OUTDOORS
HIKING THE WILDLANDS
C atalina Island’s diverse landscape of soaring peaks, verdant valleys, and picturesque hilltops is home to unique flora and fauna and exciting wildlife. With over 165 miles of trails to pick from, there is an adventure waiting for everyone. Exploring the Island is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and see parts of Catalina many miss. Free permits are required to hike any of the trails, so please grab your permit at the Trailhead or online with the Catalina Island Conservancy before starting your trek. THE QUICK DAY TRIP TRAIL For day trippers who want a taste of the wildlands, the Garden to Sky Trail is a perfect way to start the day. The trail kicks off at the stunning Wrigley unspoiled wildlands are one of a kind. The Memorial and Botanic Garden , where you access the trailhead just to the right of the memorial. The trail is surrounded by lush Catalina Island plant life and even the occasional Catalina Island Fox. Once at the summit, hikers can revel in 360° views of the Island’s beauty. This is a moderate hike with a steep climb but a worthy payoff. The 2.8-mile hike takes about two hours to complete. Hikers can easily take the Garibaldi, the Avalon city bus, to the Botanic Garden from the center of town. THE WEEKENDER Spend three to six days immersed in the beauty of the Island on Catalina’s bucket list hike, the Trans-Catalina Trail . The 38.5-mile trail dips into green valleys, strolls along the soaring peaks and explores pristine beaches. Bison, Catalina Island Foxes and Bald Eagles are just a few of the animals backpackers encounter along the TCT. Specific water WRITTEN BY ASHLEE POLAREK
the quieter, more natural side of the Island, this is the place for you. The Cat Harbor Overlook Trail is a moderate 3-mile hike with a steep incline to the ridgetop. At the summit, you are rewarded with views of the backside of Catalina. Start your journey in Two Harbors, and take Banning House Road up to the trailhead. The remaining 0.9 miles of trail lead you to a shade structure where you can relax and enjoy the picturesque ocean view. UNIQUE VIEWS Visit two unique Catalina Island spots by hopping aboard the Wildlands Express and getting off at Black Jack Junction. There are two easy and quick hikes in this one great spot. First, hit the Ironwood Groves Trail , where you will see the endemic Catalina Island trees in the Ironwood groves. The trail is 0.4 miles long with little elevation gain. Once you have taken in the Ironwood trees, continue to Echo Lake, the Island’s only natural lake. The out- and-back Echo Lake Trail is 0.7 miles and an excellent trip for those who are staying the weekend in Avalon and want an exciting adventure.
sites and camping spots are marked along the trail where backpackers stop and recharge for the night. This trail is the most comprehensive way to see and explore Catalina’s wildlands, it takes three to six days to complete, depending on skill and speed, and is a challenging hike. Backpackers must bring everything they need along the trail and dispose of Airport Loop Trail is an easy 2.2-mile trail with interpretive signs about the soapstone quarry used by the people of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe who called the Island home. The trail picks up at the Airport in the Sky, which can be easily accessed by the Wildlands Express it at the end of the trail. FOR THE CURIOUS Bus. On this trail look out for bison and landing planes as they make it to the famous Airport in the Sky. Reward yourself with lunch and a cookie at the airport when you have finished your hike. This trail is excellent for learning and exploring away from the crowds. TAKE ON TWO HARBORS Two Harbors is Avalon’s outdoorsy counterpart. For visitors looking for
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