Worlds Collide on the
Trans Catalina Trail
The Trans Catalina Trail is a strenuous 38.5-mile hike across one of the most stunning examples of natural history. Ocean views, foxes, bison, and more await!
Planning Considerations
Permits
Hiking and camping along the Trans County Trail requires permits for both. You will need a hiking permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy (linked above in "Find out more"), as well as book and pay for your campsites in advance. I'll talk specifics on camping below. A permit is mandatory and there are no walk up/non-reservation sites available. This is just to ensure accountability, safety, and low impact on the trail and the campgrounds. Also, for those new or even returning to California to hike, make sure you secure a free California Campfire Permit by logging onto https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/ before you go. This is an extra precaution that will allow you to use your canister stove in addition to having a traditional campfire.
Arriving at Avalon
Ferry Rides
For the majority if people visiting Catalina, the easiest and least expensive way is by ferry boat. While there are other options such as sea taxis, possibly even hitching a boat going to the same port, and flying into the small airport, I will only speak to the services I actually used. The Find Ferry link will take you to the service we used to get to and from the island back to San Pedro and Long Beach Harbors. For people coming from the south, you might consider looking into a ferry from Dana Point instead of making the drive to Los Angeles.
For our trip in January 2022, we had a little bit of an issue getting tickets that lined up to leave and return to the same mainland port, so we did a little shuttle work to make sure our vehicle was waiting for us when we finished the trail. Parking at the ferry landing is a bit pricey. Click here for a rough idea as to parking prices and shuttles. The added security at the ports seemed to be a better option than paid parking closer to San Pedro proper. The surrounding area is unpolished, if you know, you know.
Campsite at Little Harbor Campground looking out Shark Harbo
Camping
Camping on Catalina is one of the biggest reasons to hike this trail. Almost all the campgrounds are on or within view of a beach, making them ideal spots for beautiful sunrises and sunsets, viewing sea life, and eating dinner at a campfire. Each campground is slightly different, however, and attention to logistics is key here. For example, the campground at Parson's Landing does not have running water, but for a small fee of $20, a bundle of firewood, fire starter, and 2.5 gallons of fresh water can be staged waiting for your arrival. Oppositionally, Little Harbor has running water, but wood still needs to be coordinated for in advance. All the coordination for these extra amenities can be settled as you are booking your campsites.
Here's a rundown of where we camped and what was available:
Black Jack Campground-
*Plenty of big, flat campsites
*Picnic Tables
*Vaulted Toilets
*Food Storage Lockers
*Cold Water Showers
*Potable, running water
*NO Fires, Stoves OK
*Trash Cans
*Dirt Road Access
Little Harbor Campground-
*Plenty of big, flat campsites
*Picnic Tables
*Vaulted Toilets
*Food Storage Lockers
*Potable, running water
*Fires OK
*Book firewood and fire starter when you book the site
*Trash cans
*Dirt Road Access
*Groceries delivered for $40, fill up a package and pay at the Two Harbors General Store before you hike out.
Parson's Landing-
*Two Harbors Visitor Services at 310.510.4205. Call ahead for one bundle of firewood, one fire starter, and a 2.5-gallon jug of water, available for purchase for $20.00
***PLEASE BEAR WITH ME. THE REMAINDER OF THIS POST IS STILL IN THE WORKS. IF YOU HAVE A DIRECT QUESTION, PLEASE MESSAGE ME THROUGH THE CONTACT SECTION OF THIS PAGE.***
Booking Campsites
The only way to book campsites is through the link below. Sorry, I don't make the rules.
CAMPGROUNDS
Black Jack
Parson's Landing
Little Harbor
Black Jack is a camp sits a little higher in elevation that sits sheltered in a saddle. Voted Best Camp for Biodiversity & Geology.
Little Harbor
Parson's Landing
Little Harbor
Our favorite campsite of the trip! Tucked into Shark Harbor are Sites #1-#3. If you book these, you won't be disappointed. Voted Best Campsite for a Sunset.
Parson's Landing
Parson's Landing
Parson's Landing
Save the best for last or book a zero day, Parson's Landing is one you won't want to miss.
Voted Most Luxurious
(*if you pay a little more)
Hermit Gulch
Hermit Gulch
Parson's Landing
Double check on availability. When we went past there were no sites available. We are not sure if this is seasonal or for other reasons. Plan on staying in Avalon otherwise.
Avalon
Hermit Gulch
Two Harbors
Lodging is available but should be booked well in advance of your trip, especially during the busier summer months. Restaurants, canteens, fishing, and more.
Two Harbors
Hermit Gulch
Two Harbors
If Avalon is the big city, Two Harbors is the sleepy suburb. A huge campground with amenities & The General Store has everything a hiker would need for provisions, produce, beverages, souvenirs, and more. Our favorite town.