Positioned solely 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is an inhabited island that gives wonderful kelp forest diving, wildlife, and seems…some fairly epic tenting, mountaineering, and backpacking on the Trans Catalina Path.
The Trans Catalina Path is a 40-mile path that traverses your entire island with wonderful beachfront tenting, some difficult climbs, continuous views, solitude (in November once I hiked), and even a few eating places alongside the best way.
I grew up going to Catalina, so once I discovered in regards to the Trans Catalina Path, I knew I needed to do it. So I organized journey for Ryan, myself, and one other good friend, and we spent 5 days transversing the hillsides and coastlines of this California treasure.
It was a improbable journey that I’d extremely advocate for anybody who’s searching for outside journey in Southern California. Backpacking the Trans Catalina Path can also be a visit you are able to do lengthy after backpacking season is usually over within the mountains. On this put up, I share the whole lot it’s worthwhile to learn about mountaineering your entire Trans Catalina Path.
Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please follow good path etiquette and bear in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out your entire rubbish, being respectful to others on busy trails, and following the established guidelines.
Trans Catalina Path Stats & FAQs
The Trans Catalina path runs East-West alongside Catalina Island off the coast of California. It’s a part of the Channel Islands archipelago.
- Whole Distance: 38.5 miles
- Whole Elevation Achieve Loss: +/-7,940 ft
- Issue: Difficult
- Days wanted: 2-5 days
- Canine Allowed: Sure (aside from Two Harbors Campground)
- Superior Reservations Required: Sure (see the following part)
- Variety of Really useful Nights: 4 nights / 5 days (minimal)
- Cell Service: Sporadic
TransCatalina Path Map
The complete path 38.5 miles. Hikers sometimes begin in Avalon and finish in Two Harbors after mountaineering a loop across the northwest peninsula of the island.
Most individuals hike the Trans Catalina Path in 3-5 days. See under for itinerary choices.
the Trans Catalina Path is not any stroll within the park — it’s exhausting. Over the course of the journey, there may be loads of up, down, up, down – in complete over 7,940 ft in elevation acquire/loss.
There may be additionally lots of solar publicity and no shade alongside the path, that means it could get very popular in peak summer time months so you should definitely deliver solar safety.
With that being stated, this hike throughout Catalina Island takes you thru an extremely distinctive and delightful ecosystem, and the expertise was greater than well worth the problem. There are additionally some various route choices you may take if you wish to keep away from among the elevation acquire and loss or in case you merely don’t have sufficient time for your entire route (I share some various itineraries under).
This isn’t a conventional wilderness backpacking journey. A few of the hike is correct on the street the place you’ll encounter the occasional car.
Additionally, on the Airport, you’ll discover a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch and in Two Harbors, they’ve a full-blown normal retailer, restaurant, and bar.
Sure, the TCT is well-marked. Nonetheless, I nonetheless advocate selecting up a map on the Catalina Island Conservancy store the place you should purchase an in depth Trans Catalina Island Path map.
This one-way path could be traveled in both path, however I like to recommend beginning within the city of Avalon and ending your hike at Parson’s Touchdown (returning on the ferry through Two Harbors). On this path, the views and solitude solely enhance as you hike.
Your tenting reservations will function your allow to hike the Trans Catalina Path, so you should definitely carry a duplicate with you. (See extra about tenting under)
You don’t want an extra allow until you can be day mountaineering on the island, and in that case, you’ll must request a free allow.
The preferred TCT backpacking itinerary is 5 days/4 nights. When you’re an skilled hiker, you can do it in 4 days. See extra about planning your itinerary under.
There isn’t a potable water on the path in between the campgrounds, however water is offered at Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Two Harbors campgrounds. For the final night time at Parson’s, you’ll must buy a locker key that offers you entry to a 2-gallon jug of water.
I like to recommend that if you hit the path every morning, you’ve got at the very least 3-4 liters of water for the day.
Greatest time of 12 months to hike the TCT
Catalina Island sometimes sees greater than 260 days of solar per 12 months.
My suggestion is to hike between September by early November for essentially the most snug temperatures and the very best probability of sunshine.
- Spring: This can be a fantastically vibrant time to hike with inexperienced hillsides and a path filled with wildflowers. Views could also be obscured by fog.
- Summer time: With an absence of shade on the path, the summer time months could be very popular and dry. There isn’t a water obtainable between campgrounds on a majority of the path, and the path can really feel a lot hotter than the temperature may point out.
- Fall: Comfy temps and many sunshine. The one draw back of the autumn months is that the panorama could be very brown.
- Winter: Many of the rainfall on Catalina Island happens between December and March, and when it rains in California, it could pour. These months are the riskiest for climate, however then once more, you can luck out.
You will have heard the saying “Could Grey, June Gloom” for California. Throughout these months, there’s a very good probability Catalina can be engulfed in fog. Mountaineering temperatures can be snug, however it’s possible you’ll not get the sunny California views you might be hoping for.
Planning your journey
Backpacking the Trans Catalina Path does take a very good little bit of planning between getting there, making campsite reservations, and packing all the mandatory gear.
Beneath I dive into the whole lot it’s worthwhile to learn about planning your TCT journey.
Selecting an itinerary
The Trans Catalina Path could be finished in 3-5 days. A 3-day trek can be fairly difficult with a number of elevation acquire and longer days.
We wished to take our time and benefit from the unimaginable surroundings, so we selected a 5-day itinerary, which allowed us to maneuver at a relaxed tempo and actually take within the expertise.
Listed here are three totally different Trans Catalina path itineraries:
3-DAY ITINERARY:
- Day 1: Avalon to Blackjack Campground (10.7 miles/+2,930 ft)
- Day 2: Blackjack to Two Harbors Campground (14.5 miles/+2,526 ft)
- Day 3: Two Harbors Campground to Parsons Touchdown and again to Two Harbors (13.6 miles/+2,289 ft)
4-DAY ITINERARY:
- Day 1: Avalon to Blackjack Campground (10.7 miles/+2,930 ft)
- Day 2: Blackjack to Little Harbor Campground (8.3 miles/+987 ft)
- Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors Campground (5.3 miles/+1,369 ft)
- Day 4: Two Harbors Campground out to Parsons Touchdown and again to Two Harbors (13.6 miles/+2,289 ft)
5-DAY ITINERARY:
That is the itinerary we did.
- Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack Campground (10.7 miles/+2,930 ft)
- Day 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor Campground (think about neighboring Shark Harbor for extra solitude) (8.3 miles/+987 ft)
- Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors Campground (5.3 miles/+1,369 ft)
- Day 4: Two Harbors to Parson’s Touchdown Campground through the TCT (6.7 miles/+1,773 ft)
- Day 5: Parson’s Touchdown to Two Harbors through the street and Lion’s Head (6.9 miles/+516 ft)
Down under within the journey report, I am going into element about every day’s trek.
Crunched for time?
If you wish to expertise the Trans Catalina Path however don’t have time to do the entire thing, listed here are a number of various choices:
- Take the ferry on to Two Harbors and hike the 5-mile stretch from Two Harbors to Little Harbor and again. My buddies and I all agreed this was essentially the most scenic part of the path. Little Harbor can also be rated “One of many Greatest Campgrounds within the West” by Sundown Journal. This may be a easy 1-2 night time getaway.
- An alternative choice can be to take the ferry on to Two Harbors and hike to Parson’s Touchdown. This was my favourite campground of the journey and would make an awesome base camp for a few nights, with a day hike to Starlight Seashore.
Making campsite reservations
There isn’t a free/dispersed tenting on Catalina Island, so it’s worthwhile to make campground reservations earlier than you begin your journey.
Campsites do ebook up through the busy summer time months, so don’t delay in making your plans, particularly if you’re headed to Catalina on a weekend. Campsites could be booked as much as a 12 months upfront.
The 5 campsites alongside the Trans Catalina Path are:
- Hermit Gulch
- Black Jack Campground
- Little Harbor Campground
- Two Harbors Campground
- Parson’s Touchdown Campground
You possibly can ebook your Catalina Island campsites on-line. Remember that since you can be staying at a special campsite every night time, you’ll want a separate reservation for every night time.
It’s also possible to reserve your entire campsites over the telephone. Earlier than you name, browse the official web site which has a ton of details about every campsite. When you understand which websites you need, the reservation specialists may help arrange your itinerary over the telephone based mostly on availability in your complete journey. To ebook a reservation over the telephone, name (310) 510-4205.
