Channel Islands National Park guide · 1 min read
Anacapa Island: Arch, Lighthouse and Inspiration Point
Anacapa is the closest of the Channel Islands to the mainland. The island is made up of three islets, East, Middle, and West Anacapa, which can only be reached from one another by boat.
Together they cover about one square mile, or roughly 700 acres.
Arch Rock is the island's best-known feature. Waves have carved the volcanic rock into towering cliffs, caves along the water, and natural bridges. The forty-foot-high arch serves as an emblem for both the island and the park. A non-landing shoreline cruise circles the island, so you can take in the coast without stepping off the boat.
For a memorable view on foot, head to Inspiration Point, a round trip of one and a half miles from the visitor center rated easy. From the bluff, you can look across the Anacapa islets and out toward Santa Cruz Island. Pinniped Point is a shorter outing, four-tenths of a mile round trip from the visitor center, where a south-side overlook looks down on the lighthouse and the sea lion rookery. A round trip of about half a mile from the landing takes you to the light station itself.
The East Anacapa trail system covers about two miles and takes hikers through the island's native plants, animals, and cultural history. Western gulls nest across the island in spring and summer, and their colonies bring noise, a strong smell, and birds that guard their territory. It is worth seeing, but it helps to know what to expect. Plan on carrying all your own supplies, since the island offers no services.
