Often referred to as the “Galapagos Islands of North America,” Channel Islands National Park encompasses five ecologically rich islands located just off the Pacific coast of Southern California. Its location makes it one of America’s most remote National Parks, but also one of the most spectacular in untouched natural beauty. Santa Cruz is the largest of the islands in the park and boasts the greatest number of plant and animal species, as well as the tallest mountain peak, in the chain.

View the article of this adventure on USA TODAY/10Best.com

For more photos, I invite you to visit my CHANNEL ISLANDS GALLERY on my scenic photos website