The Trans Catalina Trail, or TCT, is a scenic 38.5 mile hike along the rugged ridges and coastlines of Santa Catalina Island, off the California coast southwest of Los Angeles. The island is one of a series of Channel islands that formed from the collision of the North American and Pacific Plates. Santa Catalina is one of the southern channel islands; Channel Islands National Park is comprised of the northern channel islands.
Catalina Island is a haven of biodiversity, shaped as much by the native species arriving on the winds and waves as through human activity. It was developed as a getaway destination when the Wrigley chewing gum magnate purchased a controlling interest in the island in the 1920s, though today, conservation efforts and ecological restoration headed by the Catalina Island Conservancy manage nearly 90% of land, including the Trans-Catalina Trail. As you hike along the TCT, the native Channel Island fox, recovered from the brink of extinction, is as much of a draw as are the buffalo that were introduced for a movie shoot little over one-hundred years ago.
How to Hike the Trans-Catalina Trail
Trans-Catalina Trail OVerview
Trans-Catalina at a Glance
| Distance | 38.5 miles |
| Elevation Change | ± 8000 ft |
| Avg Time to Complete | 3-4 days |
| Location | Santa Catalina Island, California |
| Permits | Required |
| Type | Point-to-Point, or Loop if including the ferries |
| Resupply Available | Yes |
Trail Stats
The Trans-Catalina Trail spans the length of Santa Catalina Island, one of the Channel Islands located 30 miles off the California Coast. Despite never reaching an altitude higher than 1800 ft (600m), the cumulative elevation change is close 10,000 ft (gain/loss) over its 38.5 miles. Beginning in the town of Avalon and ending in the town of Two Harbors, the trail spans a series of single track dirt trail and wider dirt roads as traverses the rugged hills of the chaparral before descending to the steep mountainous slopes down to the sandy inlets along the coast.
The Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT) is notorious for its steep elevation gains and losses, as if in places the trail makers seemed intent on finding the most direct route to the top, topography be damned. While the steep stretches are interspersed with more moderate inclines, a handful of switchbacks and the occasional stroll along the ridge, they cannot and should not be ignored when assessing the overall difficulty of the hike.
Getting to Catalina Island
Access to Catalina Island is provided by the Catalina Express and reservations are highly recommend, as departure times frequently sell out in advance. There are two mainland ports in the LA area from which the Catalina Express runs – Long Beach and San Pedro – and two island ports from which the Catalina Express departs – Avalon and Two Harbors.
The majority of Trans-Catalina hikers begin their hike by arriving Avalon and will return via Two Harbors. As San Pedro is the only mainland port from which the Catalina Express operates on the west side of the island, departing San Pedro for Avalon allows a thru-hiker to return via Two Harbors (or vice versa) without having to arrange any further transportation. You’ll arrive back at the same ferry terminal as you originated, thus creating a loop.
Alternatively, you can depart from Long Beach to Avalon and return via Two Harbors to San Pedro as the increased frequency of departures from Long Beach may be more convenient. This requires you to arrange a 15 minute Uber or taxi ride back to the Long Beach ferry terminal if you parked a vehicle there. Either way, you’ll need to book two one-way tickets: one to Avalon and a separate return ticket from Two Harbors (or vice versa if hiking southbound).
Pay careful attention to the ferry schedule if you are planning to hike late fall to mid-spring as there are seasonal blackout days on which the ferry does not run. In 2024/25, there were no ferries running between Two Harbors and San Pedro on Tuesdays or Thursdays, meaning you have to schedule your trip to end on a different day or plan to spend an extra night on the island after completing the hike.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) are roughly equidistant from the San Pedro ferry terminal. The best airport to fly into will depend on routes from your departure city and preferred airline.
Trans-Catalina Itinerary PLanning
The Trans-Catalina Trail can be broken up into five segments, each spanning the distance between two adjacent campgrounds. Stopping at every campground results in a 5 day/4 night route, however the average Trans-Catalina thru-hike combines two of the segments to create a 4 day/3 night itinerary.
