Santa Cruz Island, located 20 miles offshore from Ventura, California, is the largest island in Channel Islands National Park. The island is characterized by steep, rugged terrain, chaparral, grasslands, scrub, and riparian canyons. Two parallel mountain ranges form a long central valley. The island is home to the endangered island fox, recently reintroduced bald eagles, spotted skunk, and the endemic island scrub jay. Chumash occupied the island for 10,000 years. Remnants of a thriving ranch operation (1850's - 1980s) are present. Temperatures are mild year round
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