Santa Cruz Island Adventure

Associate editor Shannon Davis's photo diary of his hiking and paddling trip to Santa Cruz Island.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


Backpacker_Magazine_Davis_Channel_Islands_1

Photographer and new pal Michael Darter.

Backpacker_Magazine_Davis _Channel_Islands_3

Scorpion Canyon Trail as it winds out of the canyon.

Backpacker_Magazine_Davis_Channel_Islands_4

California brown pelicans on the Scorpion Rocks.

Backpacker_Magazine_Davis_Channel_Islands_5

Michael Darter “shooting snaps.” He shot 700 snaps a day.

Backpacker_Magazine_Davis_Channel_Islands_6

Our awesome guide, Andy Babcock of Aqua Sports in Goleta, CA.

Backpacker_Magazine_Davis_Channel_Islands_7

Darter paddles out of a sea cave west of Scorpion Anchorage.

Backpacker_Magazine_Davis_Channel_Islands_8

Michael Darter on the Montanon Trail struggling under an overloaded pack.

Backpacker_Magazine_Davis_Channel_Islands_9

View from High Mount, the highest point on the Montanon Trail.

Trending on Backpacker