Take a Hike!
Historic 37.2-Mile Trans-Catalina Trail
Links Island's East and West Ends for Hikers/Cyclists
Hikers are now able to travel virtually the entire length of the Island on a dedicated walking path - the 37.2-mile-long "Trans-Catalina Trail." Cyclists will also be able to enjoy nearly the entire lengths of the Island, using multi-use portions of the Trail and alternate routes.
Native Americans, explorers, and trappers have all blazed trails on Catalina. A network of horse trails from the time of cattle and sheep ranching on the Island exist as well. Many of these "original" trails were undoubtedly converted to the Island's modern road and trail system.
Hikers are now able to travel virtually the entire length of the Island on a dedicated walking path - the 37.2-mile-long "Trans-Catalina Trail." Cyclists are also able to enjoy nearly the entire lengths of the Island, using multi-use portions of the Trail and alternate routes.
Click on the map for a high res version
The eastern most trail head is the Renton Mine Trail that begins east of the town of Avalon. Once up on the Divide Road, hikers have a bald eagle's eye view both sides of the Island. Continuing on past the Haypress Recreation Area, hikers are treated two sweeping views of Middle Canyon and Cape Canyon before reaching the beautiful Black Jack Campground. From Blackjack Campground, the trail leads hikers through Cottonwood Canyon to the Airport in the Sky where refreshments and supplies can be enjoyed before the downhill trek down Sheep Chute Canyon to the Little Harbor Campgrounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the windward side of the Island.
Los Angeles County Supervisor and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Don Knabe and Catalina Island Conservancy President and CEO Ann Muscat share a thumbs-up with students from the Avalon Schools at the opening of the Trans-Catalina Trail, Saturday, April 4.
The Trans-Catalina Trail continues north to the colorful boating community of Two Harbors at the Island's isthmus. There hikers can take advantage of the campgrounds at Two Harbors, or even splurge on a hot meal at the restaurant, or pick up more supplies at the general store. The trail continues west through the heart of the West End where hikers can enjoy the magnificent solitude that this part of the Island evokes. Trail's end is at remote Starlight Beach.
"The Trans-Catalina Trail represents a new level of access to the Island's interior for hikers and campers who enjoy the beauty and solitude of Catalina's wildlands," said Ann Muscat, Conservancy President and CEO. "This new route across the Island will provide the Conservancy with many opportunities to share the Island's story with the public, "she said. "The Trans-Catalina Trail is the Island's gift to hikers and nature lovers alike."
Muscat added, "Whether hikers walk the entire 37.2 miles in three or four days, or just one or two sections, they will have a renewed appreciation of the Island's natural resources."
Conservancy Trails Supervisor Kevin Ryan checks out a part of the Trail near Cape Canyon Reservoir.
Along the Trail, hikers will experience sweeping vistas of both sides of the Island and be challenged by Catalina's rugged terrain. They will have a very good chance to see herds of bison that are fascinating to watch - from a distance and all manner of endemic and native birds and animals including the Beechy ground squirrel, Catalina quail, Catalina Island fox and bald eagles.
There are several places to comfortably camp along the way including Black Jack Campground at an elevation of 1,500 feet, Little Harbor Campground with its beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, Two Harbors Campground at the Isthmus, and remote Parsons Landing on the Island's west end.
Hikers enjoy stunning Island views. These Trail enthusiasts are walking westward along the Trans-Catalina Trail from Parsons Landing to Two Harbors.
Kevin Ryan, Conservancy Trails Supervisor, said that the original design layout for the Trans- Catalina Trail took into consideration existing bison trails that were surveyed for suitable routes between campgrounds. These routes were designed keeping in mind topography, soil types, erosion problems, fragile habitats, sensitive species, scenic value, safety factors, invasive plant issues, and unique historical, cultural, and environmental features.
Aiding Ryan in the Trail's construction were summer interns, Island students from the Rose Ellen Gardner Internship program, many volunteer groups and the Conservancy's Facilities Department.
All hikers into the Island's interior must have a hiking permit. Hiking permits are free, and may be picked up at Conservancy House, 125 Clarissa Street in Avalon, at the Airport in the Sky, and at the Visitor's Center at Two Harbors. Camping reservations can be made by calling (310) 510-8368 or clicking here.
Trans-Catalina Trail Overview
Trans-Catalina Trail Leg |
Estimated Hiking Time |
Elevation Change* |
Degree of Difficulty |
Renton Mine Road Trail Head to Hermit Gulch Summit |
3 - 6 hours |
1328 ft. |
Class II |
Hermit Gulch Trail Head to Hermit Gulch Summit |
1 - 2 hours |
1206 ft. |
Class III |
Hermit Gulch Summit to Haypress Turn-off |
30 min. - 1 hour |
48 ft. |
Class I |
Haypress Turn-off to Haypress Reservoir |
15 - 30 min. |
214 ft. |
Class I |
Haypress Reservoir to KBRT Road |
45 min. - 1.5 hours |
174 ft. |
Class II |
KBRT Road to Middle Ranch Road |
15 - 30 min. |
342 ft. |
Class II |
Middle Ranch Road to Cape Canyon Reservoir |
45 min. - 1.5 hours |
344 ft. |
Class III |
Cape Canyon Reservoir to Black Jack Campground |
30 min. - 1 hour |
412 ft. |
Class II |
Black Jack Campground to Airport |
1 - 2 hours |
168 ft. |
Class II |
Airport to Little Harbor |
1.5 - 2.5 hours |
1586 ft. |
Class I |
Little Harbor to Two Harbors |
2 - 3.5 hours |
1212 ft. |
Class II |
Two Harbors to Parsons Landing |
3 - 6 hours |
1728 ft. |
Class III |
Parsons Landing to Starlight Beach |
2 - 4 hours |
666 ft. |
Class I |
* (between lowest and highest point within leg)
Class I - Relatively flat, easy
Class II - Some Climbs, moderate
Class III - Some rough terrain, may be steep, difficult
Note: On almost every part of the trail there are rattlesnakes, bison, and poison oak, loose rocks and fallen branches. Please close any gate you may have to open. Fencing and gates are intended to prevent wildlife from entering and eating new plant growth. Be aware of traffic on any leg of the trail that is also a road.
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