Quick Stats
Distance: ~40 Miles (Trail)
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Campgrounds: Black Jack, Little Harbor/Shark Harbor, Parsons Landing
Permit Required: Yes (Camping Reservations Required)
- They should be booked in this order: Blackjack Campground → Little Harbor/Shark Harbor → Parsons Landing. When making your reservations, be sure to select the campsites in chronological order based on your hiking itinerary.
Water Availability: Frequent
Best Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Dog Friendly: No
Ferry Departure: San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point
If you've ever wanted to try backpacking but felt intimidated by the planning, permits, gear, or logistics, the Trans-Catalina Trail might be the perfect trip for you.
We've backpacked this trail multiple times, and every time we finish it, we immediately start talking about when we're coming back. Why? Because it's one of the easiest, most accessible, and most enjoyable backpacking trips in California. Whether you're a complete beginner, a weekend warrior, or someone training for a thru-hike like the Pacific Crest Trail, this route offers something special.
The trail stretches roughly 40 miles across Catalina Island over four days and three nights. Along the way you'll cross rolling mountains, encounter bison and foxes, sleep on remote beaches, watch unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, and enjoy amenities that make backpacking feel surprisingly luxurious.
In many ways, the Trans-Catalina Trail feels like backpacking with cheat codes.
Getting to Catalina Island
The adventure starts in San Pedro.
We typically drive up from San Diego the morning of our ferry departure and park near the Catalina Express terminal. The ferry ride itself is incredibly simple. Within about 45 minutes, you're transported from the busy Los Angeles coastline to the island paradise of Catalina.
As the ferry approaches Avalon, you'll immediately notice how different life feels on the island. Golf carts replace cars, colorful buildings line the waterfront, and the entire town has a relaxed vacation atmosphere.
Once you step off the ferry, the actual backpacking hasn't started yet.
From the ferry terminal, you'll walk roughly a mile to a mile and a half through Avalon before reaching the official trailhead. While this section isn't particularly exciting, it serves as a strange transition between worlds. One minute you're packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists on a ferry. The next you're weaving through the streets of Avalon grabbing last-minute snacks and water. Then suddenly you're standing at the trailhead and the crowds disappear.
The transition is almost shocking.
Within minutes of starting the hike, it feels like you have the entire island to yourself.
Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack Campground
Distance: ~10 Miles
Camp: Black Jack Campground
The first day begins with a wake-up call.
The trail immediately climbs from sea level to roughly 1,600 feet in just a few miles. There really isn't much easing into it. As soon as you leave Avalon, you're heading uphill.
Fortunately, the trail is extremely well maintained and the elevation gain is rewarded with incredible views of the island. Unlike what many people expect, this portion of Catalina doesn't feel tropical. Instead, it feels rugged, remote, and surprisingly wild.
Throughout the day you'll hike through rolling hills, grasslands, forests, and dense vegetation. Since this section runs primarily through the center of the island, you're not constantly looking at ocean views. Instead, you're immersed in Catalina's interior landscape, which is filled with wildlife.
This is where we typically see most of the animals.
Catalina foxes seem to appear out of nowhere. Bison casually graze in open fields. We've even spotted deer along the trail. It's amazing how much wildlife exists on such a small island.
After roughly ten miles, you arrive at Black Jack Campground in the center of the island. Black Jack is one of my favorite campgrounds because it feels so isolated. Surrounded by trees and hills, it feels like you're deep in the wilderness despite being only a few miles from civilization.
The campground has bathrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and even water spigots where you can rinse off if you're feeling particularly dusty. After setting up camp, we usually make dinner, enjoy some tea, and take a short walk around the surrounding area before heading to bed.
The silence here is incredible.
Day 2: Black Jack Campground to Little Harbor / Shark Harbor
Distance: ~8 Miles
Camp: Little Harbor or Shark Harbor
Day two is when the trail starts to spoil you.
One of the biggest perks of the Trans-Catalina Trail is that you don't need to carry days and days worth of food. Instead of cooking breakfast at camp, we usually pack up and start hiking toward the Catalina Airport.
Known as the "Airport in the Sky," this small airport sits in the middle of the island and has become a legendary stop for backpackers.
Why?
Breakfast burritos.
About halfway through the day's hike, you can sit down, order a hot breakfast burrito, grab a Gatorade, refill water, and stock up on snacks. It's one of those uniquely Catalina experiences that makes this trail feel completely different from traditional backpacking.
After fueling up, the trail gradually descends toward the coast.
