Route guide · Catalina Island, California

Trans-Catalina Trail

38 miles across an island of bison, cactus and empty coves, from Avalon to Two Harbors via Little Harbor and Parsons Landing. It's steep, shadeless ridge walking between beach campgrounds with drinking water and even firewood lockers — backpacking with a ferry ride at both ends, best hiked outside high summer.

Length: 37.9 mi
Duration: 3–4 days
Gain: +9,480 ft
Season: Oct – May

point-to-pointhigh point 1,768 ftspotty cell — carry offline mapsdogs on leash, not in all camps

Plan this trip — it’s free See the day-by-day

permit required · we track who booked what · the whole crew on one page

7 campsites

Expand map ↓

Permit required — Camping reservations at each campground (Catalina Island Conservancy / Visit Catalina) stand in for a permit — book camps first, then the ferry. Official info

The shape of the trail

Route profile · camps

campelevation

Day by day

A reference itinerary, from real camps

Camps below are mapped campsites spaced to balance the daily miles — the same planner that builds a Trailmix trip. Your dates, pace and direction reshape it live.

Total37.9 mi · 3 nights

Days on trail

Day 1 · 5.6 mi · +2,020 ft · hardest
Trailhead → Laura Stein Volunteer Camp
This leg from the Trailhead climbs steeply from Avalon into the interior, ending at the primitive Laura Stein Volunteer Camp near Haypress Reservoir.
first major climb
passes 25 (1.5 mi)
Day 2 · 5.1 mi · +1,310 ft
Laura Stein Volunteer Camp → 1
Leaving Laura Stein Volunteer Camp, this leg involves a steady climb up to Black Jack Campground, the highest camp on the entire route.
climb to high point
Day 3 · 7.9 mi · +1,080 ft
1 → 14b
From Black Jack Campground, the trail descends toward the coast, passing the Airport in the Sky restaurant before reaching beautiful Little Harbor Campground.
stop for lunch at airport
passes Black Jack Volunteer Camp (10.9 mi)
Day 4 · 19.3 mi · +5,040 ft
14b → Exit trailhead
A very long day combining two standard stages, this leg goes from Black Jack Campground past Little Harbor and over a challenging ridge to Two Harbors Campground.
two big climbs
passes 2 (18.8 mi)

Conditions at the trailhead

Catalina Island, California · updated daily

FRI 10·09

78° / 65°

part sun · 1%

SAT 10·10

75° / 67°

cloud · 17%

SUN 10·11

69° / 64°

showers · 53%

MON 10·12

66° / 63°

rain · 35%

TUE 10·13

69° / 65°

showers · 26%

NO SHADE — The vast majority of the trail is extremely exposed with very little tree cover. Sun protection is critical, and hiking in the summer is not recommended.

CATALINA ISLAND FOX — The native Catalina Island fox is common, especially in campgrounds. Store all food and scented items securely in the provided fox boxes to protect wildlife.

Know before you go

freshoffthegrid.com · catalinaconservancy.org · bearfoottheory.com · nobackhome.com

Advisory

Invasive species removal operations are underway in the Middle Ranch area. While the Trans-Catalina Trail remains open, hiking in affected areas is suspended from 90 minutes before sunset to 90 minutes after sunrise. Catalina Island Conservancy · current season

All advisories →

Best months

share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead

TRAILHEAD

The trail officially begins at the Renton Mine Road trailhead on Pebbly Beach Road, but many start via the Hermit Gulch Trail from the campground in Avalon.

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WATER

Potable water is available at campgrounds like Black Jack and Little Harbor, plus Haypress Reservoir and the Airport in the Sky; Parsons Landing requires a pre-paid water drop.

Catalina Island Conservancy

CELL SERVICE

Service is limited or unavailable throughout much of the trail; do not rely on it for navigation or emergencies.

Catalina Island Conservancy

CAMPING FEE

Fees are charged per person, per night and vary by season; campsite reservations are mandatory and serve as your hiking permit.

Catalina Island Conservancy

GETTING BACK

The Catalina Express ferry from the trail's end at Two Harbors only serves San Pedro, so plan travel accordingly or use a costly on-island shuttle.

Catalina Express

BISON

American Bison roam the island's interior; they are wild animals and can be dangerous, so always keep a safe distance.

Asked around the fire (about this trail)

Do I need a permit for the Trans-Catalina Trail?

Yes. Camping reservations at each campground (Catalina Island Conservancy / Visit Catalina) stand in for a permit — book camps first, then the ferry.

How many days does the Trans-Catalina Trail take?

Most groups take 3–4 days. The reference itinerary here plans 3 nights, camp to camp.

When is the best time to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail?

October – May. Outside that window expect snow, storm damage or closures to change the plan.

How do I get water and firewood at Parsons Landing?

Parsons Landing is a primitive beach camp with no running water. You must pre-purchase a locker key for an additional fee, which will be stocked with 2.5 gallons of water and a bundle of firewood.

Should I worry about bison on the trail?

Yes. Bison are not tame and you will likely encounter them in the island's interior. Do not approach them; keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet and be prepared to wait for them to move on.

How do I get from Two Harbors back to Avalon or my car?

The ferry from Two Harbors only goes to San Pedro. To return to other ports, you must either book a separate ferry from Avalon via the Cyclone boat (seasonal) or arrange a costly interior shuttle.

Get the Trans-Catalina Trail in the bag.

Dates, camps, gear split, meals and the crew — planned together on one page instead of forty threads.

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