Trans-Catalina Trail- Trip Report

 Trans-Catalina Trail, 48 miles, 9,000 ft ascent, May 6-8, 2019.

I walk the length of Catalina island, augmenting the recommended route of the Trans-Catalina Trail at both ends and adding several diversions in the middle. There is water at each nightly stop, so I enjoy an feather-light pack.

Full trip report can be found at: https://www.trailnamebackstroke.com/trans-catalina-trail

Catalina comes into view.

San Fran style cioppino and stiff margaritas are an excellent way to commence a hike adventure.

Avalon harbor. The round building is the old casino.

I sweep around to get my first glimpse of the western face of the island.

Bison in the path. I end up walking around several, which is not terribly difficult but still unpleasant as my trail runners suck up weed darts, forcing me my to remove shoes many times.

To my surprise I encounter a few reservoirs filled with water, and some small flowing streams, evidence that we did indeed have a wet winter.

I arrive midday at Little Harbor, nice spot. Margi has taken the Safari Bus to here and we will walk back together to Two Harbors.

Back at the Banning House, a few foxes are unafraid of humans and are sneaking around. They are sort of half-cat half-dog, but definitely lacking any emphatic human connection.

I enjoyed the trip. The scenery does not vary much but there are many remarkable views. The hiking is easy, with potable water available almost every half-day. Although it was overcast and cool, I was aware of more humidity than on the mainland and would not want to do this hike on hot summer days.

Did you sleep out or was that a day hike? I loved the pictures. The fox is cute, the harbor is pretty, the lake is pleasing, the food looks delicious!

I slept at the Black jack campground the first night, arrived and slept at the banning House at Two Harbors the second, and did an out and back dayhike the third night. It all works out nicely with water available at several places.