After savoring a warm cup of coffee at Cuyler Harbor, we set sail towards Santa Rosa Island. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the water, and the gentle breeze filled our sails as we left the harbor behind.

After securing our boards on the pier, we took in the breathtaking view of the bay located between Carrington Point and skunk Point, before heading down the lengthy pier toward the shore. The strength of the winds was apparent from the sand deposited along the edges of the pier and the towering dunes visible on the beach below. With countless trails available, choosing just one was a delightful challenge, but any path would satisfy our adventurous spirits.

We began at the old ranch site and ventured along the inland trail toward the campground. As we approached, we spotted tent shelters that reminded us of those we had encountered on San Miguel Island, a clear indication of the area’s vigorous winds. The campsite surprisingly offered potable water from a tap, quite a civilized touch. Although the campground was dotted with many tents we encountered only four other people throughout the day. We then wandered past a serene freshwater lagoon, keeping our eyes peeled for foxes, before ascending the steep cliff that led us into the ancient Torrey Pine Forest, with the ocean and beach creating a stunning backdrop. Fun fact: These rare Torrey pines grow only near San Diego and Bechers Bay.

It was a delightfully warm and sunny day, and after about four hours of exploration, we made our way back to our boards enjoying the coastal trail. We took a moment to stop by the old schoolhouse to jot down a note in the guestbook before leaving the island.

The return trip to the boat proved to be a bit more difficult than I had anticipated as the strong current was working against us. Nonetheless, we were relieved to return home and unwind for the evening, preparing for a windy and rocky night in Bechers Bay before embarking for Anacapa Island the next morning.

In the 19th century, the island became a ranching hotspot, with sheep and cattle grazing its vast landscapes. The Vail and Vickers families were prominent figures in this era, shaping the island’s agricultural history. Today, Santa Rosa Island is a protected area, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past while preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Santa Rosa is the second largest island amongst the National Park Islands, with 53,051 acres, 15 miles long and 10 miles wide.  The Chumash called it Wilma or ‘driftwood’ because channel currents brought ashore logs from which they built tomols, plank canoes.  For thousands of years unusual animals and plants made the island their home. Flightless geese, giant mice and pygmy mammoths are extinct, while the island fox, spotted skunk and munchkin dudleya (one of six plant species found only on this island) still live here.