There are no paved roads anywhere on the islands, but there are a number of trails and old roads. These paths provide excellent opportunities for hiking and viewing the beautiful scenery which the island provides.

Cavern Point Trail For visitors who arrive at Scorpion Anchorage the primary trail for exploration is the Cavern Point Trail. This trail winds up the bluffs north of the canyon to Cavern Point and returns. Above the canyon the trail provides a lovely view of Scorpion Anchorage, Scorpion Rocks, with West Anacapa Island visible in the distance.

Further up the trail a lovely view of the coastline is visible.

The view below shows the trail from the other side of the canyon. The route of the trail as it goes uphill along the wall of the canyon can be clearly seen.

The trail is narrow but easy to follow as it runs through the vegetation on top of the bluffs.

Another view of the trail, showing the nature of the trail is shown below. The trail is relatively steep as it leaves the Scorpion Anchorage area and climbs the side of the canyon. However, once at the top of the hill the trail provides a very easy hike. One good feature for hiking enthusiasts is the absence of poisonous snakes on the Channel Islands.

The trail widens as it approaches Cavern Point.

Smuggler's Road Another trail which can be followed from the Scorpion Anchorage/campground area is the Smuggler's Road. The Smuggler's Road climbs the opposite canyon wall from the Cavern Point Trail, leading up the side of Scorpion Bluffs beginning near the ranch site and campground. The road, which leads from Scorpion Anchorage to Smuggler's Cove, was originally built in 1892. Considerable construction skills came into play as rock walls were built in certain areas to shore up the roads. Smuggler's Ranch served as an outpost for workers who labored on orchards and vineyards.

One of the most beautiful viewpoints on the eastern end of Santa Cruz Island is Cavern Point. The viewpoint there provides dramatic views of the Santa Barbara Channel and the rocky north coast of Santa Cruz Island.

Cavern Point is far above the sea, and there is a rocky promontory there as well. The Cavern Point area along the sea hosts both California sea lions and harbor seals.

A survey marker found at Cavern Point is among the earliest anywhere on the Channel Islands.