Ever thought about thru-hiking on an island!?
Lucky for you, California has its very own lighter on distance but heavy on ocean views butt kicker of a thru-hike. The traditional route starts in Avalon and finishes up close to 40 miles at Two Harbors. If you’re looking to have a good time on trail, I highly suggest my way. *wink wink*
I love starting at Two Harbors!
The Parsons Landing campground is one of the more challenging sites to reserve because there are only 8 campsites. You’ll want to book this one first and work your trip around it. Since the general and popular way is to finish at Parsons, this may give you a slight advantage at booking but only if you’re flexible with your dates and can start on a weekday. I’m not sure how you weekend warriors snag Parsons so quickly!
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Beginning at Two Harbors will have you taking on the loop of the trail first. Choose your path. Starting day 1 with a smooth relatively flat fire road alongside the coast is a nice warm up day. Strolling into Parsons Landing is always a treat. Firewood and water is available to order and is delivered to the lockers there and will be awaiting your arrival. This peaceful cove of the island has some of the best sunsets. For my early morning risers, you’ll thank yourself later for taking on that huge incline first thing in the day. Arriving back to Two Harbors means washrooms and grabbing a bite to eat before your last push to the next camp.
Decisions, decisions. If you’ve got the luxury of time, I would take a stay at Two Harbors campground sites. They, too, have breathtaking ocean views. Plus, you can have drinks at the general store or restaurant with safety in mind. You are minutes away from walking back to your tent. Little Harbor campground has quite a bit of sites, including group campsites and outdoor showers (Yes, I washed up in my undies and sports bra in all my chubbiness glory all hanging out). You can order firewood here as well.
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
On the third day of Catalina, that bison burger is in sight! You’ll head out and up to make your way to The Airport in the Sky. The homemade cookies are FIRE! I always buy extra in hopes to bring some home for my mom but they never make it on the boat home. I blame hiker hunger or the gummies. BlackJack campground is about two miles across from where you’ll devour bison burgers and bomb fries. This is where tour guides makes a pitstop and you’ll find the rich folks privately flying here just to grab a bite to eat (Hello y’all I’m single). You can also catch a ride into Avalon here for a fee if an emergency takes place.
After descending almost 3k in elevational loss on your final day, you’ll pass through a campground called Hermet Gulch. Finding a little piece of heaven, that is the trail marker 1 sign is such a celebratory moment. Knowing you’re minutes away from the best Buffalo milk at Luau Larrys. You can even stop at the Catalina Conservancy store to learn more and purchase some highly deserved TCT merch.
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
I personally recommend 4-5 days to complete this trail. Yes you can absolutely complete it in a shorter amount of time but please remember things come into play to affect your daily hiking. I enjoy a good suffer fest but this trek deserves more time on the island and you deserve more time away from your office desk. Logistics and time of year will also design your thru-hike. In summer, there is a ton of daylight but also next to ZERO shade on this island. I will say the Catalina Conservancy has added a couple of big trellis benches along the island which provide scenic 360 views to chow down on some mountain house meals for a lunch break. For your mental state- do not look for these sweet resting spots once you exit off the boat. During the off -season, you may have less daylight, possibly cooler temps (lets not get ahead of ourselves, this is still Cali weather). But fewer and later boat times may contribute to logistics as well.
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Catalina’s campgrounds have water resources from spigots but please always call for the most current and up-to-date information about each campground. There are a couple of points you can choose to finish your hike or bail out in case of emergencies (we have ALL been there, so please don’t ever feel bad). The campgrounds have clean pit or vault toilets (this is thru-hiker luxury). Mark your calendars and set your alarms for midnight on New Year’s day because that’s when the sites become available online to start reserving for that year. Best of luck to everyone and remember to practice Leave No Trace. And of course, remember to leave all wild life alone. Bison do roam this island. They can be skittish and charge you if you mess with them. So keep your distance and always respect all animals.
More importantly have fun, get your hike on, and get sweaty, dirty, and happy ya dirtbag! Enjoy all those sweet summits.
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Photo provided by Anjelica Avella
Related Trail Guide
The Trans Catalina Trail is a 39 mile hike, traversing Santa Catalina Island off the coast of southern California. From the eastern terminus in Avalon to Parson’s Landing on the West end, then looping back to Two Harbors, the trail explores flora and fauna unique to Catalina Island while offering exceptional coastal views.