San Miguel Island: Military Service Tracks and UXO Access Restrictions
San Miguel Island, the westernmost of the Channel Islands in California, features a unique network of unpaved service tracks within a high-risk environment. Due to its history as a military bombing range, the island's infrastructure is subject to some of the strictest access regulations in the United States.
Military History and Infrastructure Origins
The service roads on San Miguel Island were established during the U.S. Navy's tenure (1930s–1970s), when the island served as a bombing and gunnery range. These tracks were designed to provide logistics for military personnel and to monitor impact zones. Today, these unpaved tracks are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) for administrative use and wildlife research.
| Technical Facts: San Miguel Island | |
|---|---|
| Primary Access Point | Cuyler Harbor (Wet Landing) |
| Infrastructure Type | Military/NPS Service Tracks |
| Restricted Zone | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Hazard Area |
| Main Route Distance | 13 km (8 miles) - Point Bennett |
The Point Bennett Service Track
The primary logistical route on the island leads to Point Bennett, the westernmost tip. This 13 km (8-mile) round-trip track is the only terrestrial connection across the island's plateau. It is characterized by extreme exposure to northwest winds and fog. Public use of this track is strictly regulated:
- Escort Requirement: Due to the risk of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), visitors are prohibited from using the track without a certified Ranger escort.
- Liability Waiver: All individuals entering the service track system must sign a legal waiver acknowledging the military hazards.
Logistics and Site Access: Cuyler Harbor
Access to the island's trail and track system begins at Cuyler Harbor. The landing is technically demanding, requiring small boat transfers from the primary vessel. The area contains the only permanent structures on the island: the Ranger Station and basic research facilities. There are no public motor vehicles allowed on the island; all transportation for administrative purposes is conducted via NPS specialized off-road equipment.
Environmental Constraints
The island's tracks are subject to rapid erosion caused by wind and the lack of vegetation in the Caliche Forest areas. The preservation of these paths is critical for monitoring the pinniped rookery at Point Bennett, where up to six different species haul out. Unauthorized off-track transit is illegal to prevent both wildlife disturbance and contact with historical military munitions.