Trans-Catalina Trail
The Trans Catalina Trail offers a unique hiking experience unlike any other trail in the world. Experience scenic views of mountains, forests, beaches and endemic wildlife on 38.5 miles of trail.
Plan Your Trans-Catalina Adventure
A mandatory hiking permit is required for all hikers and is free through the Conservancy. This allows rangers to contact hikers in the event of danger, such as wildfire, damaging winds or expected heavy rains. Complete your permit here.
Note that cell service is limited or unavailable throughout much of the trail, so consider bringing a satellite transmitter in case of emergency.
When to Hike
The trail is accessible year-round but each season offers a different experience.
- Spring and fall are the most temperate months for hiking. Be prepared for the possibility of rain in the spring.
- Summer offers more daylight hours but the high daytime heat can increase the risk of dehydration and sunburn. Pack appropriately and plan to hike earlier in the day.
- Winter has a higher risk for rain, which can make trails muddy or even result in closures. Nighttime lows can plummet to 40 degrees F, so pack appropriately.
Determine Hike Duration
Three Days, Two Nights (Very Challenging)
This schedule is very aggressive and should only be attempted by experienced hikers with good athletic ability.
Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack (11 miles)
– Overnight at Black Jack Camp
Day 2: Black Jack to Two Harbors (13 miles with heavy elevation gain and loss)
– Overnight at Two Harbors Camp
Day 3: Two Harbors to Parson’s Landing to Two Harbors (14.3 miles)
– Ferry back
Four Days, Three Nights (Moderately Challenging)
This is less challenging than the 3-night option but still involves one long day of hiking. Only consider this schedule if you are experienced and in good physical shape.
Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack (11 miles)
– Overnight at Black Jack Camp
Day 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor (8 miles)
– Overnight at Little Harbor Camp
Day 3: Little Harbor to Parsons Landing (11.5 miles)
– Overnight at Parsons Landing Camp
Day 4: Parsons Landing to Two Harbors (6.5 miles)
– Ferry back
Five Days, Four Nights (Moderately Challenging with Leisure Time)
For hikers who want to spend more time at campsites, this is the best option. It is still challenging but offers added time for leisure.
Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack (11 miles)
– Overnight at Black Jack Camp
Day 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor (8 miles)
– Overnight at Little Harbor Camp
Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors (5 miles)
– Overnight at Two Harbors Camp
Day 4: Two Harbors to Parsons Landing (6.5 miles)
– Overnight at Parsons Landing Camp
Day 5: Parsons Landing to Two Harbors (6.5 miles)
– Ferry back
Milemarkers
Plan out access to resources along the hiking path (in order from Avalon).
Mile 3
A sun shelter and bathroom are located at the top of Hermit Gulch Trail (near mile 3) .
Mile 5.6
First water station after Avalon is at Haypress Reservoir. There also bathrooms and water with picnic area here.
Mile 10.7
Black Jack Camp features water stations, bathrooms and outdoor shower.
Mile 12.75
After passing soapstone quarry, arrive at the Airport in the Sky (mile 12.75) to access food for sale at the restaurant (open daily 8:30 am to 4 pm), water stations and bathrooms.
Mile 18.9
A sun shelter is available between the airport and Little Harbor, where bathrooms and a water station are accessible.
Mile 24.2
From Little Harbor to Two Harbors, there is only one shelter. The next bathroom and water station are in Two Harbors (mile 24.2). Coin operated showers and bathrooms are located here. Two Harbors campground has cold water showers and portapotties. There is no water station between Two Harbors and Parson’s Landing, so be sure to fill up in Two Harbors. There will be a few sun shelters between these two.
Mile 30.8
Parson’s Landing has no running water. Purchase keys to lockers that have gallons of water and firewood. There is only a pit toilet here.
Mile 35.6
A bathroom and shade structure are available at Lion Head.
Logistics
- Plan and book campsites as early as possible (best to book in January). They fill up quickly and it can be difficult for hikers to schedule the campsites they need over consecutive days (Black Jack > Little Harbor > Two Harbors > Parson’s Landing). If they are booked on the dates you wish to hike, consider the reverse route.
- To reach the trail, you must reserve a boat ticket to the Island. Visit the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer website to reserve your tickets. Travel to the Island via the San Pedro port is preferred for Trans-Catalina Trail hikers because the ferry from Two Harbors only returns to San Pedro. In the summer, the Cyclone boat takes passengers from Two Harbors to Avalon, but you must reserve your ticket in advance to ensure space on the boat.
Essential Supplies
- Sun: Pack for sun exposure, as there is limited shade on the Trans-Catalina Trail. Sunscreen, hat and clothing that covers arms and legs is recommended.
- Packing: Many people underestimate the significant elevation gain and loss (total over 6,000 ft). Compared to the Sierras, it doesn’t sound like much. But the Island geography means elevation happen fast. Pack as light as possible.
- Food: It is recommended to pack camping food (just-add-water camp meals to keep light). Avoid lots of fresh and canned food, which can be heavy. Bring high energy snacks. The only meals you can buy are in Two Harbors and at the airport. Some hikers use the lockers in Two Harbors and leave food in there for the following night so they can pack lighter.
- Water: You should have the ability to carry 3 liters of water. We recommend you pack a hydration system with a 2-liter capacity and bring an extra 1-liter water bottle.
- Firewood: When you make a campsite reservation, book water (each locker has 2 gallons of water and one bundle of firewood). Firewood costs $14 for a bundle, a 16-ounce propane costs $16 and can be delivered to your campsite. No fires are allowed at Black Jack but it is allowed at Little Harbor, Two Harbors, and Parson’s Landing.
- Clothing and bedding: At night, it can get cold, especially on an island. Morning to night temperatures swing as low as 40 degrees F, especially at Black Jack, and ramp up to the 70s during the day. Check the forecast ahead of time to ensure you pack properly for warm and cold temperatures.
Important to Know
Keep in mind that campfire fuels (propane or butane, white gas, charcoal, cots, firewood, gasoline, kerosene, outboard motors, flammables) are not allowed on the ferry. Camping fuel must be purchased in Avalon or Two Harbors.
Catalina Back Country offers drop off service for those who choose not to carry their backpacks.
If you travel to the Island from the Long Beach port, plan to take a taxi or rideshare back to San Pedro once you complete the Trans-Catalina Trail.
Ground transportation from Two Harbors to Avalon is expensive.
Campsite pricing is dynamic, so it changes depending on the time of year.
Know your limitations. Heat stroke, dehydration and blisters can affect anyone who doesn’t take precautions.
Check yourself for ticks, which are present on the Island, and watch out for rattlesnakes.
Do not approach or harass wildlife. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance. Bison are wild animals and can cause serious injury and even death. They can accelerate quickly to 35 mph and jump more than six feet high. We recommend maintaining a minimum distance of 125 feet from bison at all times. Never approach, touch or attempt to feed bison. If you feel threatened, identify an escape route. Place a large object (tree, rock or vehicle) between you and bison, and give bison a path to avoid you. Never box-in bison with people in front and behind the animal.
Rattlesnakes are present year-round but are more common April-October. It is rare to see or hear snakes along trails and roads, but keep a look-out. In daytime, they seek the shade of tall grass. At night, they sometimes try to absorb heat from blacktop roads. Even young rattlesnakes are venomous.
Poison oak is common throughout Catalina’s canyons and creek beds. Stay on established trails and wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. If you brush against poison oak, wash the affected area as soon as possible with a poison oak cleanser, (e.g. Tecnu) or soap and water.
Cellular telephone service may not available in the interior of the Island. It is recommended you hike with a companion.