The Trans-Catalina Trail stretches 37.2 miles from the Renton Mine Trailhead on the East End to Starlight Beach on the West End. It winds up hills and down valleys offering spectacular views across the 43,000-acre Nature Preserve of the Catalina Island Conservancy known as Catalina’s “Interior.” Hikers can enjoy the full length of the Trail. Cyclists can take on the challenging East End portion. You may hike a single leg of the Trail, or tackle it in it’s entirety over multiple days. The Catalina Island Conservancy looks forward to welcoming you to explore the wonders of the Trans-Catalina Trail.

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

IMPORTANT TIPS: 
The Trans-Catalina Trail can be very steep, very exposed, and hot during the summer. When planning your journey please carefully consider the following:

• Know your limitations. Don’t attempt hiking or biking the Trail unless you are in good enough physical condition to do so safely.
• Be prepared. Make sure you have comfortable hiking boots, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Potable water is only available on the Trail at Haypress, Black Jack Campground, the Airport and the Isthmus. For sections of the Trail where cycling is permitted, for your safety, a bike with heavy-duty, knobby tires is required (mountain bike).
• Obtain a Hiking Permit before starting out. Hiking Permit information may be found below. Cyclists, see information below regarding Freewheeler Bike Passes.
• Carry a map. Know where you are at on the Trail. Be cognizant of the mile markers along the way.
• Tell family or friends on the mainland where you are going and arrange a check-in time via cell phone so that your welfare is never in question.
• If you get in trouble, call 911 first. Much of the Trail has cell phone access. Calling 911 first, before your battery may go dead, will give rescuers a GPS location of where you are. Make family or friends your second call. 
• Rattlesnakes are native to the Island. Depending on the temperature, they may reside under or on top of warm rocks, or be found curled up by the side of the road. Avoid them.
• Bison can be encountered on all parts of the Trail east of the Isthmus. If you encounter bison, move slowly and steadily around them, keeping at least 150 feet away.

For the safety of hikers, and the enjoyment of cyclists, bikes are permitted on about eight miles of the Trans-Catalina Trail – from along Renton Mine Road, East End Road and Divide Road to Dakin Peak (the microwave tower) on the East End. However, there are nearly 50 miles of dirt roads and nearly 9 miles of paved roads in the interior for mountain bikers to enjoy. Conservancy “Freewheeler” Bike Passes, which include the added benefits of Conservancy membership, can be purchased at Conservancy House in Avalon, the Airport in the Sky and the Visitor’s Center in Two Harbors. Call (310) 510-2595 ext. 100 for more information. Become a Member Now! (includes your Freewheeler Bike Pass) Click here.

Hiking permits are required for all hikers and cyclists who venture into the interior. Hiking permits are free and can be picked up at Conservancy House in Avalon, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, Nature Center at Avalon Canyon, the Airport in the Sky, and the Visitor’s Center at Two Harbors. Call (310) 510-2595 ext. 100 for more information.

CAMPING

Make all camping reservations through the Santa Catalina Island Company or call: 310-510-8368.

Come to the Island prepared. Catalina has many resources, but unlike the mainland, Island resources are limited. Transportation, lodging, food and other necessities that we take for granted, must be planned well in advance. Here is a comprehensive list of resources for hikers who want to venture out into Catalina’s interior. Please visit these sites and make your arrangements before you start your Island adventure.


Avoid carrying your camping gear by taking advantage of these transportation resources:

Catalina Backcountry
Catalina Backcountry offers one-stop shopping to groups that don’t want to be bothered with connecting all the dots. For a fee, Catalina Backcountry will arrange for all transportation to the Island, on-Island transportation, hiking permits and Freewheeler Bike Passes, campsite catering, gear hauling, excursions, hotel reservations, etc. 

Catalina Transportation Services, Inc.
Provides gear transportation from Avalon directly to campsites at Hermit Gulch, Black Jack, Little Harbor and Two Harbors, and campsite to campsite. For information and reservations call (310) 510-0342.


Island transportation services:

Safari Bus
Provides links with the City of Avalon (via the Wildlands Express)  with the village of Two Harbors, including stops at Little Harbor, Airport in the Sky, and the trailhead for Black Jack Junction. For more information and reservations call (310) 510-2800. 

Wildlands Express Airport Shuttle
Provides transportation from Avalon to Haypress Picnic Ground, Black Jack Campground and the Airport in the Sky. For information and reservations call (310) 510-0143.

Afishinados Charters
Provides transportation by sea to and from Avalon, Two Harbors and Parsons Landing. For information and reservations call (323) 447-4669.

Shore Boats are available from Two Harbors to Emerald Bay all year long. However charter reservations are required. To schedule a shore boat, call Two Harbors Harbor Department at (310) 510-4253.


Get the resources you need during your hike:

DC-3 Gifts and Grill
The campers' and hikers' resource! We are just minutes from the Trans Catalina Trail at the Airport in the Sky and are open every day of the year for breakfast and lunch. Stop in for snacks, drinks, supplies, Catalina souvenirs, a rest on the patio or by the fireplace or just to use the restroom. Individual hikers or small groups can call ahead to work with our Grill Crew to plan the perfect meal that can be picked up at the DC-3 Gifts & Grill for you to cook at your next campsite. Food can be delivered directly to campsites at Black Jack and Little Harbor for groups of 20 or more. Call (310) 510-2196.

How to Get to Catalina Island