Channel Islands: Santa Rosa Reopens for Day Trips After the Wildfire

If you're planning a trip out to Channel Islands, here's an update that changes how you'll actually structure your day. After a wildfire, Santa Rosa Island has reopened to the public, but on a limited basis. Only day use is allowed, starting July 1.

Here's what matters most for your planning. No overnight stays are allowed right now, so forget about camping or splitting your visit across two days. You'll have to catch the evening boat back, which means building your itinerary around the ferry schedule and leaving yourself a comfortable cushion for the return.

Part of the island is still off-limits, too. The areas hit by the fire stay closed while they recover, and that includes Water Canyon Campground. This closure runs through at least September 15. If you had your eye on that corner of the island for a hike or a night in the backcountry, you'll need to rework your plans and stick to the areas that are open.

Our advice is to assume things could still shift before the restrictions lift. Check on access before you book your crossing, bring plenty of water and sun protection since burned landscapes offer little shade, and respect the marked boundaries to the letter. These closures protect fragile vegetation that's regrowing just as much as they protect your safety.

Santa Rosa is only one of the five islands in the chain, and a well-planned day is still plenty of time to enjoy its beaches and coastal trails. To plan the rest of your trip, pick the right island for your ability level, and get a handle on how the boat shuttles work, lean on the Channel Islands park guide, which we keep updated as reopenings happen.