Segment 1: Avalon – Blackjack (10.7 miles)
The Trans-Catalina Trail begins unceremoniously on the paved road leading out of Avalon until Hermit Gulch campground. Staying at Hermit Gulch the evening prior shortens this segment by 1.5 miles and cuts off a few hundred feet of elevation, making the first day’s hike only 9.2 miles. This is advisable for those arriving on an afternoon ferry.
The trail then climbs steadily on a single track via a series of switchbacks and climbing turns that follow the contour of the the hillside for the largest continuous elevation gain of the day (1600 ft) before reaching the picnic shelter and restrooms at the intersection of Lone Pine Road. The dirt road provides a gentle meander along the ridge most of the way to the Haypress Reservoir roughly midway, after which the trail becomes a single track again through a series of shorter but steeper climbs and subsequent descents as the trail transects Middle Canyon, Skull Ridge and Cape Canyon before reaching Blackjack Campground near the summit of Blackjack Mountain.
Segment 2: Blackjack – little Harbor (8.2 miles)
From Blackjack, the trail climbs briefly before descending through some oak groves and meadows of Cottonwood Canyon before climbing again to the Airport in the Sky Restaurant, two miles from camp.
It’s then a scenic 6.15 miles downhill march into Little Harbor, following Big Spring Ridge all the way towards the water, with panoramic views almost the entire way. The final mile into camp switches to an old dirt road, the last half of which becomes quite steep – though it’s not exposed – as it drops you into the harbor.
Segment 3: little Harbor – two harbors (5.3 miles)
Arguably the prettiest section of the trail (when the weather cooperates!), the first half of this section climbs 1200′ along the backbone of the western bluffs to a covered lookout. The trail changes from single track to a dirt roadbed as it descends into Two Harbors. Portions of this trail along the ridge are quite exposed, and during periods of the rain, the roadway leading into Two Harbors becomes muddy and very difficult to walk through.
Segment 4: two harbors – Parsons Landing (6.6 miles – ridge routE)
Similar to the previous segment, this climb out of Two Harbors to Parsons Landing starts with an immediate 1800′ ascent along the Silver Ridge Trail, this time on a dirt roadbed, before making a harrowingly steep descent into the Parsons Landing.
Segment 5: Parsons Landing – two Harbors (7.7 miles – road route)
This final section of trail is an easy going 7.7 miles that follows a coastline along a roadway into Two Harbors to conclude the Trans-Catalina!
Recommended Trans-Catalina Itineraries
We recommend spending a night at Parsons Landing, but with only eight campsites available, this campground books up fast. If you cannot get a campground reservation for Parsons Landing, it’s certainly possible to complete the Trans-Catalina Trail by overnighting in Two Harbors and completing the final loop as a day hike. You can also check in with Visitor Services once you arrive at Two Harbors to see if there have been any last minute cancellations, as injuries or otherwise semi-regularly lead to hikers calling it quits once they arrive at the town.
| Night 1 | Night 2 | Night 3 | Night 4 | |
| 5 days/4 nights | Blackjack | Little Harbor | Two Harbors | Parsons Landing |
| 4 days/3 nights | Blackjack | Little Harbor or Two Harbors | Parsons Landing | |
| 3 days/2 nights | Little Harbor | Parsons Landing |
The Trans-Catalina Trail is frequently chosen as the first backpacking trip for novice backpackers, and in many ways the trailside amenities make it a good choice for that. However this also leads to many individuals overpacked and underestimating the toll of the elevation gain between campsites. Backpacking trips are always more enjoyable when you’re not hating every step and can enjoy the views from both the trail and from camp. If in doubt, choose the longer itinerary that has you hiking fewer miles each day.
when to Hike the Trans-Catalina Trail
As with many trails, the there is no singular ‘best’ season – there are instead a series of trade-offs and weather related risks that have to be taken into account holistically to determine what type of hike you’d prefer.
In winter and early spring, the day-time temperatures are ideal for hiking along the exposed shadeless ridge lines and seasonal rains keep the island green. Those same rains, however, can cancel the boats running to and from the island. Rain also turns portions of the trail into heavy, sticky mud unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. If the weather cooperates, these off-season months make for very pleasant hiking. When it doesn’t, the trail is almost impassible.
