Southern California
Trans-Catalina Trail Guide: Permits, Camps and Itinerary
How to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail: the free hiking permit, booking campsites, ferries, water planning, gear and a 4 to 5 day Avalon to Two Harbors plan.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
The Trans-Catalina Trail runs about 38.5 miles across Santa Catalina Island, from Avalon to Starlight Beach. The island is about an hour by ferry from Los Angeles.
This guide covers permits, campsites, ferries, water and a day-by-day plan.
In This Guide
- Trans-Catalina Trail Overview
- Trans-Catalina Trail Permits and Campsite Reservations
- Catalina Ferries for the Trans-Catalina Trail
- Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack Campground
- Day 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor
- Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors
- Days 4 and 5: Parsons Landing and Starlight Beach
- Where to Stay Before and After the Hike
- Bison, Island Foxes and Leave No Trace on Catalina
- Water and Gear for the Trans-Catalina Trail
- FAQ
Trans-Catalina Trail Overview
Expect short, steep climbs throughout.
The route passes the Airport in the Sky, Little Harbor, Two Harbors and Parsons Landing. You may see bison, descended from animals brought for filming in the 1920s.
- Distance: about 38.5 miles one way
- Direction: usually east to west, Avalon to Starlight Beach
- Days: 4 to 5
- Best season: fall through spring
Trans-Catalina Trail Permits and Campsite Reservations
You need a free hiking permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy, issued online, and separate campsite reservations.
Campsites are booked through the Catalina Island Company, linked from the Conservancy’s trail page. No dispersed camping.
Campgrounds on the Route
The five campgrounds are Hermit Gulch, Black Jack, Little Harbor, Two Harbors and Parsons Landing. Weekends and spring break fill early.
Reservations have opened in January. If westbound dates are full, try the route in reverse.
Catalina Ferries for the Trans-Catalina Trail
Catalina Express runs from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point to Avalon; the Catalina Flyer runs from Newport Beach. The crossing takes about an hour.
The Two Harbors to San Pedro return runs far less often, so check it before booking campsites.
Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack Campground
About 10 to 11 miles, climbing steeply out of Avalon onto the ridge. It is one of the hardest days.
Black Jack Campground has water, restrooms and an outdoor shower.
Day 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor
About 7 to 8 miles. Stop for lunch at the Airport in the Sky grill, known for bison burgers.
The trail then drops to Little Harbor, a beach campground on the windward side.
Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors
About 6 to 7 miles: a steep climb, then a descent to Two Harbors. The village has a general store, restaurant, showers and campground.
Days 4 and 5: Parsons Landing and Starlight Beach
The trail climbs along the ridge to Parsons Landing, a remote beach campground. Many hikers drop packs and walk to Starlight Beach, the western end, then return.
On the last day, take the flatter coastal road back to Two Harbors for the ferry.
Where to Stay Before and After the Hike
Spend a night in Avalon first. Hermit Gulch Campground is the budget option; the Hotel Atwater and the Pavilion Hotel are near the harbor.
At the west end, the Banning House Lodge is a historic inn above Isthmus Cove. My Catalina weekend guide covers Avalon hotels and food.
Bison, Island Foxes and Leave No Trace on Catalina
Bison are wild and fast. Give them room, never walk between a cow and calf, and detour widely.
The island fox lives only on the Channel Islands and raids unattended packs. Store food securely; see my Channel Islands guide.
Water and Gear for the Trans-Catalina Trail
Stretches between water sources are long and exposed. Carry 3 to 4 liters per person, more on warm days.
See my road trip packing list for town basics.
- Lightweight tent and sleeping bag
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Trekking poles
- 3 to 4 liters of water capacity
- A warm layer for windy evenings
- Critter-proof food storage for foxes and ravens
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail?
4 to 5 days for most hikers. Fit backpackers sometimes do it in 3.
Do you need a permit to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail?
Yes. You need a free Catalina Island Conservancy permit plus separate campsite reservations.
When do Trans-Catalina Trail campsites open for booking?
Reservations have opened in January. Check the Conservancy’s trail page for the current date.
When is the best time to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail?
Fall through spring. Summer is hot and exposed.
Is there water on the Trans-Catalina Trail?
Several campgrounds have water, but Parsons Landing does not, so reserve a water locker there.
