Are dogs allowed on Trans-Catalina Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Trans-Catalina Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Trans-Catalina Trail?

No, Trans-Catalina Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Trans-Catalina Trail?

Trans-Catalina Trail is rated expert. It is 37.4 miles long with 10,846 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

ExpertPoint to Point

California

Trans-Catalina Trail

Avalon, California

37.4 mi

Distance

10,846 ft

Elev. Gain

16h 26m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

This is a long trek across the entire island. The views are amazing. In the morning there are beautiful blue ocean views in every direction, and in the afternoon there are incredible solitude and interior island views. Most backpackers leave from Twin Harbors over four days. All hikers and cyclists must have permits. The Catalina Island Conservancy website has more information.

From Wikipedia

The Trans-Catalina Trail is a long-distance trail which traverses Santa Catalina Island off the coast of southern California. From the eastern trailhead where Clarissa Avenue meets Crescent Avenue in Avalon out to Parson's Landing on the West end, then looping back to Two Harbors, the trail's official length is listed as 38.5 miles (62.0 km). Camping is allowed by permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy. There are five campgrounds along or near the trail: Hermit Gulch, Black Jack, Little Harbor, Two Harbors, and Parsons Landing. Hikers usually take between 2 and 5 days to complete the route.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1 ft

Max:527 ft

3,306 ft

3,328 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context