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Trans-Catalina Trail

Channel Islands · Los Angeles · Managed by Catalina Island Conservancy
Difficulty 49/100 · Strenuouspoint to point#coastal#island#point-to-point#bison
Distance
38.5 mi
Total gain
7,638 ft
Net gain
31 ft
Net loss
0 ft
Elevation
26–1,688 ft
Days
4–5
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

The Trans-Catalina Trail crosses Santa Catalina Island from end to end: 38.5 miles of ridgelines, canyons, and coastal bluffs between the ferry terminals at Avalon and Two Harbors, with a final out-and-back to Parson's Landing on the remote west end. Bison sightings, wildflower carpets, and ocean views from 1,600-foot ridgelines make it the most unusual thru-trail in California — logistics included.

Highlights

  • The island's resident bison herd, most visible between Black Jack and Little Harbor
  • Ridgeline stretches with the Pacific on both horizons
  • Parson's Landing — a remote beach camp you reach on foot
  • Two Harbors' single street, cold beer, and the ferry home

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Avalon (26 ft · parking: Ferry to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point; no cars needed)
  • Water: Reservations at Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Parsons Landing include water locker deliveries; otherwise carry or treat. Parson's Landing has no water source — reserve a locker.
  • Resupply: Two Harbors has a general store; order ahead.
  • Shuttle: Not needed — the route connects ferry terminals (Avalon to Two Harbors).
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route

Permits

  • Agency: Catalina Island Conservancy
  • Reserve or apply on catalinaconservancy.org
  • Quota: No quota — free hiking permit issued for safety registration.
  • Reservation window: Obtain online in advance or at the Trailhead visitor center in Avalon.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. Fires along the trail are tightly restricted because of the island's wildfire risk — most campsites are stove-only. Confirm current rules in the Conservancy's policies before your trip. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, October, November.

Snow: Year-round.

Heat: Avoid June through September; the interior is shadeless and hot.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Water is the trip's real difficulty — lockers must be reserved at Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Parsons Landing
  • The interior is shadeless and hot from June to September
  • Campsites must be reserved ahead; there is no dispersed camping
  • Watch for bison and give them wide berth

Map

Route track shown for reference only — navigate with map and compass. Track source: OpenStreetMap route relation 12550621 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) (ODbL 1.0).

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Catalina Island Hiking. Catalina Island Conservancy. https://catalinaconservancy.org/recreation/hiking/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Trail length (38.5 miles), route endpoints (Avalon to Parsons Landing, returning via Two Harbors), and free hiking permit requirement.
  2. Trans-Catalina Trail route relation 12550621. OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/12550621. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry; the mapped relation covers about 34 miles of the 38.5-mile trail. Elevation statistics are computed from the mapped portion and understate totals.
  3. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevation enrichment for computed gain/loss statistics.