Hiking Trail Guide: Santa Cruz Island - El Montanon and High Mount

>> Back to Hiking Trail Guide

Santa Cruz Island - El Montanon and High Mount

Distance
8 miles

Elevation
2000 feet gain

Difficulty
5/10

City
Ventura ,CA (93004) 56.9 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
There are many ways to the ridgeline of El Montanon, the easiest is to follow the road leading up from Potato Harbor, see my hike to Potato Harbor for that information. You can also reach the summit by a little off-trail hiking (allowed) from Smuggler's Ranch - also a great trip, but strenuous - we did all three routes.

Here is the trail as mapped - take the road east from Scorpion Campground to the Smuggler's Canyon trail/road that leads up the south hillside from Scorpion Harbor.

The park info booths provide excellent maps and trail guide with topo info, but real topos are better.

The road is clearly marked. Anything off-trail is not, so pay attention to where you are, where you've been and where you are going, if you choose another route.

Description

This is a good climb up to a mountain ridge. Make sure to bring a good amount of water if the day is hot, and be prepared for wind and weather if clouds are around, or at any time. It can get mighty cold in the coastal mist and fog or rain.

Take the Smuggler's Cove Road from Scorpion Harbor and follow it to the well marked branch that leads to the Historic Oil Well and Montanon Ridge - take the route up, up, up to High Mount and continue for another mile or so to Montanon. You'll know when you get there, because the radio towers are hard to miss. The actual summit is to the southeast, so you may want to climb to it and get all the views you can, because they are stunning. The hike along the ridge is pleasant and fairly easy compared to the rest of the hike, so make sure you take time to enjoy the scenery.

Return back along the trail and take the spur to Scorpion Canyon, or choose your own adventure. See my other hikes on the island.

Map / Directions: