Situated solely 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is an inhabited island that provides superb kelp forest diving, wildlife, and seems…some fairly epic tenting, mountain climbing, and backpacking on the Trans Catalina Path.
The Trans Catalina Path is a 40-mile path that traverses your entire island with superb beachfront tenting, some difficult climbs, continuous views, solitude (in November once I hiked), and even a few eating places alongside the way in which.
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 buddy, and we spent 5 days transversing the hillsides and coastlines of this California treasure.
It was a improbable journey that I’d extremely suggest for anybody who’s in search of 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 submit, I share every thing you should learn about mountain climbing your entire Trans Catalina Path.
Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please apply good path etiquette and bear in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out all your 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
- Problem: Difficult
- Days wanted: 2-5 days
- Canine Allowed: Sure (apart from Two Harbors Campground)
- Superior Reservations Required: Sure (see the subsequent part)
- Variety of Advisable 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 mountain climbing 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 isn’t any stroll within the park — it’s onerous. 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 a number of solar publicity and no shade alongside the path, that means it might probably get highly regarded in peak summer season months so you should definitely convey solar safety.
With that being stated, this hike throughout Catalina Island takes you thru an extremely distinctive and exquisite ecosystem, and the expertise was greater than well worth the problem. There are additionally some various route choices you’ll be able to take if you wish to keep away from among the elevation acquire and loss or when you merely don’t have sufficient time for your entire route (I share some various itineraries under).
This isn’t a standard wilderness backpacking journey. A few of the hike is true on the street the place you’ll encounter the occasional automobile.
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. Nevertheless, I nonetheless suggest choosing up a map on the Catalina Island Conservancy store the place you should buy 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 replica with you. (See extra about tenting under)
You don’t want a further allow until you may be day mountain climbing on the island, and in that case, you’ll have to request a free allow.
The most well-liked TCT backpacking itinerary is 5 days/4 nights. In case you’re an skilled hiker, you can do it in 4 days. See extra about planning your itinerary under.
There is no such thing as a potable water on the path in between the campgrounds, however water is obtainable at Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Two Harbors campgrounds. For the final night time at Parson’s, you’ll have to buy a locker key that offers you entry to a 2-gallon jug of water.
I like to recommend that once you hit the path every morning, you’ve at the 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 advice is to hike between September by way of early November for probably the most snug temperatures and the best chance of sunshine.
- Spring: It is a superbly 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 season months could be highly regarded and dry. There is no such thing as a water accessible 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 plenty of sunshine. The one draw back of the autumn months is that the panorama may be very brown.
- Winter: Many of the rainfall on Catalina Island happens between December and March, and when it rains in California, it might probably pour. These months are the riskiest for climate, however then once more, you can luck out.
You’ll have heard the saying “Might Grey, June Gloom” for California. Throughout these months, there’s a very good likelihood Catalina will likely be engulfed in fog. Climbing temperatures will likely be snug, however chances are 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.
Under I dive into every thing you should learn about planning your TCT journey.
Selecting an itinerary
The Trans Catalina Path could be executed in 3-5 days. A 3-day trek will likely be fairly difficult with plenty of elevation acquire and longer days.
We wished to take our time and benefit from the unbelievable 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 completely 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 (contemplate 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’m 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 below 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 associates and I all agreed this was probably 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 could 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 ideal base camp for a few nights, with a day hike to Starlight Seaside.
Making campsite reservations
There is no such thing as a free/dispersed tenting on Catalina Island, so you should make campground reservations earlier than you begin your journey.
Campsites do ebook up in the course of the busy summer season months, so don’t delay in making your plans, particularly in case you are 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’ll be able to ebook your Catalina Island campsites on-line. Understand that since you may be staying at a unique campsite every night time, you’ll want a separate reservation for every night time.
It’s also possible to reserve all your campsites over the cellphone. 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 cellphone primarily based on availability on your whole journey. To ebook a reservation over the cellphone, name (310) 510-4205.
Campground Facilities: All the campgrounds have chemical bogs and most have chilly water showers. The one campground that doesn’t have potable water is Parson’s Touchdown. You’ll be able to select to buy a key at Two Harbors Customer’s Heart which gives you 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 in the course of the 60-90 minute boat experience.
Remember that the seas can get tough, so in case you are vulnerable to seasickness, plan forward. I extremely suggest taking ginger tablets for seasickness and sporting Sea Bands.
There are two ferry operators that provide every day departures to Catalina Island:
- Catalina Specific provides every day departures to Avalon from Lengthy Seaside, San Pedro, and Dana Level. Nevertheless, they solely present service to San Pedro from Two Harbors on your return journey.
- Catalina Flyer provides every day departures to Avalon from Newport Seaside. They don’t provide ferry service to/from Two Harbors.
An alternative choice for attending to Catalina Island is a 15-minute helicopter experience from Lengthy Seaside to Avalon which runs as much as $179 per particular person every approach.
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 attainable. The earliest ferry leaves Lengthy Seaside at 6:00 am. Ferries from and San Pedro and Dana Level are later within the morning. It’s roughly an hour’s experience to Avalon, so bear in mind, you’ve 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 lodge if it’s in your funds. Avalon has a restricted variety of lodges 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 Specific 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’ll be able to have a pleasant chill morning at Parson’s Touchdown campsite.
