Situated solely 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is an inhabited island that provides wonderful 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 the complete island with wonderful 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 concerning 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 unbelievable journey that I’d extremely suggest for anybody who’s on the lookout for out of doors journey in Southern California. Backpacking the Trans Catalina Path can be a visit you are able to do lengthy after backpacking season is usually over within the mountains. On this submit, I share all the things you’ll want to learn about mountain climbing the complete Trans Catalina Path.
Because it goes in all the locations we share, please apply good trail etiquette and keep in mind to Leave No Trace. 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 toes
- Problem: Difficult
- Days wanted: 2-5 days
- Canine Allowed: Sure (aside 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 beneath for itinerary choices.
the Trans Catalina Path isn’t any stroll within the park — it’s laborious. Over the course of the journey, there’s loads of up, down, up, down – in complete over 7,940 toes in elevation acquire/loss.
There’s additionally a whole lot of solar publicity and no shade alongside the path, that means it could get highly regarded in peak summer time months so be sure you convey sun protection.
With that being mentioned, 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 different route choices you’ll be able to take if you wish to keep away from among the elevation acquire 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 normal retailer, restaurant, and bar.
Sure, the TCT is well-marked. Nonetheless, I nonetheless suggest selecting up a map on the Catalina Island Conservancy store the place you should purchase an in depth Trans Catalina Island Trail map.
This one-way path might be traveled in both route, 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 route, the views and solitude solely enhance as you hike.
Your tenting reservations will function your allow to hike the Trans Catalina Path, so be sure you carry a duplicate with you. (See extra about tenting beneath)
You don’t want an extra allow until you can be day mountain climbing on the island, and in that case, you’ll must request a free permit.
The preferred TCT backpacking itinerary is 5 days/4 nights. In case you’re an skilled hiker, you may do it in 4 days. See extra about planning your itinerary beneath.
There is no such thing as 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 offers you entry to a 2-gallon jug of water.
I like to recommend that whenever you hit the path every morning, you’ve got a minimum of 3-4 liters of water for the day.
Finest 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 via early November for essentially the most snug temperatures and the very best chance of sunshine.
- Spring: It is a fantastically vibrant time to hike with inexperienced hillsides and a path filled with wildflowers. Views could also be obscured by fog.
- Summer season: With an absence of shade on the path, the summer time months might 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 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 may 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 you could 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 required gear.
Beneath I dive into all the things you’ll want to learn about planning your TCT journey.
Selecting an itinerary
The Trans Catalina Path might be carried out 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 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 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 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 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 below 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 buddies 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 could be a easy 1-2 evening getaway.
- Another 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 incredible 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’ll want to make campground reservations earlier than you begin your journey.
Campsites do guide up through the busy summer time 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 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 may book your Catalina Island campsites online. Take into account that since you can be staying at a special campsite every evening, you’ll want a separate reservation for every evening.
It’s also possible to reserve all your campsites over the cellphone. Earlier than you name, browse the official website which has a ton of details about every campsite. When which websites you need, the reservation specialists may help arrange your itinerary over the cellphone based mostly on availability on your total 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 may select to buy a key at Two Harbors Customer’s Middle 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 huge marine life like whales and dolphins through the 60-90 minute boat trip.
Remember that the seas can get tough, so in case you are susceptible to seasickness, plan forward. I extremely recommend taking ginger pills for seasickness and carrying Sea Bands.
There are two ferry operators that supply each day departures to Catalina Island:
- Catalina Express gives each day departures to Avalon from Lengthy Seaside, San Pedro, and Dana Level. Nonetheless, they solely present service to San Pedro from Two Harbors on your return journey.
- Catalina Flyer gives 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 ride from Lengthy Seaside to Avalon which runs as much as $179 per individual every means.
FERRY TIMINGS: There are a few choices for timing your ferry rides to and from Catalina.
Arrival: You might 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 Seaside 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 keep in mind, you’ve got an 11-mile day forward of you so time is of the essence!
- Alternatively, if can go away the evening earlier than and keep in a resort if it’s in your funds. Avalon has a restricted variety of hotels to select from. It’s also possible to camp for an evening within the Hermit Gulch Campground which is only a quick stroll from Avalon.
Departure: The Catalina Categorical doesn’t run day-after-day from Two Harbors to San Pedro, so be sure you check 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 Express 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 select up an in depth Trans Catalina Island Path map.
Whereas a lot 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 useful.
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
- 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 bit bit concerning the wildlife and island, and requested our last-minute questions concerning the route. (Observe that they don’t open until 8:00 am).
Subsequent, we crammed up water on the town at certainly one of a number of spigots. Additionally, should you want any last-minute forgotten objects there’s Vons Categorical proper down the street from the ferry terminal. Nonetheless, it’s not like a giant grocery retailer on the mainland and it’s costly, so that you’ll wish to convey most of what you intend on consuming with you. Take a look at this submit on Lightweight Vegan Backpacking Food Ideas for my favourite simple 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 bit 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, sun protection, 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 on account of extreme drought situations. Nonetheless, 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 when you’re there and also you resolve to have one, make certain you perceive safe 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! Probably the greatest elements of at this time’s hike is that you simply get a fast break after a brief 2.25 miles whenever 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 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 dwelling 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 own home for evening two.
We had campsite LH10, which was proper on the seaside. The perfect web site, in my view, was LH12, which was beachfront and had extra privateness.
For max solitude, snag one of many spots subsequent door at Shark Harbor – LH Shark A, B, or C. I’m unsure what the water state of affairs was over there, so you could 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, you need 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 informed 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 whenever you examine in on the Two Harbors Guests Middle
After leaving Little Harbor, the hike to Two Harbors isn’t any joke — it’s a tough vertical climb, however you’ll be rewarded with among 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.
If 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 simply’ll return to 2 days later if you end up able to board the Catalina Categorical 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 affirm your Parson’s Touchdown campsite and get your Parson’s storage key for water/firewood. As a reminder, there isn’t any potable water at Parson’s so you’ll want to be sure 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 are usually not a part of your Parson’s Touchdown tenting reservation, so you will want to buy one upfront or whenever you get to the Two Harbors Customer Middle. It’s really useful that you simply plan for 1 gallon of water per day per individual.
We had Website #11 at Two Harbors, which had a unbelievable 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 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 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’ve got 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 acquire 1800 toes 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 possibility 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 bit like dishonest, nevertheless it meant we had extra time to calm down 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 automobiles. Alongside the way in which, you’ll go 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 will 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 sweet or dangerous, relying on the time of 12 months and the way a lot solar you need.
Optionally available 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 mentioned it was good, however they weren’t positive it was price the additional 10 miles.
In case you do resolve to go, be sure 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 should 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 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.
Ensure you 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 a minimum of 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 outdoors on the patio bar and let all the stress in your muscular tissues soften away.
If you’re feeling you want a while within the precise water you can too 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 just a few vital issues along with your typical Leave No Trace recommendations when backpacking the Trans Catalina Path:
- There’s 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’ll be able to safely retailer your meals and water.
- The bison are harmful! Don’t strategy them for photographs or some 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 habits.
- There are bogs. Please use them! And if nature calls if you end up not close to a toilet, be sure you follow Leave No Trace guidelines for going to the bathroom and pack out your bathroom paper.
Trans Catalina Backpacking Gear
Begin with this 3-day backpacking checklist. Beneath I additionally suggest some particular items of drugs that can be useful in your TCT hike.
With the fox 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, long pants, and a warm jacket for the evenings.
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