You can look at pretty pictures on Instagram. Or read a bunch of glossy articles in a hiking magazine. But few of these resources prepare you to hike a particular trail. They just whet your appetite to get outdoors.
So if you’re planning to hike California’s Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT), set all that motivational material aside for a minute, and listen up. Here’s 22 important things every hiker should know about the TCT to avoid getting lost, hurt, or just feeling like an idiot!
#1 The terrain is wicked steep in places
Hikers love the TCT for its sweeping ocean views. But, you might be in for a rude awakening if you think this is a nice easy beach trail. Don’t believe me? Check out this elevation profile. To get those prime views, you need to hike to the top of the island’s rugged peaks, and this trail doesn’t believe in using switchbacks to get you there. Instead, the TCT tends to go straight up and over every obstacle. My recommendation is to bring trekking poles to assist you. Your knees will thank you for it at the end!
#2 – Stealth camping is prohibited
If you’ve hiked any of the United States’ national scenic trails, then you’re probably used to picking your own campsite. Whether you call it stealth camping, wild camping, or backcountry camping – there’s a certain joy to picking a scenic spot and making it your own for the night. However, to protect the island’s unique environment, camping along this trail is confined to the island’s five established campgrounds. Reservations are required, and all of them can be booked online through ReserveAmerica.com or by calling (877) 778-1487.
#3 – Two Harbors is a logistical challenge
Regardless of whether you plan to end your TCT hike in Two Harbors or you are going begin the trail there, getting to this tiny seaside village can be a difficult. The majority of the ferries from the mainland only go to the main town – Avalon. Uber and Lyft don’t operate on the island. Hitching isn’t an option, and a shuttle ride from Avalon to Two Harbors can cost you more than $200. So, how do hikers plan around this obstacle, especially in the off-season when there are fewer services available? I have an post dedicated entirely to this topic. Just know, unless you’re independently wealthy, you’ll definitely want to plan your transportation to/from Two Harbors in advance.
#4 – Yes, you really do need a map
Some trails out there are so incredibly well-marked with blazes and signs that you don’t really need to worry much about navigation. This isn’t one of them. While there are definitely signs along the way, hikers will encounter a handful of tricky sections where it’s easy to go astray and get off trail. So do yourself a favor. Download the TCT trail map from the Catalina Island Conservancy (just click HERE) or pick up a paper copy when you get to the Trailhead visitor center in Avalon.
#5 – Bison are lazy too!
Which do you prefer? Walking on a well-defined trail or bushwhacking through cactus and plants? Well I have news for you. Animals prefer the path of least resistance too. So while bison may be roaming the island freely, you should expect to find them standing, walking or laying on the trail/roads. To help keep you safe, here’s a quick guide showing far away you should stay from the bison and what to do if one unexpectedly charges you.
#6 – The Catalina symbol is everywhere
If you’ve ever hiked a trail with a distinct emblem, then you probably got into the habit for using it as a visual cue on where to go next. Unfortunately, the logo used all the TCT signs is not unique to the trail. This symbol actually belongs to the Catalina Island Conservancy. So you’ll see it on trash cans, road signs, as well as other trails all over the island. It’s just one more reason you’ll want to have a detailed map when you hike this trail so you don’t accidentally get led astray.
#7 – The TCT is super exposed
Once you get outside of Avalon, most of the foliage growth is less than two feet high. This means hikers are exposed to full sun (and possibly strong winds) throughout their entire hike on the island. The lack of shade also means there’s an increased risk of sunburn, overheating, and dehydration on the TCT. Hikers should carry plenty of water and consider carrying a tarp or umbrella to create their own shade if hiking during warmer months.
#8 – There’s no fresh water at Parson’s Landing
Once you reach the town of Two Harbors, the TCT makes a 14-mile loop around the west end of the island. There is no running water on this loop, so make sure to carry plenty of extra fluids. If you have an overnight campsite reserved at Parson’s Landing (near mile 31), you can coordinate for access to one of the campground’s pre-stocked lockers. Inside you’ll find a bundle of firewood, fire starter, and a 2.5 gallon jug of water. These lockers cost an additional $20, and you must pick-up your locker key at the Visitor Center in Two Harbors in order to open it.
#9 – What’s with the bear boxes?
As you pass by each of the campgrounds on the TCT, you’ll notice there are large brown metal bear boxes at the campsites. Don’t worry, there aren’t any bears to worry about on the island. However, there are some other wily scavengers who will be quite curious about your food. The most notorious of these are the Channel Island fox. If you are camping overnight, make sure to secure all your food and scented items in the box to keep them secure. After all, when animals learn human food is tasty and easy to obtain, they tend to become more aggressive around future hikers.
