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Positioned 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 your entire island with wonderful beachfront tenting, some difficult climbs, continuous views, solitude (in November once I hiked), and even a few eating places alongside the best way.
I grew up going to Catalina, so once I discovered in regards to the Trans Catalina Path, I knew I needed to do it. So I organized journey for Ryan, myself, and one other good friend, and we spent 5 days transversing the hillsides and coastlines of this California treasure.
It was a incredible 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 also be a visit you are able to do lengthy after backpacking season is usually over within the mountains. On this publish, I share the whole lot you want to find out about mountain climbing your entire Trans Catalina Path.
Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please observe good path etiquette and bear in mind to Depart No Hint. 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 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 following part)
- Variety of Really helpful Nights: 4 nights / 5 days (minimal)
- Cell Service: Sporadic
TransCatalina Path Map
The total path 38.5 miles. Hikers usually 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 is not any stroll within the park — it’s laborious. Over the course of the journey, there may be loads of up, down, up, down – in complete over 7,940 toes in elevation acquire/loss.
There’s additionally a number of solar publicity and no shade alongside the path, which means it may well get highly regarded in peak summer season months so be sure you deliver 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 well worth the problem. There are additionally some various route choices you’ll be able to take if you wish to keep away from a number of the elevation acquire and loss or when you merely don’t have sufficient time for your entire route (I share some various itineraries beneath).
This isn’t a standard wilderness backpacking journey. A number of the hike is true 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. Nevertheless, I nonetheless suggest selecting 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 through 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 be sure you carry a duplicate with you. (See extra about tenting beneath)
You don’t want an extra allow until you’ll be day mountain climbing on the island, and in that case, you’ll have to request a free allow.
The most well-liked TCT backpacking itinerary is 5 days/4 nights. Should you’re an skilled hiker, you would do it in 4 days. See extra about planning your itinerary beneath.
There isn’t any potable water on the path in between the campgrounds, however water is on the market at Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Two Harbors campgrounds. For the final night time at Parson’s, you’ll have to buy a locker key that provides you entry to a 2-gallon jug of water.
I like to recommend that while you hit the path every morning, you’ve at the very least 3-4 liters of water for the day.
Greatest time of 12 months to hike the TCT
Catalina Island usually sees greater than 260 days of solar per 12 months.
My suggestion is to hike between September by way of early November for probably the most snug temperatures and the best probability of sunshine.
- Spring: It is a superbly 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 season months might be highly regarded and dry. There isn’t any 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: Comfy temps and plenty of sunshine. The one draw back of the autumn months is that the panorama may be very brown.
- Winter: Many of the rainfall on Catalina Island happens between December and March, and when it rains in California, it may well pour. These months are the riskiest for climate, however then once more, you would luck out.
You’ll have heard the saying “Might Grey, June Gloom” for California. Throughout these months, there’s an excellent likelihood Catalina will probably be engulfed in fog. Mountain climbing temperatures will probably be snug, however you could not get the sunny California views you’re hoping for.
Planning your journey
Backpacking the Trans Catalina Path does take an excellent little bit of planning between getting there, making campsite reservations, and packing all the mandatory gear.
Beneath I dive into the whole lot you want to find out about planning your TCT journey.
Selecting an itinerary
The Trans Catalina Path might be executed in 3-5 days. A 3-day trek will probably be fairly difficult with numerous elevation acquire and longer days.
We needed 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 here are three completely 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 (think about 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 am 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 a number of various 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 probably the most scenic part of the path. Little Harbor can also be rated “One of many Greatest Campgrounds within the West” by Sundown Journal. This might be a easy 1-2 night time 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 a fantastic base camp for a few nights, with a day hike to Starlight Seashore.
Making campsite reservations
There isn’t any free/dispersed tenting on Catalina Island, so you want to make campground reservations earlier than you begin your journey.
Campsites do e book up in the course of 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 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 e book your Catalina Island campsites on-line. Remember that since you’ll be staying at a special campsite every night time, you’ll want a separate reservation for every night time.
You may as well reserve all your campsites over the telephone. Earlier than you name, browse the official web site which has a ton of details about every campsite. When you recognize which internet sites you need, the reservation specialists will help arrange your itinerary over the telephone primarily based on availability in your total journey. To e book a reservation over the telephone, name (310) 510-4205.
Campground Facilities: All the campgrounds have chemical bathrooms 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 Heart which will provide 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 massive marine life like whales and dolphins in the course of the 60-90 minute boat trip.
Bear in mind that the seas can get tough, so in case you are susceptible to seasickness, plan forward. I extremely suggest taking ginger tablets for seasickness and sporting Sea Bands.
There are two ferry operators that provide every day departures to Catalina Island:
- Catalina Categorical gives every day departures to Avalon from Lengthy Seashore, San Pedro, and Dana Level. Nevertheless, they solely present service to San Pedro from Two Harbors in your return journey.
- Catalina Flyer gives every day departures to Avalon from Newport Seashore. They don’t provide ferry service to/from Two Harbors.
