Trans-Catalina Trek

Take the Catalina Express San Pedro ferry at the ticketed time for a 1-hour-15-minute ride to the Island. Upon arriving in Avalon, your Conservancy guide will meet you and load all the group’s luggage into a gear shuttle vehicle. Gear will be transported to our Black Jack Campground, our first stop for the night. Our guides will provide a brief orientation before hitting the trail. Enjoy wildflowers, cacti, grassy canyons and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along the challenging route. Arrive at your campsite to find your gear awaiting and dinner ready to be served.  

Hiking: 10.7 miles on established trails with lasting steep ascents and descents along a hot and exposed arid trail. There is little, if any shade. Elevation gain/loss: +3,432′ / -1,936.

Wake up early to enjoy a hearty breakfast ahead of the journey to Little Harbor campground. Keep an eye out for bison, bald eagles and the Catalina Island fox. 

Start with some elevation to reach the aptly named Airport in the Sky, which sits atop a 1,602 foot mountain in the center of the Island. We will rejuvenate here with water, snacks and running water bathrooms before we set out on our trek to the Little Harbor campsite. We round out the day enjoying dinner together at our campsite tucked into palm trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean and lay down to rest with the peaceful sounds of the surf.  

Hiking: 8.3 miles on established trails with some steep ascents and descents. Shade is limited. Hiking along this crest trail has amazing expansive views. Elevation gain/loss: +1,023’ / -2,505’.

Brace yourself for endless views of the Pacific coastline on our way to the idyllic Two Harbors. 

A gradual ascent out of camp has us looking down on the scenic cove of White Bluff and the glittering Pacific Ocean as we continue our way along this epic ridge trail. As we climb, we will take a pause to appreciate our effort and absorb 360 degrees of stunning vistas. Traversing back across the Island, we once again catch glimpses of Catalina’s east side and a bit of civilization down in Two Harbors. Find your reward at the campsite – a guide-prepared meal and camaraderie among new friends around a roaring campfire. Settle in for a well-deserved rest. 

Hiking: 5.6 miles on established trails and roads, Elevation gain/loss: +1,550/-1,563′.

Our second to last day features awe-inspiring views across Catalina Island along the Silver Peak trail. 

Today’s hike winds through the West Side of the Island. The trail cuts through some of the most remote and peaceful terrain on Catalina. Mileage may be less on this day but it’s still challenging. Home for the night is the secluded Parson’s Landing beach campground, where we enjoy our final oceanside dinner and sunset together. 

Hiking: 6.6 miles on established trails with prolonged steep ascents and descents along a hot and exposed arid trail with little if any shade, Elevation gain/loss: +2,071′ / -2,071′.

Hike Parson’s Landing to our trail’s end at Isthmus Cove and Two Harbors. 

We enjoy our last trail breakfast in preparation for our final miles along the Trans-Catalina Trail. Our route to Two Harbors lies exclusively along the coast, where we enjoy nonstop shoreline views. We celebrate in Two Harbors with a delicious meal from the local restaurant. Before catching our ferry back to San Pedro from Two Harbors, we’ll have time to swim, shower or hang out at the Patio Bar. Finally, we bid Catalina Island farewell as we hop aboard the ferry to return to mainland. We estimate being back to San Pedro in the evening. 

Hiking: 7.7 miles on established trails with prolonged steep ascents and descents along a hot and exposed arid trail. Shade is limited to none. Elevation gain/loss: +742′ / -742′. Ferry to San Pedro: 1.25-2 hours. 

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.