In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first European to explore the Channel Islands. A monument honoring him was erected above Cuyler Harbor in 1937.

Distance: 2 miles (round trip from Cuyler Harbor)
Difficulty: Strenuous (due to short, steep climb to top of island)

San Miguel Island is owned by the US Navy and is open only when National Park Service personnel are on the island. A permit (including liability waiver) is required to visit the island. These forms are available at Island Packers and Channel Islands Aviation.

Private boaters can obtain the forms at a self-registration station at the Nidever Canyon trail head entry on San Miguel Island. It is the responsibility of private boaters to contact the park to ensure the island is open before coming ashore.

Visitors are required to stay on the designated island trail system. No off-trail hiking is permitted. The island was a former bombing range and there are possible unexploded ordnance.

In addition, visitors must be accompanied by a ranger beyond the ranger station. When not accompanied by a ranger, visitors may explore Cuyler Harbor beach, Nidever Canyon, the Cabrillo Monument, and the Lester Ranch site.