Another choice for attending to Catalina Island is a 15-minute helicopter trip from Lengthy Seashore to Avalon which runs as much as $179 per individual every manner.
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 attainable. The earliest ferry leaves Lengthy Seashore 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 bear in mind, you’ve an 11-mile day forward of you so time is of the essence!
- Alternatively, if can depart the night time earlier than and keep in a resort if it’s in your price range. Avalon has a restricted variety of inns 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 Categorical doesn’t run on daily basis from Two Harbors to San Pedro, so be sure you examine 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.
Should you don’t need to sail to San Pedro from Two Harbors, the Wildland Categorical 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 a lot of the path was nicely marked, there have been a number of areas the place we received confused on the route, so having a tough copy of the map completely got here in helpful.
The map additionally signifies the situation 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
- Greatest Campsite at Black Jack: #1 (most secluded)
We opted to take an early ferry from Lengthy Seashore. As soon as we received to Avalon, our first cease was the Catalina Conservancy workplace (it’s on the best way to the trailhead). There, we grabbed a map, discovered somewhat bit in regards to the wildlife and island, and requested our last-minute questions in regards to the route. (Notice that they don’t open until 8:00 am).
Subsequent, we stuffed up water on the town at one among a number of spigots. Additionally, when you want any last-minute forgotten objects there may be Vons Categorical proper down the street from the ferry terminal. Nevertheless, it’s not like an enormous grocery retailer on the mainland and it’s costly, so that you’ll need to deliver most of what you propose on consuming with you. Try this publish 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 received a late begin on the path.
To shave off somewhat 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 mountain climbing.
On the time of our go to, no campfires have been allowed as a consequence of extreme drought circumstances. Nevertheless, at different instances of the 12 months, you’ll be able to pay for a locker filled with firewood earlier than you permit Avalon.
If campfires are allowed whilst you’re there and also you resolve to have one, make sure 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
- Greatest 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 components of at present’s hike is that you simply get a fast break after a brief 2.25 miles while 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 somewhat greater than 5 miles to Little Harbor. Alongside the best way, 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 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’re getting near Little Harbor which consists of two attractive tiny coves – Shark Harbor and Little Harbor – your own home for night time two.
We had campsite LH10, which was proper on the seashore. The perfect web site, for my part, 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 need to deliver 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 greatest 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 have been advised the faucet water right here is mineral-rich and doesn’t style good)
- Greatest Campsite at Two Harbors: 11, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- For Firewood at Two Harbors: Buy while you examine in on the Two Harbors Guests Heart
After leaving Little Harbor, the hike to Two Harbors is not any joke — it’s a tough vertical climb, however you’ll be rewarded with a number of the greatest views of your entire journey.
As you’re approaching Two Harbors you’ll be capable to stand on high of the ridge and actually see either 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 simply’ll return to 2 days later if you find yourself able to board the Catalina Categorical again to the mainland.
Checking in for the Two Harbors campground might be accomplished on the little constructing connected 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 is no such thing as a potable water at Parson’s so you want to 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 will not be a part of your Parson’s Touchdown tenting reservation, so you will have to buy one upfront or while you get to the Two Harbors Customer Heart. It’s really helpful that you simply plan for 1 gallon of water per day per individual.
We had Website #11 at Two Harbors, which had a incredible view and felt pretty non-public. It was a small web site nonetheless with solely sufficient flat house for 1 small tent.
Coin-operated sizzling showers can be found in Two Harbors when you really feel such as you want a little bit of a clean-up! (There are chilly showers out there free of charge).
Day 4: Two Harbors to Parson’s Touchdown campground through the TCT (6.6 miles)
- Potable Water Availability: For Parson’s Touchdown, you’ll have to 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
- Greatest Campsite at Parson’s Touchdown: 1, 2, 8
Leaving Two Harbors, you’ve two completely different choices. The primary is to hike by way of 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 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 your entire manner. That is the route we selected in each instructions. It felt somewhat like dishonest, however it meant we had extra time to chill out and luxuriate 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 best way, you’ll cross a number of 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 seashore.
We received fortunate with web site 1 which had probably the most safety from the wind and was very non-public. It was additionally the shadiest, which is nice or dangerous, relying on the time of 12 months and the way a lot solar you need.
Elective Hike to Starlight Seashore
From Parson’s, it’s 5 extra miles to Starlight Seashore – 10 miles roundtrip. Should 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 value the additional 10 miles.
Should you do resolve to go, be sure to 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 when 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 must 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 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 outdoors on the patio bar and let all the stress in your muscle groups 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 lease snorkel gear or kayaks for the day.
Depart No Hint on the Trans Catalina Path
There are a number of vital concerns along with your typical Depart No Hint suggestions 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 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 strategy them for pictures 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 habits.
- There are bogs. Please use them! And if nature calls if you find yourself not close to a toilet, be sure you comply with 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 substances that will probably be useful in your TCT hike.
With the fox packing containers on the campsites, you don’t want a bear canister.
Notice that in November, evenings have been very chilly. I used to be completely satisfied to have a beanie, lengthy pants, and a heat jacket for the evenings.
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