Education Program

The Summer HIKE is THE adventure on Catalina you’ve been looking for. As the only intimate guided excursion on foot in the Island’s interior, you will find yourself engulfed in the diverse nature and exquisite views either deep in a canyon or high on a ridge. Join a Catalina Conservancy Master Naturalist, and explore the uniqueness of the Catalina landscape.

On your return from the HIKE you will bring home more than memories, you will understand the fragility and resilience of the ecosystem found on Catalina and the importance of working to protect and preserve what you find here and nowhere else in the world.

Come Prepared
Please note that on all HIKES, regardless of difficulty, it is important to wear sturdy shoes. Please provide your own water, a backpack and a bagged lunch. HIKE destinations are subject to change without notice.

Fees
There is a program fee of $35 per person to cover costs. Conservancy members and volunteers are $30 per person. Members at the Explorer Level take an additional 10% off. Members at the Adventurer Level and above take an additional 20% off. Fee is due upon registration.

Reserve Early
Space is a limiting factor on islands and on all HIKES so please call the Education Office to reserve your spot as early as possible. To make a reservation please call the Education Department at (310) 510-0954 or e-mail us. (e-mail address: edu@catalinaconservancy.org)

Scheduled HIKES

Saturday, May 3, 2008
The Phoenix HIKE
HIKE Difficulty: Some rough terrain may be steep and difficult. 5-7 miles
On May 12, 2007, the largest fire on record blazed across Catalina Island. On this hike just a week shy of the fire’s first anniversary, we will explore some of the burn areas as well as some wild lands that were untouched. You will learn how this unique ecosystem is able to recover after fire as well as the critical role that conservation plays in its recovery. Like a Phoenix from the flame, this route will uncover the successes and the challenges that have arisen from the ashes.

Saturday, June 7, 2008
Riparian Rhapsody
HIKE Difficulty: Some rough terrain may be steep and difficult. 5-7 miles
You can almost hear the music of a canyon trail like the one to Ben Weston Beach. The fresh water, the unique plants, dragonflies and damselflies flitting about, and the cool shade in the summer are part of the chorus. Join us on this HIKE and you’ll not only enjoy the canyon, but the destination of a secluded beach. You’ll end the day overlooking the whole canyon from an historic viewpoint above the bluffs of the Windward side of the Island.

Saturday, July 5, 2008
Taking a Closer Look
HIKE Difficulty: Some climbs, moderate. 3-6 miles
The shift of the land around Parson’s Landing shows a unique geological history on Catalina Island as do the cliff sides along the way. There are also unique plants on this route that you can’t see anywhere else in the world. This is a unique chance to have a somewhat relaxed hike on the West end of the Island, while enjoying the beach and taking in some of the most gorgeous views on Catalina, all while learning how we can connect the observations of the landscape to the history of the Island and its future.

Saturday, August 2, 2008
People and Places
HIKE Difficulty: May be off trail, steep, difficult. 5-8 miles
Catalina has a rich and diverse history of people who have lived off of the land. We will step back in time and explore areas of rich wildlife habitat while also examining some important historical sites up close. This HIKE takes us through sycamore groves and stands of unique oak and chaparral communities where we’ll uncover evidence of the old ranching days and the Island’s first human inhabitants. We’ll end the day at the Eagle’s Nest Lodge, a historic stagecoach stop in Middle Canyon.

Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Wild West End
HIKE Difficulty: Extreme, steep, off trail. 8 miles or more
Not for the faint of heart, this long, strenuous HIKE will take us till the early evening, as we encircle the far west end of Catalina Island. Strolling through stands of historic oaks, tackling the rugged topography and soaking in the dramatic views will all be topped off by reaching the top of Silver Peak – the highest point on the west end of the Island. We’ll have the chance to see majestic bald eagles and possibly the elusive Catalina Island Fox in this daylong excursion.