| First, get to Avalon via Catalina Express, Newport Flyer, Island Express Helicopter Service, or Airport in the Sky. There are two trailheads in Avalon. The first is the true trailhead at Renton Mine Road. Due to the road closure on Pebbly Beach Road, the Renton Mine Trail portion of the Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT) has to be accessed via Wrigley Road. From Conservancy House, go south on Clarissa, left on Beacon, right on Clemente then left on Wrigley Road. Follow the road past the Inn at Mt. Ada, then a right on Renton Mine Road. A TCT sign marks the Road. Renton Mine Road turns into East End Road which becomes Divide Road. |
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The second trailhead out of Avalon begins at the Hermit Gulch Campgrounds in Avalon Canyon. The Hermit Gulch Trail will take you up to Divide Road. Follow the TCT through Haypress, past Middle Ranch Road, past Cape Canyon to the Black Jack Campground. Node 1: Avalon to Black Jack Node 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor Node 3: Little Harbors to Two Harbors Node 4: Two Harbors to Parsons Landing Node 5: Parsons Landing to Starlight Beach Hiking Tips: Stock up on water and trail food in Avalon. Have your heavier camping equipment and extra food delivered by the Black Jack Campground via Catalina Transportation Services. Have your meal at Black Jack Campground catered by DC-3 Gifts and Grill. |
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| Trans-Catalina Trail Leg | Distance in Miles | Estimated Hiking Time | Elevation Change | Degree of Difficulty |
| Renton Mine Road Trail Head to Hermit Gulch Summit | 6.44 | 3 – 6 hrs. | 1328 ft. | Class II |
| Hermit Gulch Trailhead to Hermit Gulch Summit | 1.66 | 1– 2 hrs. | 1206 ft. | Class III |
| Hermit Gulch Summit to Haypress Turn-off | 1.6 | 1 – 2 hrs. | 1206 ft. | Class III |
| Haypress Turn-off to Haypress Reservoir | 1.58 | 30 min. – 1 hr. | 48 ft. | Class I |
| Haypress Turn-off to Haypress Reservoir | 0.68 | 15 – 30 min. | 214 ft. | Class I |
| Haypress Reservoir to KBRT Road | 1.71 | 45 min. – 1.5 hrs. | 174 ft. | Class II |
| KBRT Road to Middle Ranch Road | 0.61 | 15 – 30 min. | 342 ft. | Class II |
| Middle Ranch Road to Cape Canyon Reservoir | 1.64 | 45 min. – 1.5 hrs. | 344 ft. | Class III |
| Cape Canyon Reservoir to Black Jack Campground | 1.30 | 30 min. – 1 hr. | 412 ft. | Class II |