Santa Cruz Island is the largest of seven that make up the Channel Islands. Located 20 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara county, this national park is a backpacker’s dream!

Santa Cruz Island is the largest of seven that make up the Channel Islands. Located 20 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara county, this national park is a backpacker’s dream!
When a friend asks you to go explore some of America’s Southwest deserts you don’t question the reasons as to why you simply join in on the excitement and make it happen.
What started as an idea, grown to a dream and made into reality; I will never forget the look on his face when I told him about plans for our month long road trip.
There’s no better way to cool down in the middle of summer than hiking to and swimming in an alpine lake. This was my first alpine lake swim and it will definitely not be the last.