Beyond the bison route lies a bigger island, and the backcountry tours are the way to see it. The Journey to Island's End heads deep into the western interior along rough roads that run high above the sea, passing viewpoints, grasslands, canyons and the quiet coves that only a few people ever reach. The shorter Journey to Frog Rock climbs to a ridge named for a rock formation that resembles a frog, offering broad views over the island's central spine. Both tours use rugged vehicles, expert guides and long stretches of unspoiled country, and they suit travelers who want more than the town and a taste of the wild, empty Catalina that the Conservancy protects.
The landscape changes mile by mile. The roads climb out of Avalon through scrub and oak, pass the central highlands with their grasses and windswept ridges, then descend toward the western end, where the Pacific opens in every direction. Guides stop to explain how ranching, mining, military use and conservation shaped the terrain. On a clear day you can see San Clemente Island to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, and the sunsets from the high points are unforgettable.
Wildlife includes bison, foxes, deer and a wide variety of birds, and spring brings blankets of poppies and other wildflowers.These tours are longer and rougher than the standard bison trip, so come prepared.
Bring a jacket, since the interior can be cold and windy, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and a snack. Motion sickness medication is a good idea for those who are susceptible, and travelers with back or neck issues should consider a shorter option. Because the tours go far from town, they depend on weather and road conditions, and operators may reroute or cancel for fire risk, rain or mud.
Book early in your trip so you have a chance to reschedule if needed.The Island's End tour pairs well with an overnight in Two Harbors, which lets you see the western end without rushing back.
Others combine a backcountry day with a quiet evening in Avalon, finishing with dinner and a stroll. If you are choosing between tours, think about your priorities: the bison expedition is shorter and more focused on wildlife, while Island's End emphasizes distance and scenery. Photographers and nature lovers usually prefer the longer route, and families with older children who tolerate a bumpy ride often enjoy it.
Whichever you pick, the sense of space and silence is the real reward, and it is difficult to find a more different experience within an hour of Los Angeles.Cost and value deserve a mention.
These long tours are among the more expensive activities on the island, so consider how they fit your budget and priorities. Small groups, knowledgeable guides and exclusive access to remote roads are the main selling points. If you are on a tight budget, the shorter interior tour and the hike to the Wrigley Memorial offer a good taste of the landscape for less.
If you have a special occasion, a clear day and a taste for solitude, the journey to the island's far end is hard to match, and it will change how you think about this place.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day journey by rugged vehicle on interior roads, with viewpoints, wildlife stops and commentary on the island's history and ecology.
Best time
Spring for wildflowers; clear mornings and late afternoons for views.
How long
Roughly four to five hours.
Tips
Bring layers, water and snacks, and take motion sickness medication if needed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travelers who want to see far more of the island than Avalon.
- Families
- Best for older children who can handle a long, bumpy ride.
- Couples
- Dramatic landscapes and quiet scenic stops.
- Pair with
- A night in Two Harbors or a sunset dinner in Avalon.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is Island's End?+
The wild western tip of Catalina, reached by long interior roads with sweeping views.
What is Frog Rock?+
A rock formation along a ridge that resembles a frog, a popular viewpoint on interior tours.
Are these tours rough?+
Yes, roads are winding and unpaved in places, so they suit travelers who are comfortable with a bumpy ride.
What wildlife might I see?+
Bison, foxes, deer, hawks and eagles, plus spring wildflowers.
Can weather cancel them?+
Yes. Rain, fog or fire risk can lead to changes, so keep dates flexible.