Catalina Bison Expedition

Few people expect bison on an island off California, yet that is exactly what makes the interior tour so memorable. Roughly 14 bison were brought to Catalina in 1924 for a silent film shoot and stayed, and today a managed herd of roughly 150 animals roams the central ridges, grasslands and canyons. The bison expedition takes you out of Avalon in a rugged open or windowed vehicle, climbs a winding road to the high country, and searches the hills with a naturalist guide. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the scenery is a reward in itself: ocean on both sides, wild hillsides, and views stretching toward the mainland on clear days.

The interior is a different world from the waterfront. Roads climb through chaparral and oak woodland, past the old reservoir, and out onto grassy ridgelines where the wind blows steadily. Guides stop at viewpoints to explain the island's ecology, history and the Conservancy's role in protecting about 88 percent of the land.

You may see island foxes, mule deer, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and, if the season is right, a spectacular spread of wildflowers. The tour often includes a stop at the Airport in the Sky, a small airfield with a cafe and an airy view of the island's spine, where hikers, bikers and tourists mix.Bison behavior shapes the day.

The animals tend to move between grazing areas, shade and water depending on temperature and season, so guides use local knowledge to find them. When you do spot the herd, vehicles keep a safe distance, and guides discuss how the herd is managed, including contraception programs designed to keep numbers sustainable. Photography is excellent, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft.

Bring binoculars if you have them, and a zoom lens helps, but even a phone camera captures the scale of the landscape.Practical advice: dress in layers, since the interior is often cooler and windier than Avalon, bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen, and wear closed shoes.

The roads are bumpy, so travelers with back problems should be cautious. Book the earliest tour of the day if you want cooler weather and active wildlife. Combine this tour with a visit to the Wrigley Memorial to see another side of the Conservancy's work, or choose a longer backcountry journey, such as the trip to Island's End, if you want to see more of the island. Tours may be adjusted for road conditions, fire danger or weather, so check the details at booking and keep your plans flexible.The tour is also a conservation lesson.

Guides explain that bison are not native to the island, that their numbers affect native plants, and that the Conservancy balances preservation, ecology and visitor interest. You may see the herd in various configurations, from a lone bull standing on a ridge to groups of cows with calves in spring.

It is a good moment to talk about leaving no trace, staying on marked roads and respecting animals' space. Many visitors say the quiet moments, with the wind in the grass and no sound but birds, are the best part of the trip, and a reminder of why this island was protected.