In case you don’t wish to sail to San Pedro from Two Harbors, the Wildland Specific 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 suggest stopping within the Catalina Island Conservancy store to choose 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 situation of water sources, loos, 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 Seaside. As soon as we received to Avalon, our first cease was the Catalina Conservancy workplace (it’s on the way in which 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. (Word that they don’t open until 8:00 am).
Subsequent, we stuffed up water on the town at certainly one of a number of spigots. Additionally, when you want any last-minute forgotten gadgets there may be Vons Specific proper down the street from the ferry terminal. Nevertheless, it’s not like an enormous grocery retailer on the mainland and it’s costly, so that you’ll wish to convey most of what you propose on consuming with you. Take a look at this submit on Light-weight Vegan Backpacking Meals Concepts for my favourite simple 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 linked 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 highly regarded 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 mountain climbing.
On the time of our go to, no campfires had been allowed as a consequence of extreme drought circumstances. Nevertheless, at different instances of the 12 months, you’ll be able to pay for a locker filled with firewood earlier than you allow Avalon.
If campfires are allowed whilst you’re there and also you determine to have one, make 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 roughly 1.5 hours).
Rise and shine! Among the finest components of immediately’s hike is that you just get a fast break after a brief 2.25 miles once 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 way in which, 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 beautiful tiny coves – Shark Harbor and Little Harbor – your property for night time two.
We had campsite LH10, which was proper on the seashore. The most effective website, for my part, 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 scenario was over there, so chances are you’ll wish to convey a big reservoir so you’ll be able to 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, it is best 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 buy 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 once you verify in on the Two Harbors Guests Heart
After leaving Little Harbor, the hike to Two Harbors isn’t 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 have the ability to 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.
Whenever 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 would like.
You’ll see the small pier that you just’ll return to 2 days later when you’re able to board the Catalina Specific 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 is no such thing as a potable water at Parson’s so you should ensure you buy the suitable variety of keys on your group so that you have sufficient water for the remainder of the journey. Every locker comes with 1 bundle of wooden and a couple of gallons of water. Keys should not a part of your Parson’s Touchdown tenting reservation, so you will have to buy one upfront or once you get to the Two Harbors Customer Heart. It’s really helpful that you just plan for 1 gallon of water per day per particular person.
We had Web site #11 at Two Harbors, which had a improbable view and felt pretty non-public. It was a small website nevertheless with solely sufficient flat area for 1 small tent.
Coin-operated scorching showers can be found in Two Harbors when you really feel such as you want a little bit of a clean-up! (There are chilly showers accessible 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 have to 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 two completely different choices. The primary is to hike by way of 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 all the way 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 approach. That is the route we selected in each instructions. It felt just a little like dishonest, nevertheless it meant we had extra time to calm down and luxuriate in our superb 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 automobiles. Alongside the way in which, 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’re going to really feel that you’re at a personal seashore.
We received fortunate with website 1 which had probably the most safety from the wind and was very non-public. It was additionally the shadiest, which is nice or unhealthy, relying on the time of 12 months and the way a lot solar you need.
Non-compulsory Hike to Starlight Seaside
From Parson’s, it’s 5 extra miles to Starlight Seaside – 10 miles roundtrip. In case you’re into bragging rights and you’ve got the vitality, you’ll be able to 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 folks on the path who made it to Starlight and stated it was good, however they weren’t positive it was price the additional 10 miles.
In case you do determine to go, ensure you retailer all your meals and water in your fox field at Parson’s earlier than you go and take a headlamp.
I’d additionally solely suggest this in the summertime months when the times are longer or when 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 should 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 to time this final leg of your journey proper so that you don’t miss your ferry in Two Harbors.
I extremely suggest arriving on the town with at the least an hour’s buffer earlier than your ferry boarding so you’ll be able to take pleasure in a chilly beverage on the Harbor Reef Restaurant. Seize a seat exterior on the patio bar and let all the stress in your muscle tissues soften away.
In case you are feeling you want a while within the precise water you may also camp one other night at Two Harbors and lease snorkel tools 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 bins (the identical as bear bins) the place you’ll be able to safely retailer your meals and water.
- The bison are harmful! Don’t method them for images or every other purpose. They will run 35 mph and are absolutely able to taking you down. They’re on the path and within the campgrounds, so keep alert and maintain a watch out for any aggressive habits.
- There are loos. Please use them! And if nature calls when you’re not close to a rest room, you should definitely comply with Depart No Hint pointers for going to the toilet and pack out your rest room paper.
Trans Catalina Backpacking Gear
Begin with this 3-day backpacking guidelines. Under I additionally suggest some particular items of drugs that will likely be useful in your TCT hike.
With the fox bins on the campsites, you don’t want a bear canister.
Word that in November, evenings had been very chilly. I used to be blissful to have a beanie, lengthy pants, and a heat jacket for the evenings.
Save this submit to Pinterest
In search of extra backpacking trails? Take a look at some extra of our favourite routes:
Would you prefer to backpack the Trans-Catalina Path? Share your feedback, questions, and experiences under.
Associated
