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, mountaineering, and backpacking on the Trans Catalina Path.
The Trans Catalina Path is a 40-mile path that traverses the complete island with superb beachfront tenting, some difficult climbs, continuous views, solitude (in November after I hiked), and even a few eating places alongside the way in which.
I grew up going to Catalina, so after I realized 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 on the lookout for outside journey in Southern California. Backpacking the Trans Catalina Path can be a visit you are able to do lengthy after backpacking season is often over within the mountains. On this put up, I share the whole lot you should find out about mountaineering the complete Trans Catalina Path.
Because it goes in all the locations we share, please apply good path etiquette and keep 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.
- Complete Distance: 38.5 miles
- Complete Elevation Acquire Loss: +/-7,940 toes
- Issue: Difficult
- Days wanted: 2-5 days
- Canine Allowed: Sure (aside from Two Harbors Campground)
- Superior Reservations Required: Sure (see the subsequent 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 beneath for itinerary choices.
the Trans Catalina Path is not any stroll within the park — it’s exhausting. Over the course of the journey, there’s loads of up, down, up, down – in whole over 7,940 toes in elevation achieve/loss.
There may be additionally plenty of solar publicity and no shade alongside the path, which means it could possibly get highly regarded in peak summer season months so you’ll want to carry solar safety.
With that being mentioned, this hike throughout Catalina Island takes you thru an extremely distinctive and delightful ecosystem, and the expertise was greater than definitely worth the problem. There are additionally some different route choices you’ll be able to take if you wish to keep away from a number of the elevation achieve and loss or should you merely don’t have sufficient time for the complete route (I share some different itineraries beneath).
This isn’t a conventional wilderness backpacking journey. Among 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 basic retailer, restaurant, and bar.
Sure, the TCT is well-marked. Nonetheless, I nonetheless suggest choosing 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 might 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 by way of 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’ll want to carry a duplicate with you. (See extra about tenting beneath)
You don’t want a further allow except you’ll 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 could possibly do it in 4 days. See extra about planning your itinerary beneath.
There isn’t a potable water on the path in between the campgrounds, however water is accessible at Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Two Harbors campgrounds. For the final evening at Parson’s, you’ll must buy a locker key that provides you entry to a 2-gallon jug of water.
I like to recommend that once you hit the path every morning, you might have at the very least 3-4 liters of water for the day.
Finest time of yr to hike the TCT
Catalina Island sometimes sees greater than 260 days of solar per yr.
My suggestion is to hike between September via early November for essentially the most snug temperatures and the best chance of sunshine.
- Spring: It is a fantastically vibrant time to hike with inexperienced hillsides and a path stuffed with wildflowers. Views could also be obscured by fog.
- Summer season: With an absence of shade on the path, the summer season months might be highly regarded and dry. There isn’t a water out there between campgrounds on a majority of the path, and the path can really feel a lot hotter than the temperature may point out.
- Fall: Snug temps and plenty of 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 possibly pour. These months are the riskiest for climate, however then once more, you could possibly luck out.
You’ll have heard the saying “Could Grey, June Gloom” for California. Throughout these months, there’s a great probability Catalina will probably be engulfed in fog. Mountaineering temperatures will probably be snug, however you might not get the sunny California views you might be hoping for.
Planning your journey
Backpacking the Trans Catalina Path does take a great little bit of planning between getting there, making campsite reservations, and packing all the mandatory gear.
Beneath I dive into the whole lot you should find out about planning your TCT journey.
Selecting an itinerary
The Trans Catalina Path might be accomplished in 3-5 days. A 3-day trek will probably be fairly difficult with numerous elevation achieve and longer days.
We needed 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 below 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 (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 by way of the TCT (6.7 miles/+1,773 ft)
- Day 5: Parson’s Touchdown to Two Harbors by way of the street and Lion’s Head (6.9 miles/+516 ft)
Down beneath 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 here are just a few different choices:
- Take the ferry on to Two Harbors and hike the 5-mile stretch from Two Harbors to Little Harbor and again. My mates and I all agreed this was essentially the most scenic part of the path. Little Harbor can be rated “One of many Finest Campgrounds within the West” by Sundown Journal. This might be a easy 1-2 evening getaway.
- Another choice could 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 Seaside.
Making campsite reservations
There isn’t a free/dispersed tenting on Catalina Island, so you should make campground reservations earlier than you begin your journey.
Campsites do guide up throughout 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 might be booked as much as a yr prematurely.
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 guide your Catalina Island campsites on-line. Remember the fact that since you’ll be staying at a special campsite every evening, you’ll want a separate reservation for every evening.
You may as well reserve your entire campsites over the cellphone. Earlier than you name, browse the official web site which has a ton of details about every campsite. When which websites you need, the reservation specialists will help arrange your itinerary over the cellphone based mostly on availability in your whole journey. To guide a reservation over the cellphone, name (310) 510-4205.
Campground Facilities: The entire campgrounds have chemical bogs 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 Middle which offers 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 huge marine life like whales and dolphins throughout the 60-90 minute boat journey.
Bear in mind that the seas can get tough, so in case you are vulnerable to seasickness, plan forward. I extremely suggest taking ginger capsules for seasickness and carrying Sea Bands.