In the warmer, drier summer months temperatures can exceed 90°F and the lack of shade and exposure along the trail quickly increases the the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Summer is also peak season for day-trippers and other island tourists, so expect larger crowds in Avalon and Two Harbors. The weather is more predictable, and you can expect to be hot. Precautions need to be taken to avoid heat stress.
Hiking during the shoulder season in April or October can ideally offer dry trails and tolerable day and night-time temperatures, but the timing of the summer heat and cessation of the winter rains will vary year to year.
Trans-Catalina Trail permit Information
Backpacking the Trans-Catalina Trail requires overnight campground reservations as well as a separate hiking permit. Both are these are available in advance online.
Online Campground Reservations
Campground reservations for the upcoming year open at midnight (PST) on January 1st via the Catalina Island Company website. The reservation system could definitely stand to be more thru-hiker friendly; as is, consecutive nights at different campsites have to be added to the cart manually which requires making a separate search inquiry for each night.
Parsons Landing has the fewest campsites, so if your itinerary includes a night at this remote beach site, I’d recommend adding that reservation first. Enter the date for one night of your trip and then select the corresponding campground.
You’ll know see a listing of the available campsites for that date.
Clicking “Book” will add that campsite to your cart. This is where it stops being intuitive. Rather than clicking on the prominent “Continue” button, look left and click “Hide”. This will allow you search and add any subsequent dates and campsites to your itinerary before proceeding to check-out.
After adding all the sites to your itinerary, you have the option to add on charcoal, firewood, fire starters and, in the case of Parsons Landing, potable water to be delivered ahead to the campsite.
Hiking Permits
In addition to camping reservations, all hikers need to obtain a free permit obtainable from the Catalina Island Conservancy prior to the trip. Once you have your dates secured, you can get your permit by entering your start date and selecting “Trans Catalina Trail” from the drop-down trail menu. You do not need a permit for each day of trip.
Alternatively, the complementary permit can be obtained in person at the The Trailhead visitor center, located at 708 Crescent in Avalon. You’ll see it on the left corner of the main town road after exiting the ferry. Note: you cannot take camping fuel aboard the boat so this is also where you can purchase fuel. If staying at Hermit Gulch the first night can pre-purchase fuel with your campsite.
Trans-Catalina Campgrounds
There are five campsites located along the Trans-Catalina Trail: Hermit Gulch, Blackjack, Little Harbor/Shark Harbor, Two Harbors and Parsons Landing. The beachfront campgrounds at Little Harbor/Shark Harbor and Parsons Landing are without question, the most desirable campgrounds that epitomize Catalina Island camping, but each campground has its advantages.
Hermit Gulch (HG)
Located just 1.5 miles outside of Avalon, Hermit Gulch caters as much to those looking for a cheap place to stay close to Avalon as it does to backpackers preparing for their hike. As such, expect this campground to be louder, and rowdier, than your typical backcountry campsites. That said, for those arriving to the island on a late afternoon ferry or for those wanting to explore Avalon a bit, a night at Hermit Gulch leaves you well positioned for an early start to the trail the next day as the trailhead is at the far end of the camp.
This campground has several potable water stations, charcoal grills, picnic tables and flush toilets with handwashing sinks. Charcoal briquets and gas canisters can be pre-purchased when making the camping reservation and will be delivered to your site the day of check-in.
There are also lockers ($1.50 in quarters for a one time use) should you want to stash your valuables before heading into town for errands or a meal. There’s also warm water coin op showers and a limited amount of electrical outlets available behind the ranger station and at select lamp-posts scattered about camp.
Blackjack (BJ)
Blackjack Campground is the only high elevation campground on the island, located amidst the chaparral. While there are no coastal views from the campground, the tree cover and native wildlife create a different, yet equally attractive, ambiance.
