Catalina Island is a great place for hiking. It has amazing views, lots of wildlife, and many well-kept trails. It is 22 miles from the Southern California coast and is perfect for people who love nature. The island has more than 165 miles of hiking trails, with mountains, hills, and ocean views. The weather is good for hiking all year, but spring and fall are the best times. The land has steep ridges, deep valleys, and beautiful coastlines, making every hike exciting. Whether you want a short and easy walk, a half-day hike, or a long adventure for several days, there is a trail for you. This guide will help you find the best trails, understand permits and fees, and learn about safety and scenic spots for your trip.
Best Hiking Trails on Catalina Island
1. Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT)
- Length: 38.5 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: Over 9,600 feet
- Time Required: 3-4 days
- Highlights: Sweeping ocean views, rolling hills, remote campsites, bison sightings
- Best For: Experienced hikers looking for a multi-day challenge
The Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT) is the ultimate hiking experience on the island. This rugged, multi-day trek takes hikers across Catalina’s diverse landscapes, including steep ridges, secluded beaches, and open valleys. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter bison, island foxes, and bald eagles soaring overhead. The trail has several designated campsites, and permits are required for overnight stays.
Trail Route & Campsites:
- Avalon to Black Jack Campground (10.7 miles) – A challenging climb leading to Catalina’s highest point, Mt. Orizaba (2,097 feet).
- Black Jack to Little Harbor (8.2 miles) – Descend into a scenic valley with breathtaking coastal views.
- Little Harbor to Two Harbors (5.2 miles) – A shorter but steep hike with stunning ocean views.
- Two Harbors to Parsons Landing (6.7 miles) – A rewarding coastal hike leading to one of the best beachfront campsites on the island.
- Parsons Landing back to Avalon (7.7 miles) – A rugged but scenic return.
Pro Tip: Carry a hydration pack and water filter—water sources are limited along the route. Also, pack high-energy food such as trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit to stay energized throughout your journey.
Interesting Fact: The Catalina Island bison herd was originally introduced in the 1920s for a movie filming project. Today, they are a protected species roaming freely across the island.
2. Hermit Gulch Trail
- Length: 4.4 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Highlights: Views of Avalon, wildflowers, Catalina’s interior
- Best For: A rewarding half-day hike with a moderate climb
Starting near Avalon, the Hermit Gulch Trail is perfect for those who want a moderate hike with stunning panoramic views. After an initial steep climb, hikers are rewarded with spectacular sights of Avalon, the ocean, and Catalina’s rugged terrain.
Pro Tip: The wildflowers are best seen in spring—bring a camera for stunning landscape shots.
Best Time to Hike: March to May, when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are mild.
3. Garden to Sky Trail
- Length: 2.9 miles (out-and-back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Time Required: 1.5-2 hours
- Highlights: 360-degree island views
- Best For: Families and casual hikers looking for a rewarding short hike
This popular trail starts near Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and leads hikers to one of the best viewpoints on Catalina Island. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and the island’s interior.
Pro Tip: Hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for island foxes, a species found only on California’s Channel Islands.
4. East End Loop
- Length: 9.5 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
- Time Required: 4-6 hours
- Highlights: Mountain ridges, solitude, diverse wildlife
- Best For: Hikers looking for a quiet, full-day trek
This challenging loop trail offers some of the most peaceful and remote hiking experiences on Catalina Island. The route passes through mountainous landscapes, rugged cliffs, and open valleys. It’s a great choice for those looking to escape the crowds.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars—you may spot bald eagles nesting in the cliffs.
Elevation Challenge: This trail climbs to some of Catalina’s highest ridges, making it a good endurance test.
Permits and Fees for Hiking
- Hiking Permits: Most trails require a free permit, available from the Catalina Island Conservancy website.
- Camping Permits: Required for overnight stays at Parsons Landing, Black Jack, and Two Harbors campgrounds.
- Ferry or Helicopter Fee: Catalina Island can be reached by ferry from Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro, or via helicopter.
Pro Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during summer and holiday weekends.
Ferry Duration: Most ferry rides take 60-90 minutes from the mainland to Catalina.
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Conclusion
Catalina Island is a great place to hike. It has trails near the ocean, in the mountains, and through quiet valleys. There are easy walks, long hikes, and trails for days of adventure. Some trails lead to beautiful viewpoints, secret beaches, and peaceful campgrounds. You might see bison, island foxes, or even bald eagles while hiking. The weather is nice most of the year, but spring and fall are the best times to go because it is cooler and there are lots of flowers. If you plan to hike, check if you need a permit, carry enough water, and bring food. Hiking on Catalina Island is not just about walking on trails. It is a fun and exciting way to explore nature.
FAQ
1. Do I need a permit for hiking on Catalina Island?
Yes, most trails require a free hiking permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy.
2. What is the best time to hike?
Spring and fall are the best seasons for hiking, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
3. Can I camp on Catalina Island?
Yes, but you need a camping permit. Popular sites include Parsons Landing and Blackjack Campground.
4. How do I get to Catalina Island?
You can take a ferry or helicopter from the mainland.