The Trans-Catalina Trail

The Trans-Catalina Trail is the island's backbone, a route of roughly 38 miles that runs from Avalon to the far northwestern coast. It climbs out of town into the interior, follows ridgelines with views of both sides of the island, descends to coves and beaches, passes through Two Harbors and ends near Starlight Beach. Most hikers take three to five days, sleeping at campgrounds along the route, while strong trekkers sometimes finish it faster. Highlights include the grasslands of the central highlands, a chance to see bison and island foxes, the summit area near Mount Orizaba, and the long, lonely sections where the only sound is wind. Permits from the Conservancy are required.

The trail is divided into segments with campgrounds at roughly one-day intervals, including Hermit Gulch near Avalon, Black Jack, Little Harbor, Two Harbors and Parsons Landing. Some sections are steep, with long climbs of several hundred feet, while others are gentle and scenic. The terrain is exposed, with limited shade and plenty of sun, and weather can shift from warm to cold and windy.

Water is available at certain points, but you should plan carefully and check with the Conservancy for current conditions. Trail signs are generally good, and the route is shared with bikers on some sections.Preparation matters. Obtain your trail permit and camping reservations well in advance, particularly for spring and fall, which are the most popular seasons.

Pack light but bring layers, a sun hat, a reliable water filter and a stove, as some camps restrict open fires. Wildlife encounters are usually peaceful, but store food securely, keep your distance from bison, and follow rules on dogs, which are not allowed on much of the island. Spring brings wildflowers, while summer can be very hot, and winter rains can make some sections muddy.

Fire restrictions may be in place in dry periods. Not everyone wants to hike the whole route, and you do not have to. Day hikers can try sections close to Avalon, such as the climb from Hermit Gulch, and the Two Harbors segments give a taste of the backcountry.

Organized events and guided options occasionally run, so check the Conservancy's calendar. Many hikers combine the trail with a few nights in Avalon on either end, using the ferry for access. Whether you walk a mile or all 38, the Trans-Catalina Trail is the best way to understand the scale and wildness of the island.

It rewards patience, preparation and a love of open country. For a first-time backpacker, a guided or supported itinerary can make the trail much more approachable. Several outfitters and island programs offer gear drop-offs, shuttles and even catered camps, so you carry less and enjoy more.

If you prefer to go independent, study the elevation profile, set daily mileage goals and leave buffer time for rest. Training matters: practice carrying a loaded pack on hills before you arrive. The trail also makes an excellent dayhike sampler, and combining a night in Avalon with a one-day section is a sensible compromise.

However you approach it, take photographs, follow the rules and leave nothing but footprints. Watch the forecast closely in the days before you go, because Santa Ana winds in fall can make exposed ridges uncomfortable and raise fire danger, and fog in late spring can obscure the very views you came to see.