Campground Facilities: All the campgrounds have chemical bathrooms and most have chilly water showers. The one campground that doesn’t have potable water is Parson’s Touchdown. You possibly can select to buy a key at Two Harbors Customer’s Heart which provides you with entry to a locker with potable water and firewood at Parson’s Touchdown.
Attending to Catalina Island
Attending to the island is an journey in itself with the chance to come across some large marine life like whales and dolphins through the 60-90 minute boat trip.
Bear in mind that the seas can get tough, so if you’re susceptible to seasickness, plan forward. I extremely advocate taking ginger tablets for seasickness and sporting Sea Bands.
There are two ferry operators that provide each day departures to Catalina Island:
- Catalina Categorical affords each day departures to Avalon from Lengthy Seashore, San Pedro, and Dana Level. Nonetheless, they solely present service to San Pedro from Two Harbors in your return journey.
- Catalina Flyer affords each day departures to Avalon from Newport Seashore. They don’t provide ferry service to/from Two Harbors.
An alternative choice for attending to Catalina Island is a 15-minute helicopter trip from Lengthy Seashore to Avalon which runs as much as $179 per individual every method.
FERRY TIMINGS: There are a few choices for timing your ferry rides to and from Catalina.
Arrival: You will have two choices for arriving on the island:
- The primary is to take the earliest ferry of the day so that you get to the island as early as potential. The earliest ferry leaves Lengthy Seashore at 6:00 am. Ferries from and San Pedro and Dana Level are later within the morning. It’s roughly an hour’s trip to Avalon, so bear in mind, you’ve got an 11-mile day forward of you so time is of the essence!
- Alternatively, if can go away the night time earlier than and keep in a resort if it’s in your price range. Avalon has a restricted variety of resorts to select from. It’s also possible to camp for an evening within the Hermit Gulch Campground which is only a brief stroll from Avalon.
Departure: The Catalina Categorical doesn’t run day by day from Two Harbors to San Pedro, so you should definitely verify their schedule earlier than planning your journey.
I like to recommend getting a late afternoon ferry from Two Harbors, so you may have a pleasant chill morning at Parson’s Touchdown campsite.
When you don’t wish to sail to San Pedro from Two Harbors, the Wildland Categorical is a bus shuttle service between Two Harbors and Avalon. Reservations are required.
Navigating the path
The TCT is fairly well-marked, however I nonetheless extremely advocate stopping within the Catalina Island Conservancy store to select up an in depth Trans Catalina Island Path map.
Whereas many of the path was nicely marked, there have been a number of areas the place we received confused on the route, so having a tough copy of the map completely got here in helpful.
The map additionally signifies the placement of water sources, bogs, meals, and different facilities alongside the path.
My TCT Journey Report
I hiked the Trans Catalina Path in 5 days. Right here’s my detailed journey report.
Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack campground (10.7 miles)
- Potable Water Availability: In Avalon and at Black Jack Campground
- Greatest Campsite at Black Jack: #1 (most secluded)
We opted to take an early ferry from Lengthy Seashore. As soon as we received to Avalon, our first cease was the Catalina Conservancy workplace (it’s on the best way to the trailhead). There, we grabbed a map, discovered just a little bit in regards to the wildlife and island, and requested our last-minute questions in regards to the route. (Notice that they don’t open until 8:00 am).
Subsequent, we crammed up water on the town at one among a number of spigots. Additionally, in case you want any last-minute forgotten objects there may be Vons Categorical proper down the street from the ferry terminal. Nonetheless, it’s not like an enormous grocery retailer on the mainland and it’s costly, so that you’ll wish to deliver most of what you propose on consuming with you. Try this put up on Light-weight Vegan Backpacking Meals Concepts for my favourite straightforward path meals.
We took our time strolling alongside the waterfront and grabbed breakfast, which meant we received a late begin on the path.
To shave off just a little little bit of mileage, we hiked up above Avalon alongside Stage Highway and met up with the Trans Catalina Path close to Haypress Reservoir.
It was a steep ascent alongside a reasonably well-traveled street. As soon as we lastly related with the path, it was up-down-up-down-up.
This a part of the path is the longest stretch you’ll go with out seeing the ocean. It’s additionally very popular and dry. I used to be glad to have trekking poles, solar safety, and loads of water.
