Hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail: A Complete 4-Day Itinerary

Hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail: A Complete 4-Day Itinerary

Quick Stats

  • Distance: ~40–45 miles (depending on route choices)
  • Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
  • Difficulty: Hard – multiple steep ascents/descents, full pack carry
  • Best Seasons: Spring and fall (summer is hot, winter can be wet)
  • Permit Required: Yes (for camping; included when booking campgrounds)
  • Water Availability: Available at most campgrounds except Parsons Landing (special arrangement required)

The Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT) is a point-to-point trek across Santa Catalina Island, offering rugged terrain, sweeping ocean views, remote campgrounds, and a surprising variety of landscapes. This guide covers everything from getting there to day-by-day breakdowns, so you can plan your own island adventure.

Getting to Catalina Island

We drove from San Diego to San Pedro to catch the ferry to Avalon. You can also depart from Dana Point, which some hikers prefer for convenience. Both routes take under an hour.

  • 🎟️ Ferry Tickets: Book through Catalina Express
  • 💡 Tip: Book in advance, especially during summer weekends.

Our August crossing was gorgeous — blue skies, warm air, and views of Catalina almost the entire way. The ferry drops you in Avalon, the island’s main hub, filled with charming shops, restaurants, and European seaside vibes. But for us, Avalon was just the starting point — the TCT awaited.

Trailhead & Resources

  • Trail Map & Info: AllTrails – Trans-Catalina Trail
  • From the ferry dock, it’s about a 1-mile walk to the official trailhead. With packs on, we wasted no time starting our climb.

Day 1: Avalon → Black Jack Campground

Distance: ~10 miles | Water: Yes | Campground: Black Jack

The day begins with a brutal 2.5-mile ascent out of Avalon — straight uphill in the August heat with full packs (~40 lbs). This section is exposed and taxing. Our climb took about 1 hr 15 min.

The reward? Incredible ridge views where you can see both sides of the island and endless ocean. After the initial climb, the trail mellows into rolling terrain through open grasslands.

💧 Water Tip: We overpacked water (5L each). On TCT, 2–3L is generally fine as long as you refill at campgrounds and known spigots. There’s a water spigot about 5 miles in, and Black Jack Campground has running water.

The final stretch to Black Jack is shaded and quiet. We were the only campers that night. Facilities include picnic tables, restrooms, and water.

🍽️ Meal Recommendation: Mountain House freeze-dried meals (link) — lightweight, easy, and perfect for backcountry cooking.

Day 2: Black Jack → Little Harbor / Shark Harbor

Distance: ~6 miles | Water: Yes | Campground: Little Harbor/Shark Harbor

This day is mostly downhill, and the scenery is top-tier. You’ll pass the Catalina Island Airport — worth a stop for snacks, cold drinks, and water refill.

The trail descends with ocean views almost the entire way, landing you in what feels like a tropical paradise: Little Harbor and Shark Harbor. Think palm trees, turquoise coves, and sandy beaches.

Pro Tips for Little Harbor:

  • Reserve early — this is a popular campground for non-backpackers who can get there by vehicle.
  • Call ahead to arrange firewood delivery to your site. Service: Catalina Island Conservancy Campsites
  • Bring a snorkel — the cove is perfect for swimming and spotting marine life.
  • Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, potable water.

Day 3: Little Harbor → Two Harbors → Parsons Landing

Distance: ~12 miles total (6 to Two Harbors + 6 to Parsons Landing) | Water: Only at Two Harbors | Campground: Parsons Landing

We started at 4 AM to beat the heat. Climbing out of Little Harbor at sunrise was unreal — we were above the clouds, with a warm glow spreading across the ocean. I even saw my shadow cast into the clouds surrounded by a rainbow halo (a phenomenon called a glory).

After ~6 miles, we reached Two Harbors, a small village with a general store, restaurant, and restrooms. We refueled with bagels and coffee, topped up water, and headed toward Parsons Landing.

This next 6-mile stretch is the toughest of the trip — 3 miles straight uphill in exposed heat. The final descent into Parsons is stunning, dropping you onto one of the most beautiful and remote beaches on the island.

💧 Important: Parsons Landing has no natural water source. You must arrange in advance for water and firewood delivery through the Two Harbors Visitor Services. They’ll provide a locker with your supplies.

Afternoon at Parsons = swim, snorkel, fish, and relax on the beach. Sunset fires here are unforgettable.

Day 4: Parsons Landing → Two Harbors (East Route)

Distance: ~8 miles | Water: Yes at Two Harbors | Finish: Ferry back to mainland

Our final day followed the eastern coastal route back to Two Harbors — flat, scenic, and lined with coves. The crystal-clear water made for constant photo stops.

We arrived in Two Harbors early, too early for our ferry. The waitlist for an earlier departure was full, so we embraced island life: dropped our packs and sat at the Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar. Chatting with curious tourists about our trek (and accepting a few drinks) was the perfect wind-down.

Packing & Planning Tips

  • Water: 2–3L capacity + filter for backup
  • Food: Lightweight dehydrated meals + trail snacks
  • Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm
  • Footwear: Trail runners or lightweight hiking boots
  • Camp Gear: Tent, sleeping bag (rated for season), sleeping pad
  • Extras: Snorkel, fishing pole, battery pack, lightweight camp chair

Reservations & Resources

 

Final Thoughts

The Trans-Catalina Trail isn’t just a backpacking trip — it’s a multi-day island immersion. You’ll hike through grasslands, ridgelines, coves, and beaches, with wildlife and ocean views at every turn. It’s challenging, especially in the heat, but the rewards are unmatched.

If you want a California adventure that feels worlds away, this is it.

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