This campground had a central potable water spigot and enclosed latrine style toilets. There is also an outdoor cold-water shower, but during my trip I was unable to get it to work. Each campsite has a fox box, picnic table and trash can. Campfires are no longer allowed in Blackjack campground, and the fire pits have been sealed.
Little Harbor & Shark Harbor (LH)
Little Harbor, and the adjacent Shark Harbor, are two adjacent campgrounds with a shared booking location. This the only campground on the west coast of the island, offering spectacular sunsets when the cloud cover cooperates. Shark Harbor has three, more remote, beachfront sites, while those of Little Harbor are more dispersed.
Little Harbor campground is outfitted with porta-potty chemical toilets, a cold water outdoor shower, a several water spigots. The campsites themselves include picnic tables, while some have grills and/or fire pits an awnings. Campfires are allowed at Little Harbor and firewood, fire starters and charcoal briquets can be pre-purchased when making the campground reservation and will be delivered to the site for you.
Two Harbors (TH)
Located a half mile uphill outside of the town of Two Harbors, Two Harbors Campground is used both by Trans-Catalina hikers as well as front-country campers arriving by ferry who have the option of getting this gear transported to the campground for them. This campground is quite large and as a result can be louder as well as prone to aggressive food-stealing behavior by squirrels and ravens.
What many of the campsites lack in privacy they make up for in ocean side views and proximity to the amenities in Two Harbors. Campsites include picnic tables and fire pits, while the campground has porta-potty style toilets, potable water and outdoor cold-water showers.
Parsons Landing (PL)
The most remote campground on Santa Catalina is Parsons Landing, with only eight campsites located on the east facing shoreline of the island’s west end.
Unlike the other campgrounds, portable water is not available, however it is available for purchase and delivery in 2-gallon (~8L) increments along with firewood. Chemical style toilets are available, and campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits with grills, fox boxes and trash cans.
Trans-Catalina Trail & Campground Amenities
The amenities located at the TCT campgrounds are one reason this trail makes for such a welcoming trail for backcountry beginners. Each campsite has a picnic table and bear box (or “fox box” to be specific) and many are equipped with additional charcoal grills, firepits and awnings.
Water
A potable water source available at every campsite with the exception of Parsons Landing; campers at Parsons Landing must either pack in their water from Two Harbors or purchase a locker in advance that provides 2 gallons (~7.5 liters) of bottle water in addition to firewood and a fire starter.
The list of available water sources along the trail are:
- Hermit Gulch – Mile 1.5
- Haypress Reservoir – Mile 5.6
- Trailside spigot – Mile 7±
- Blackjack Campground – Mile 10.7
- Airport in the Sky – Mile 12.75
- Little Harbor Campground – Mile 18.9
- Two Harbors – Mile 24.2
- Parsons Landing* (locker purchase) – Mile 30.8
Toilets
Every campground has a toilet stocked with toilet paper and, occasionally, hand sanitizer. These toilets vary between flush toilets, latrine style toilets or porta-potty chemical toilets. Toilet facilities are also available between Miles 3-4 at Lone Tree Road, Miles 5-6 at Haypress Reservoir, Miles 12-13 at Airport in the Sky, and Miles 24-25 at the picnic area outside of Two Harbors.
Showers
Free, cold water showers are available at Little Harbor along the pathway to the beach, just across from Campsite 12. Warm water showers (deliberate choice to say ‘warm’ and not ‘hot’; you do not have control over the temperature so ymmv) are available in Two Harbors at a rate of $2 per 3 minutes 20 seconds. Time can only be increased in 8 quarter/$2 increments and a change machine is located just outside the shower bay in the same building.
Cell Service
Depending on your carrier, you will have intermittent yet frequent cell service along the trail. With AT&T, I had service regularly enough that I had to put my phone on ‘airplane mode’ simply to disconnect. Service at Little Harbor Campground was the most limited, but it was still relatively easy to check-in with friends/family at least once a day. Service along the ridges
Electric Outlets
There are several places to charge electronics along the way. Outlets are available at Hermit Gulch Campground, the Airport in the Sky, and at several places in and around Two Harbors.