We arrived at our campsite (Black Jack #1) proper at sunset after 5 straight hours of mountaineering.
On the time of our go to, no campfires had been allowed attributable to extreme drought circumstances. Nonetheless, at different instances of the 12 months, you may pay for a locker filled with firewood earlier than you permit Avalon.
If campfires are allowed when you’re there and also you determine to have one, be certain you perceive protected campfire practices.
Day 2: Black Jack to Two Harbors (8.2 miles)
- Potable Water Availability: At Black Jack Campground, the Airport, and Little Harbor
- Greatest Campsite at Little Harbor: LH12, SH 8, SH 9, SH 10
- For Firewood at Two Harbors: Name 310-510-4205 the day earlier than your arrival and place an order. It’s $10 per small bundle (which burns for about 1.5 hours).
Rise and shine! Among the best components of at present’s hike is that you simply get a fast break after a brief 2.25 miles if you arrive on the Catalina Island Airport.
The Airport within the Sky Restaurant (within the airport) opens at 8:30 am and is open year-round for breakfast burritos, freshly baked cookies, and extra.
From the airport, it’s just a little greater than 5 miles to Little Harbor. Alongside the best way, you’ll discover a VERY inexperienced patch of land, which is definitely residence to the Santa Catalina Island Winery. Don’t get too excited…they don’t provide tastings, however it’s nonetheless a fairly distinctive sight to see.
You’ll additionally discover some very good buildings which comprise the El Rancho Escondido – the former working Arabian Horse Ranch owned by the Wrigley household (as within the founding father of Wrigley’s gum). The household that owns the winery and vineyard is working to revive the ranch.
When you begin strolling downhill, you’ll know you might be getting near Little Harbor which consists of two attractive tiny coves – Shark Harbor and Little Harbor – your private home for night time two.
We had campsite LH10, which was proper on the seashore. The very best web site, in my view, was LH12, which was beachfront and had extra privateness.
For optimum solitude, snag one of many spots subsequent door at Shark Harbor – LH Shark A, B, or C. I’m undecided what the water state of affairs was over there, so it’s possible you’ll wish to deliver a big reservoir so you may carry it again to your campsite.
Apparently, the snorkeling and fishing on this space are among the many finest on the island. At a minimal, you need to strip off your boots and soak your ft within the sand and water.
That is additionally the final place you’ll have a sundown view on the TCT because it’s the final campsite that faces west.
Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors Campground (5.3 miles)
- Potable Water Availability: At Little Harbor Campground/ at Two Harbors Campground, you should purchase a 2.5-gallon jug from the ranger (we had been advised the faucet water right here is mineral-rich and doesn’t style good)
- Greatest Campsite at Two Harbors: 11, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- For Firewood at Two Harbors: Buy if you verify in on the Two Harbors Guests Heart
After leaving Little Harbor, the hike to Two Harbors is not any joke — it’s a troublesome vertical climb, however you’ll be rewarded with among the finest views of your entire journey.
As you might be approaching Two Harbors you’ll be capable of stand on high of the ridge and actually see either side of the ocean encompassing the western finish of the island.
We additionally encountered a big herd of bison up on this ridge.
Once you hit Two Harbors head to the lovable little grocery retailer for a reward deal with. Whether or not that’s hand-scooped ice cream or a granola bar, you’ll have loads of time to take a break right here and even seize lunch if you’d like.
You’ll see the small pier that you simply’ll return to 2 days later if you find yourself able to board the Catalina Categorical again to the mainland.
Checking in for the Two Harbors campground could be accomplished on the little constructing hooked up to the pier.
IMPORTANT: That is additionally the place you’ll want to verify your Parson’s Touchdown campsite and get your Parson’s storage key for water/firewood. As a reminder, there isn’t a potable water at Parson’s so it’s worthwhile to be sure you buy the suitable variety of keys in your group so that you have sufficient water for the remainder of the journey. Every locker comes with 1 bundle of wooden and a pair of gallons of water. Keys should not a part of your Parson’s Touchdown tenting reservation, so you will want to buy one upfront or if you get to the Two Harbors Customer Heart. It’s really useful that you simply plan for 1 gallon of water per day per individual.
We had Web site #11 at Two Harbors, which had a improbable view and felt pretty personal. It was a small web site nonetheless with solely sufficient flat area for 1 small tent.