This section contains some of the most impressive views on the entire route. As you round the hillsides, you can see Little Harbor and Shark Harbor from miles away. The massive cove appears tucked into the coastline below, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and deep blue water.
The closer you get, the better it looks.
When you finally arrive, it feels like you've discovered a hidden tropical paradise.
Little Harbor sits slightly inland on grassy terrain, while Shark Harbor sits directly on the sand overlooking the water. Both are incredible and honestly, I can't decide which one I prefer.
The rest of the afternoon is simple.
Swim.
Relax.
Nap.
Repeat.
If you're visiting during late summer, the water is usually warm enough to comfortably spend hours in the ocean. We often arrange for firewood delivery before arriving, which allows us to enjoy a campfire while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Since Shark Harbor faces west, the sunsets are spectacular.
Day 3: Little Harbor to Parsons Landing
Distance: ~12 Miles
Elevation Gain: Significant
Camp: Parsons Landing
This is the longest and most challenging day of the trip.
To beat the heat, we usually wake up around 4:00 AM and start hiking before sunrise. While the early wake-up call can be painful, it rewards you with what might be the most beautiful morning on the entire trail.
I've seen incredible sunrises all over the world, but there's something special about this section of Catalina.
As the sun rises, the marine layer often blankets the ocean and lower valleys. The sunlight reflects off the clouds and water, creating colors that are difficult to describe. It almost doesn't look real. Every time we've done this section, we've stopped multiple times just to admire the views.
Eventually, the trail leads toward Two Harbors.
This tiny town serves as a perfect resupply point. There are restaurants, bathrooms, water, snacks, and cold drinks. We typically grab lunch, refill our water, rest for a bit, and prepare for the toughest section of the day.
Leaving Two Harbors is where the real work begins.
The climb toward the western side of the island is steep, exposed, and often hot. With a few days of hiking already in your legs, it can feel like a grind. But once you reach the ridgeline, you're rewarded with sweeping views across the island and your first glimpse of Parsons Landing far below.
From there, the trail descends toward what is arguably the most beautiful campsite on the entire route.
Parsons Landing feels remote in a way that the other campgrounds don't. Sitting directly on the beach, it's the perfect place to spend your final night on the island.
The rest of the day is spent exactly how it should be.
Swimming.
Relaxing.
Snorkeling.
Watching the sunset.
Making dinner.
Enjoying one last campfire.
At night, you'll notice a faint glow from Los Angeles reflecting off the horizon. It sounds like it would ruin the experience, but somehow it adds to it. The distant city lights create a unique atmosphere that feels distinctly Southern California.
Day 4: Parsons Landing to Two Harbors
Distance: ~8 Miles
The final day is the easiest.
From Parsons Landing, the trail follows the coastline back toward Two Harbors along a relatively flat road. After the climbs of the previous days, it feels like a victory lap.
The views are incredible the entire way.
Crystal-clear blue water stretches alongside the trail while sailboats drift peacefully in protected coves. The water is so clear that it almost doesn't look real. Every turn provides another excuse to stop and take photos.
Eventually, you'll arrive back in Two Harbors with plenty of time to celebrate.
Our tradition is simple: grab a drink, sit down at the restaurant overlooking the harbor, and reflect on the trip before catching the ferry home.
There's something satisfying about ending a backpacking adventure with a cold drink and a ferry ride.
Before long, you're back in San Pedro and heading home.
Packing & Planning Tips
Food
Don't overpack food. Between Avalon, the Airport in the Sky, and Two Harbors, there are plenty of opportunities to buy meals and snacks.
Water
Water is available at all campgrounds and major stopping points. Carry enough between locations but don't overload yourself.
Firewood
Reserve firewood delivery for Little Harbor or Parsons Landing ahead of time if you want a campfire.
Swimming Gear
Bring a swimsuit, snorkel, and goggles. The beaches are too beautiful not to enjoy.
Sun Protection
Much of the trail is exposed. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight sun hoodie are highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Trans-Catalina Trail is one of the most unique backpacking experiences in California. It combines beautiful beaches, mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, excellent campgrounds, and surprisingly convenient amenities into one unforgettable adventure.
What makes it special isn't just the scenery. It's how approachable it is. You don't need advanced backpacking skills. You don't need complicated permits. You don't need to carry a week's worth of food.
You simply hop on a ferry, start walking, and enjoy four incredible days exploring one of California's most underrated destinations.
If you're looking for a backpacking trip that offers maximum reward with minimal hassle, the Trans-Catalina Trail should be at the very top of your list.