There are two ferry operators that supply each day departures to Catalina Island:
- Catalina Specific affords each day departures to Avalon from Lengthy Seaside, 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 Seaside. They don’t provide ferry service to/from Two Harbors.
Another choice for attending to Catalina Island is a 15-minute helicopter journey from Lengthy Seaside to Avalon which runs as much as $179 per particular person every means.
FERRY TIMINGS: There are a few choices for timing your ferry rides to and from Catalina.
Arrival: You’ve got 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 doable. 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 journey to Avalon, so keep in mind, you might have an 11-mile day forward of you so time is of the essence!
- Alternatively, if can depart the evening earlier than and keep in a lodge if it’s in your price range. Avalon has a restricted variety of motels to select from. You may as well camp for an evening within the Hermit Gulch Campground which is only a quick stroll from Avalon.
Departure: The Catalina Specific doesn’t run every single day from Two Harbors to San Pedro, so you’ll want to 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.
When you don’t need 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 just a few areas the place we obtained 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, 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
- Finest Campsite at Black Jack: #1 (most secluded)
We opted to take an early ferry from Lengthy Seaside. As soon as we obtained 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, realized a little bit bit in regards to the wildlife and island, and requested our last-minute questions in regards to the route. (Observe that they don’t open until 8:00 am).
Subsequent, we crammed up water on the town at one in every of a number of spigots. Additionally, should you want any last-minute forgotten gadgets there’s Vons Specific 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 need to carry most of what you intend 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 obtained a late begin on the path.
To shave off a little bit little bit of mileage, we hiked up above Avalon alongside Stage Street 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 mountaineering.
On the time of our go to, no campfires had been allowed as a consequence of extreme drought circumstances. Nonetheless, at different occasions of the yr, you’ll be able to pay for a locker stuffed with firewood earlier than you permit Avalon.
If campfires are allowed whilst you’re there and also you resolve to have one, be certain you perceive secure campfire practices.
Day 2: Black Jack to Two Harbors (8.2 miles)
- Potable Water Availability: At Black Jack Campground, the Airport, and Little Harbor
- Finest 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! The most effective elements 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 a little bit 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 reasonably 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 own home for evening two.
We had campsite LH10, which was proper on the seaside. The most effective web site, 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 state of affairs was over there, so you might need to carry 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’s best to strip off your boots and soak your toes 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 instructed the faucet water right here is mineral-rich and doesn’t style good)
- Finest 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 Middle
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 a number of the finest views of the complete journey.
As you might be approaching Two Harbors you’ll be capable of stand on high of the ridge and actually see each 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 need.
You’ll see the small pier that you just’ll return to 2 days later if you end up able to board the Catalina Specific again to the mainland.
Checking in for the Two Harbors campground might 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 be sure to 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 couple of gallons of water. Keys usually are not a part of your Parson’s Touchdown tenting reservation, so you will want to buy one prematurely or once you get to the Two Harbors Customer Middle. It’s really useful 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 personal. It was a small web site nevertheless with solely sufficient flat house for 1 small tent.
Coin-operated scorching showers can be found in Two Harbors should you really feel such as you want a little bit of a clean-up! (There are chilly showers out there totally free).
Day 4: Two Harbors to Parson’s Touchdown campground by way of 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
- Finest Campsite at Parson’s Touchdown: 1, 2, 8
Leaving Two Harbors, you might have two totally different choices. The primary is to hike via Cat Harbor and proceed up and over the steep Silver Peak Path, which is the official TCT route.
On this route, you’ll achieve 1800 toes of elevation in 3 miles after which drop proper again right down to sea degree 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 the complete means. That is the route we selected in each instructions. It felt a little bit like dishonest, however it meant we had extra time to chill out and revel 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 vehicles. Alongside the way in which, you’ll move just a few youngsters’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 personal seaside.
We obtained 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 nice or dangerous, relying on the time of yr and the way a lot solar you need.
Non-obligatory Hike to Starlight Seaside
From Parson’s, it’s 5 extra miles to Starlight Seaside – 10 miles roundtrip. When 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 people on the path who made it to Starlight and mentioned it was good, however they weren’t certain it was value the additional 10 miles.
When you do resolve to go, be sure to 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 suggest this in the summertime months when the times are longer or should you plan to spend two full nights at Parson’s.
Day 5: Parson’s Touchdown to Two Harbors by way of the street and Lion’s Head (7.7 miles)
You’ve formally accomplished the Trans Catalina Path! Congratulations. Now you simply need to 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 very 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 strain in your muscle tissue soften away.
If you’re feeling you want a while within the precise water it’s also possible to camp one other night at Two Harbors and lease snorkel gear or kayaks for the day.
Depart No Hint on the Trans Catalina Path
There are just a few essential concerns 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 depart your meals unattended. Many of the campsites have fox packing containers (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 photographs 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 hold an eye fixed out for any aggressive conduct.
- There are loos. Please use them! And if nature calls if you end up not close to a rest room, you’ll want to observe Depart No Hint tips for going to the toilet and pack out your bathroom paper.
Trans Catalina Backpacking Gear
Begin with this 3-day backpacking guidelines. Beneath I additionally suggest some particular items of drugs that will probably be useful in your TCT hike.
With the fox packing containers on the campsites, you don’t want a bear canister.
Observe 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.
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