Resupply Options
There are three places to purchase food along the Trans Catalina Trail: in Avalon at the southern terminus, at the Airport in the Sky Restaurant between Blackjack and Little Harbor, and at Two Harbors.
Avalon is a full service town with numerous restaurants, a full service grocery store (Vons on Sumner Ave) and plenty of coffee shops and cafes. You’ll be able to get whatever last minute items you need here before hitting the trail, but given the relatively limited options and price increases, this should be not be used as a substitute for proper preparation prior to departing the mainland. If staying at Hermit Gulch for the night, we recommend The Sandtrap Restaurant, right off of Avalon Canyon Rd, for their $2 taco Happy Hour.
At the Airport in the Sky, cafe DC-3, is open 7-days a week serving breakfast until 11:30 and the rest of the menu all day long. The breakfast burrito is an deservedly option for Blackjack campers, and they’ll also pack up any of the items to-go. The turkey avocado sandie is well suited for a lunch on the trail. We also opted for cups of bison chili which we carried out in an reused mylar boil bag from one of our homemade backpacker meals.
In Two Harbors, the primary resupply option is the General Store. The store is open daily and sells a limited selection of produce, backpacking meals, meats and cheeses, a wide selection of beers and alcoholic beverages, along with the typical assortment of sundries and boxed goods. Prices reflect the convenience of resupplying in a small town only accessible by dirt roads and by boat.
In the the warmer months, you can get pizza and other cooked food at the Harbor Reef restaurant. They also serve the island famous “Buffalo Milk” cocktail – a frozen twist of on white Russian with banana and cacao. Be sure to check the opening hours prior to your trip, as the full service restaurants have limited hours during the winter and early spring.
What to Pack for hiking Catalina
I’ve never seen such unnecessarily heavy packs as I’ve seen on the Trans-Catalina Trail, but there are still a few things you’ll want to remember for this trail specifically:
- Trekking Poles. The elevation gain and loss on the Trans-Catalina Trail is notable steep in sections, even for experienced hikers. Hiking poles not only help take the weight off your knees during the descents, they also provide balance and support when hiking with a backpack. Z-fold hiking poles have recently become popular, but after witnessing a pair of new, top of the line Z-poles become completely useless a day into our Wonderland Trail thru-hike, I’ll never trust anything other than my traditional telescoping style. I use carbon fiber REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles, but the Black Diamond Trail Back are also a good tradeoff between price and weight.
- Sun Hoodie. I’m honestly not sure how I ever hiked without one of these. The lightweight hood provides excellent sun coverage for your neck and ears, places that most caps don’t shade, and the long sleeves are surprisingly cool and comfortable. We hike with both the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily (also in Mens) and the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie (also in Womens).
- Sunscreen. Due to the orientation of Trans-Catalina Trail, the sun shines continuously on one side of your body; it’s very easy to get sunburnt anywhere your skin is exposed. Chemical sunscreens which contain oxybenzone or octinoxate are damaging to coral reefs, and even though California hasn’t banned the sale of sunblocks with these ingredients yet, they are banned in Hawai’i and several other countries. Use a mineral based “reef safe” or “ocean safe” sunscreen; some brands take longer to absorb then you might be used to, but that just means it’s really easy to see if you’ve missed a spot.
- Small Bills. If you want to take a rent a locker at Hermit Gulch or take a warm shower either there are at Two Harbors, you’re going to need quarters. In Hermit Gulch, the ranger will make change and there’s a coin machine in Two Harbors. You’ll need cash in the form of $1 or $5. All other restaurants and shops on the island take Visa/Amex/Mastercard.
- USB Plug. An unusual backpacking item for sure, but if you want to charge your electronic devices at the various ports, you’ll need something to connect your USB cords to a wall outleg.
Read our backpacking trip reports from the Trans-Catalina Trail!
- Day 1 : Avalon to Blackjack – coming soon!
- Day 2: Blackjack to Little Harbor – coming soon!
- Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors and Parsons Landing – coming soon!
Planning to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail? Ask your questions in the comments below and we’ll be glad to answer.