Coin-operated sizzling showers can be found in Two Harbors in case you really feel such as you want a little bit of a clean-up! (There are chilly showers obtainable without spending a dime).
Day 4: Two Harbors to Parson’s Touchdown campground through the TCT (6.6 miles)
- Potable Water Availability: For Parson’s Touchdown, you’ll must buy a locker key at Two Harbors earlier than you begin the hike which comes with 2 gallons of water and 1 small bundle of firewood
- Greatest Campsite at Parson’s Touchdown: 1, 2, 8
Leaving Two Harbors, you’ve got two totally different choices. The primary is to hike by Cat Harbor and proceed up and over the steep Silver Peak Path, which is the official TCT route.
On this route, you’ll acquire 1800 ft of elevation in 3 miles after which drop proper again right down to sea stage the place you’ll attain Parson’s Touchdown.
The opposite choice is to take the cruisy route – 8 miles alongside a dust street that hugs the shoreline your entire method. That is the route we selected in each instructions. It felt just a little like dishonest, however it meant we had extra time to chill out and revel in our wonderful campsite at Parson’s Touchdown. Plus, we heard the descent from the excessive route was a killer on the knees.
We hiked the street on a Thursday and solely encountered a few vehicles. Alongside the best way, you’ll cross a number of kids’s camps, however in any other case, it was fairly quiet in November with continuous views.
There are solely eight primitive beachfront campsites at Parson’s so you’ll really feel that you’re at a non-public seashore.
We received fortunate with web site 1 which had essentially the most safety from the wind and was very personal. It was additionally the shadiest, which is sweet or unhealthy, relying on the time of 12 months and the way a lot solar you need.
Optionally available Hike to Starlight Seashore
From Parson’s, it’s 5 extra miles to Starlight Seashore – 10 miles roundtrip. When you’re into bragging rights and you’ve got the power, you may proceed on to the very far finish of Catalina Island.
We didn’t do that, however BFT Contributor Kim Vawter (who wrote the unique model of this path information) did. We talked to a few other people on the path who made it to Starlight and stated it was good, however they weren’t certain it was price the additional 10 miles.
When you do determine to go, be sure you retailer your entire meals and water in your fox field at Parson’s earlier than you go and take a headlamp.
I’d additionally solely advocate this in the summertime months when the times are longer or in case you plan to spend two full nights at Parson’s.
Day 5: Parson’s Touchdown to Two Harbors through the street and Lion’s Head (7.7 miles)
You’ve formally accomplished the Trans Catalina Path! Congratulations. Now you simply must hike the 7.7 miles again to Two Harbors to catch your ferry. One of many highlights of this part is passing the picturesque Emerald Bay.
Be sure you time this final leg of your journey proper so that you don’t miss your ferry in Two Harbors.
I extremely advocate arriving on the town with at the very least an hour’s buffer earlier than your ferry boarding so you may get pleasure from a chilly beverage on the Harbor Reef Restaurant. Seize a seat outdoors on the patio bar and let all the strain in your muscle tissues soften away.
If you’re feeling you want a while within the precise water you too can camp one other night at Two Harbors and hire snorkel gear or kayaks for the day.
Depart No Hint on the Trans Catalina Path
There are a number of essential issues along with your typical Depart No Hint suggestions when backpacking the Trans Catalina Path:
- There may be wildlife throughout Catalina Island, together with the island fox, bison, and a few pretty aggressive ravens. By no means go away your meals unattended. Many of the campsites have fox containers (the identical as bear bins) the place you may safely retailer your meals and water.
- The bison are harmful! Don’t strategy them for images or every other cause. They’ll run 35 mph and are totally able to taking you down. They’re on the path and within the campgrounds, so keep alert and preserve a watch out for any aggressive habits.
- There are bogs. Please use them! And if nature calls if you find yourself not close to a rest room, you should definitely observe Depart No Hint tips for going to the lavatory and pack out your bathroom paper.
Trans Catalina Backpacking Gear
Begin with this 3-day backpacking guidelines. Beneath I additionally advocate some particular items of substances that can be useful in your TCT hike.
With the fox containers on the campsites, you don’t want a bear canister.
Notice that in November, evenings had been very chilly. I used to be pleased to have a beanie, , and a heat jacket for the evenings.
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