trans-catalina trail

We went September 11-13th. Forecast was high 75/low 66. Came from Scottsdale, AZ so thinking 75 would be cool or at least comfortable and easily doable from 12-5pm. This was not to be the case. Day 1 - We got off the ferry and took a taxi to Hermit Gulch. Charge was $17 for 6p. We started at Hermit Gulch trailhead at 11:45. It was one grueling hike up 1.7 miles in 95 degree temperatures with 50% humidity carrying a 25# pack to pick up the Trans-Catalina. To top it off the map is poorly done and hard to follow. We got lost once on the trail, so decided to pick up the road and follow that to Blackjack Campground rather than risk taking another wrong turn in the heat. The entire hike took approximately 5.5 hours. The scenery was not the greatest on this section, the air was still and hot, so it made for long afternoon. We saw our first Bison near the intersection of trails, that was a highlight along with a car stopping and asking us if we wanted a cold gatoraid about a mile before the Blackjack turnoff. There was water at Haypress Park which we had not planned on and it was a welcomed surprise as we were going through lot of water quickly. I went through 3.5 liters between 2.5 liters of water and 2 gatoraids. I am guessing that we hiked a total of 9.5-10 miles as following the road, put us above the campground so we had to walk a bit further than if approaching by the trail. We did have one person in the group that stayed on the trail and said there were lots of ups and downs.At Blackjack we had assisted camping with Catalina Backcountry. Deanna is the owner and did an excellent job bringing us tents, sleeping bags, pads, pillows and a delicious gourmet dinner complete with wine and dessert. The next morning she even brought us coffee at 6am, but this really is not necessary as the Airport in the Sky Restaurant is just a 2 mile trek away. We had a few Bison trek through the camp while we were there and I should also mention there is water at the camp and a cold shower but difficult to operate and open to the surroundings so no privacy. Day 2 - Blackjack to Two Harbors. The first leg is to Airport in the Sky. Good place to stop to fuel up. Also can save on weight and get breakfast or lunch here if backpacking. This was 2 miles and took a little less than 1 hour with packs. From there it's another 5 to Little Harbor, which took another 2 hours. Pretty beach and camping available here. 2 of us pressed on and took the ridgeline trail to Two Harbors, which is about 4.5 miles and took another 2.5 hours. I sent my pack with the other 4 as they elected to take a shuttle from Little Harbor to Two Harbors. I had read another review that said this was one of the most scenic sections, so wanted to see it. The trail followed the ridge with the ocean to the left. There was on and off breeze and marine layer (clouds). There were lots of big hills - very glad that I did not have my full pack and had just taken a fanny pack. There is a resting spot near the top at approx. 12,500'. We actually ran into another backpacker there. On the whole trail, we only saw 3 other hikers the entire time. We stayed in a house that is rented by Banning House and it was so nice to have a shower, sleep in a bed, and have a cold beer at the local café. Day 3 - Another big day of hills, Two Harbor's to Parson's Landing. Starting at sea level and topping out at approximately 1800' and then back down to sea level. Since we were getting picked up by Deanna at the end, I elected to leave my pack at the Banning House and just carry a fanny pack with water, snacks, sunscreen - this was a great plan as the hills would have been very tough with the pack. Saw several more Bison along the way. Actually ended up walking through Emerald Bay Camp and there was water there to fill up. We made it to Parson's in 3 hours and 15 min. This is a beautiful beach and the water was refreshing. Wish I could have stayed here longer and camped, but this was the end of the trek for us. Guessing about 30 miles total with getting lost once and overshooting Blackjack campground. I am glad I did it, enjoyed the experience. Wish we had spent more time along the coast, as the interior was a little bleak due to the drought. Any grass or wildflower was burned to a crisp, but lots of green cacti (prickly peak) on the hillsides. Deanna said it is beautiful in the spring. There are lots of ways to do this trail, but working with an outfitter was perfect for us. It would have been nice to do it unassisted but at 53, it was nice to not have to carry a tent and food for 3 days, plus it was also great to have an option of switching out to a fannypack when I was tired and did not want to struggle on the big hills under the weight of a pack.

Avalon can get crowded, noisy and annoying. In just a short drive, you can get on the Trans Catalina trail and go for a nice, quiet hike in the middle of nowhere. We hiked for a couple of hours and only ran into a few people. It is green, beautiful and ocean views along the way. Such a nice break from the hustle & bustle of touristy Avalon!

