Are dogs allowed on Smugglers Cove Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Smugglers Cove Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Smugglers Cove Trail?

No, Smugglers Cove Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Smugglers Cove Trail?

Smugglers Cove Trail is rated difficult. It is 7.7 miles long with 1,837 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Channel Islands National Park/California

Smugglers Cove Trail

Ventura, California

7.7 mi

Distance

1,837 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 16m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

We don't have an editorial description for Smugglers Cove Trail in our cache yet. The planning stats above (distance, elevation gain, estimated time, route type) come from the source listed on this trail.

For current conditions, closures, and route notes, check the official sources below — they're the authority for this trail, not us. Spot something we should add?

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:6 ft

Max:212 ft

560 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:805-658-5730
Address:1901 Spinnaker Drive · Ventura, CA · 93001

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Smugglers Cove Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon and Potato Harbor

Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail

Potato Harbor Trail

Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop

Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campgroud

Pelican Bay Trail

Other trails in Channel Islands National Park

Potato Harbor Trail

Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop

Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail

East Anacapa Island Trail

Pelican Bay Trail

Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campgroud

Campgrounds near this trail

Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground

Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte - Channel Island National Park

Anacapa Island

Channel Islands Harbor RV Park

Faria Beach Park

Emma Wood State Beach

Similar trails in California

Mirror Lake Loop

Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Lost Horse Mine Loop

Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail

Iron Mountain Trail