Watching the day break on a Channel Islands hike

I can’t sleep in anymore. Since my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I’m hopelessly awake and ready to start my day at 5 a.m. — or earlier.

But for hiking, that actually works out well. An early start means I can get some exercise while avoiding crowds, heat, and afternoon thunderstorms.

Mr. Unshakable and I took a sunrise hike while visiting the Channel Islands off the coast of California. The eight-island archipelago makes up a national park with a variety of trails in a pristine setting. (For hike stats, click here.)

Cavern Point Loop trail is about 2 miles with less than 300 feet of elevation that includes a bluff with sweeping views of the ocean and the mainland.

But first, your have to get there:
The hourlong boat rides to and from Santa Cruz Island is through Island Packers, an outfit that contracts with the National Park Service.

For us, the boat left midmorning. So … how did we do a sunrise hike?

We camped, of course!

Parkinson’s tips

If camping is a no-go for you, this hike is also lovely later in the morning. Many people who visit the Channel Islands are there just for the day.

Also, the boat ride can be bumpy, so if you feel unsteady, get help if you want to walk around.

We settled into our tent for what would be a short night’s sleep.

With headlamps affixed, we were on the trail before dawn. It was February and only a handful of other explorers had stayed, largely due to severe winds being forecast.

Cavern Point trailhead is at the back end of the campground. Almost immediately the trail goes up a steep incline.

Parkinson’s tip

Trekking poles will be helpful for this uphill climb. It’s a workout, but not long. If you get cold easily, have a good windbreaker on.

The sky was mostly clear and the moon nearly full.

That moon. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it.

The winds that were forecast had begun during the night, and gusts were strong and chilly. I was glad for my thick outer wind-busting layer.

We took a rest behind a large rock to block the wind, then finished the upward trek to the bluff.

More wind up there. But we beat the sun, which was our hope.

At the top, I found a big rock, the one place where I could hide from the gusts.

Another moon photo! We followed a well-maintained trail along the blufftop. Soon we’d see the sun, too.

At the end of the bluff, before heading downward, we stopped to enjoy the sunrise.

Seeing the sun in the east and a full moon in the west at the same time wasn’t something we’d expected, but it was a nice bonus. Sometimes the stars align. (Pardon the mixed metaphor.)

Because we went clockwise on the route, the hike down was not as steep as on the way up. There are steps, so it’s another good time for poles.

At the base of the hill was the dock area, the rangers’ dorm building, and a small museum. Our campsite was less than a quarter mile away, and hot chocolate packets were waiting there for us.

Hike info

PD difficulty level (see chart): Moderate
Distance: 1.8-mile loop
Elevation gain: 280 feet
Bathrooms: Near trailhead in Scorpion campground, also near dock
Location: to board boat, Ventura Harbor, 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B, Ventura, Calif.
Emergency medical support: no medical services on island. Coast Guard has helicopters for severe emergencies.
Cost: about $65/adult for the round-trip boat ride. There are no park fees to land on the island.