We did this hike last year in July. Our Trans-Catalina adventure was a 2 night backpacking trip which started from Avalon. We got in the earliest boat to leave for Catalina on Friday, docked around 7:30ish at Avalon and started the trail immediately from Avalon. From Avalon to Blackjack Campground it's no so difficult. I mean it's strenuous...but it's not that bad. Hiking this time of year it's important to watch out for poison oak that loomed around the trail where Hermitt Gulch Camoground is and at times, they are very hard to notice so yes be mindful and KEEP IN MIND the saying: "Leaves of three, leave it be". Or at least that's how the saying went. Reached Blackjack Campground around 5pm. So as you can see between 7:30-5pm is a pretty long 14 mile hike. Besides me and my husband there was only another group of 5 backpackers on the trail and that was it. Blackjack Campground-Airport in the Sky: This hike consisted of a very easy 2 mile hike. Got up at 8am, had breakfast and left the campsite around 10:30. Got to Airport in the Sky around noon and obviously we had to try the Bison Burger. Hung out here for about an hour, rested our feet, had some awesome chocolate chip peanut butter cookie (also bought another one for the road as a motivator) and we were on our way).Airport in the Sky-Little Harbor Campground: This consisted of a 5.5 mile hike, and this is where the fun begins. From Airport in the sky you're on a trail for approx 1 or 1.5 miles then you hit a dirt road but don't let this fool you. This road is a downhill climb. It's definitely necessary to have trekking poles or your knees will hurt like crazy. Every now and then you get an uphill break and it goes back downhill. From then on to LIttle Harbor Campground, your hike is pretty flat.Little Harbor Campground-2 Harbors. So here you have a choice: 1) take the 7 mile dirt road to 2 Harbors which is easier but it'll take you longer OR 2) take the Ridge Line Trail which is 4.5 miles to 2 Harbors BUT it's a lot more difficult. Seriously...if you start early enough and have plenty of time, TAKE THE RIDGE LINE TRAIL. You will never forget the view. The ocean will always be to your left and although the hills are steep and I mean pretty steep, the huffing and puffing is worth the spectacular scenery. Reached 2 Harbors by 7pm and there was enough daylight to pitch tent and eat dinner. All in all we did 26 miles of the Trans-Catalina's 37 miles and we plan on coming back to finish it off. If it had not been for the obvious work schedule, it would have been epic to do the whole trail. ***NOTE*** Although they say that the Trans-Catalina is 37 miles you still have to backtrack to get back to 2 Harbors and take a boat ride back to the mainland which makes this grand total of a little over 53 miles. Unless you're rich and happen to have your own boat waiting for you on the other side of the island. :o)Tips:1) Carry light, I cannot stress this enough. I think my 24 lbs pack was too heavy so now I know to be an ultralight hiker. 2) Cut out what's not necessary. Moleskin, tylenol, bandages ARE necessary.3) Don't count miles. You start counting and you start getting discouragedHmmm that's it for now. Since I'm writing this a few hours after getting back from the Catalina means I was pretty stoked about this backpacking trip so photos to come shortly!

My husband and I planned to go on a hike from the Catalina Airport to Avalon on the Trans Catalina Trail.. We took a bus to the airport the day before to scope out the environment. The road to the airport is not much of a travelled road by tourists because driving is limited with permits. It is primarily used by locals and tour buses. We had acquired the necessary hiking permits online and made a 7:30 am reservation to get to the airport by taxi and start the hike. We decided to ask our driver to drop us off just short of airport where we could reach the trail. We then hiked toward Avalon and took the Divide Trail that circles the ridge line of mountains around Avalon. We had a small map and the trail signs were adequate. The weather was perfect except for fog creeping up from the opposite side of Avalon that blocked seeing the ocean on the other side of the island but kept us cool on the hike. We hiked to the East End down to Pebbly Beach. The walk was easy and it went moderately up and down in elevation. The last hour was primarily downhill. We hiked about 11 miles, five hours and not once did we see another human being. We startled a Catalina fox on its hunt for dove and buffalo moved about in one area. We saw lots of wildlife tracks. This was a peaceful hike and the views of Avalon Bay were spectacular. Take water and snacks as there are no facilties. I had cell reception and would recommend taking a cell phone.