Trans-Catalina Trail
A 38.5-mile trail across Santa Catalina Island off southern California, from Avalon through the island's hilly interior to its western end.
At a glance
- Starts in
- Avalon
- Ends in
- Starlight Beach, near Parsons Landing
- Length
- 62 km
- On foot
- 3–5 days
- Countries
United States
About the trail
Santa Catalina Island lies off the coast of southern California, and most of its rugged interior is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The Trans-Catalina Trail crosses the island from the town of Avalon towards its western tip, climbing over hills and ridges with views of the Pacific and dropping to coves on both sides of the island.
Campgrounds at Black Jack, Two Harbors and Parsons Landing, among others, break the walk into stages, and water can be had at several points, though not between Two Harbors and Parsons Landing, where water is bought from lockers. Two Harbors has showers and food, and ferries run from there back to the mainland at San Pedro.
The Conservancy describes 38.5 miles of trail walked in three to five days and requires a free hiking permit for everyone. The trail is open all year, with spring and autumn the most temperate seasons.