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Background: Deciding to Backpack the Trans-Catalina Trail

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How I Decided to Backpack the Trans-Catalina Trail

In January, I serendipitously met a new hiking buddy at an REI event and while doing Mission Trails 5 Peak Challenge in One Day together, he told me about an upcoming backpacking trip he had planned: the Trans-Catalina Trail, a hike from one end of Catalina Island, California to the other.  Catalina Island, he told me, is not just a flat beachy island, there’s a fair amount of elevation change and interesting terrain.

I had never been particularly interested in visiting Catalina Island because I thought it would just be an expensive, bougie day or weekend of drinking wine, walking a tourist town, and seeing a beach. Not really my scene (though I can see how some people would love it.) But this backpacking thing…my interest was piqued.  I had wanted to go on another backpacking trip since my one backpacking adventure almost 8 years prior.

How I Got Someone to Join Me on the Trail

I largely forgot about the idea until late February when my friend Brandon told me he’d be interested in a camping trip since he couldn’t make my upcoming weekday campfire and camping birthday hang.  At least, that’s how I remembered it….but after reviewing my text records, what reaaalllllly happened is this: We were texting about the birthday camping, I said I wanted to do more camping this year, and he said “Ya make it happen. Sounds fun.”

Looking at it now, I’m not even sure if he was expressing an interest in joining or just support for my plans.  But I took this to mean “Yes, Larissa. If you plan something, I’ll come,” and two weeks later on March 12^th, we had this exchange:

We briefly discussed dates that might work for us both.  A few days later, in a random panic over campsites filling quickly (they do), I researched a Trans-Catalina Trail itinerary and booked campsites for one of the periods he thought would work.  In conducting research, it seemed like 4 days / 3 nights was actually the shortest recommended route so that’s what I booked for. Then I crossed my fingers that Brandon could get off work and was actually interested.

I don’t have a lot of friends that would be interested but figured, I should be able to find at least ONE friend or maybe a stranger on Instagram that looked cool and outdoorsy (actual thought) to join.  Or worst case, I could go by myself which is crazy because I get spooked easily at night when alone.

A little more than two months later, we were heading off for the trip.  Those two months flew by and as always, there were some last minute items to pick-up.  If you know the feeling and have a trip that’s snuck up on you and need a good deal on gear in a hurry? Check out Moosejaw!

4 Day / 3 Night Trans-Catalina Trail Backpacking Itinerary

The following is an overview of our 4 day / 3 night Trans-Catalina Trail itinerary.   You can click on the links below each day for all dirty details of each day.  And I mean alllllllll the details, and lots more photos.

DAY 1: AVALON –> BLACKJACK

Mileage:  >16 miles (combined road + trail)

Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet

Drive to Dana Point Ferry Station from north county San Diego.  Arrive early to check-in, get tickets, and park.  Take ferry to quaint Avalon, Catalina Island and begin hike at old Trans-Catalina Trailhead which adds a few miles to the day.  Hike, hike, hike.  Arrive, prepare dinner, and camp at BlackJack Campground which has potable water and pit toilets.

DAY 2: BLACKJACK –> LITTLE HARBOR –> TWO HARBORS

Mileage: >12 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet

Wake-up and hike to Little Harbor passing the Airport in the Sky where many stop to buy food along the way.  Eat lunch and take a dip at Little Harbor.  Hike literally and figuratively breathtaking cliff-side up to a look-out.  Descend two miles to Two Harbors.

Have dinner and beer on the porch at Harbor Reef Restaurant in Two Harbors, Catalina Island.  Walk about 1/3 mile or so to Two Harbors campground and set up camp.  Two Harbors Campground has potable water and port-a-potties.

DAY 3: TWO HARBORS –> PARSON’S LANDING –> STARLIGHT BEACH –> PARSON’S LANDING

Mileage: >15 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Wake-up and head to Two Harbors Visitor Center to get a key for a locker ($20) at Parson’s Landing Campground with wood and water in it because Parson’s does not have potable water (but does have pit bathrooms & port-a-potties.)

Hike to Parson’s Landing Campground via the easier connection between the two campgrounds, West End Road, which is a dirt road that runs along the coast with lots of long switchbacks but only easy, gradual elevation gain.  It’s part of the current “official” TCT.  We could have done it Day 3 or Day 4.

Arrive at Parson’s and get excited about the secluded beach where we’ll be camping while enjoying lunch.  Day-hike to Starlight Beach, the optional “add-on” to the Trans-Catalina Trail and back to Parson’s Landing.  Enjoy ONE MORE NIGHT of backpacker meals, whiskey, and sleeping outside.

DAY 4: PARSON’S LANDING –> TWO HARBORS

Mileage: >6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet

Wake-up and hike from Parson’s Landing Campground back to Two Harbors via the more challenging Silver Peak Trail that runs through Catalina Island (as opposed to along the coast).  Arrive in time to catch waterfront lunch at The Sands and realize how sleepy Little Harbors is on a weekday afternoon.  Wait, chat with other backpackers. 

Hop on Ferry 1 in Two Harbors, hop-off Ferry 1 in Avalon.  Hop on to Ferry 2 in Avalon, hop off in Dana Point.  Drive back to San Diego.  Get work call.  Start dreading the “real-world.” Arrive home.  Cry because it’s over. Smile because I’ll be sleeping in a bed.

TOTAL ESTIMATES

Mileage: 49 miles

Elevation Gain: 9,800 feet

Memories: Countless

Fun Fact: 0 alarm clocks were set and we were up by around 7 every day. Hiking all day = sleeping early. Sleeping in a tent = sun in the morning, nature’s alarm clock.

Backpack: I used my Osprey Ariel 65 for the trip. (Bought mine years ago so older model and color than what’s out now.