas the Channel Islands are more rugged and remote with limited facilities. If traveling with children, the Virgin Islands National Park would be the better choice for a more accessible and convenient family-friendly experience.