#10 – There’s showers along the trail
One of the luxuries you’ll find on the TCT is a few outdoor showers. These amenities are similar to the ones you find at public beaches, and they are located at Blackjack Campground (mile 10.7) and Little Harbor (mile 18.9). The campground showers only have cold water and they don’t have any privacy, so make sure to bring a bathing suit. However, there’s also a coin-operated (hot) shower facility in Two Harbors near the General Store.
#11 – The UV is intense even on cloudy days
As already mentioned above, hikers get nearly complete sun exposure on the TCT due to the lack of shade along the route. But remember, you can still get excessive sun exposure even during winter or on cloudy days. In fact, there’s scientific research showing that partly cloudy and hazy days can result in a 25% increase in UV-B rays (the ones that cause sunburns). So make sure to wear sunscreen, long sleeves, sunglasses, and/or hats while hiking.
#12 – The Airport is a great place to eat
I know what you’re thinking. Airport food? Seriously?! But, the DC-3 Grill at Catalina’s Airport in the Sky isn’t your typical fast food joint. The indoor dining room will remind you of a rustic lodge – complete with a bison head mounted over the stone fireplace. There are tables and picnic benches outside where you can laze and enjoy your meal in the sunshine. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including buffalo burgers and vegetarian fare. Hikers and campers are welcome (there’s even signs announcing this). Plus, eating at the airport means one less meal you have to carry in your pack!
#13 – Permits are free
Hiking permits are required on Catalina Island, but securing one is a straight-forward and simple process. Just go online to the Catalina Island Conservancy website (click HERE) to register, and then print it out your permit. There’s no lottery that you need to sign up for months in advance. You don’t need to fill out a bunch of cumbersome forms or find a fax machine. And you definitely won’t need a credit card or exact change. In fact, getting a permit to hike the TCT is about as streamlined of a process as you’ll find anywhere. If you forget to get your permit ahead of time, you can also obtain one in person in Avalon, the Airport in the Sky, or the Two Harbors Visitor Center.
#14 – The descent into Parson’s Landing is a killer
Most hikers agree the descent between mile 29 and Parson’s Landing is the sketchiest part of the entire trail. This section of the TCT is so insanely steep, that more and more hikers are opting to hike the loop around the western end of the island counter-clockwise. Tackling this segment in the reverse direction allows you to climb up the steepest section rather than descending a slope that exceeds 20% in many places. If the trail is wet (or if you have any chronic knee/joint issues), opting to ascend this outrageous hill is often far safer than hiking the loop clockwise.
#15 – There’s limited cell coverage on the island
In a world where everyone is connected, hikers can have a tendency to assume they’ll always have cell coverage. Why bring a paper map when you can just pull up an app on your smart phone? Here’s the thing. Catalina Island may be less than 25 miles from the metropolitan hub of Los Angeles, but there’s generally no cell service on the interior of the island. Coverage tends to be best near the two ports and at higher elevations where your phone’s antenna has line of sight with a tower. Consequently, make sure you come prepared for a backcountry hike.
#16 – Everyone loves Little Harbor
Tastes may vary, but there’s places on every trail that become hiker favorites. Little Harbor Campground is that hidden gem on the TCT. Located nearly 19 miles from Avalon via the TCT (or 5.3 miles from Two Harbors), you’ll find the sheltered cove of Little Harbor on the western shore of the island.
Not only is this a scenic place to visit, but there’s a sandy, beachfront campground where backpackers can tent right by the water. Campsites are $20 in the off-season and $25 in summer, and these sites book up quick. To get a coveted reservation, go to ReserveAmerica.gov and book one of the is 34 tent sites at Little Harbor or the adjacent Shark Harbor.
#17 – The General Store closes at 6pm
Avalon has a plenty of stores, restaurants, and hotels to accommodate tourists. But the tiny village of Two Harbors is the exact opposite. It’s year-round amenities include one bed & breakfast (the Banning House) and the General Store. The store carries food, drinks, and fuel canisters to support a TCT thru-hike. But, if you plan on buying provisions or resupplying there, be forewarned. It’s only open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
#18 – It’s not all single track trail
When setting out on a new trail, many novice hikers envision a narrow path meandering into the wild. This idyllic image isn’t always the reality though. When creating a longer route, trail organizations often have to string together as series of existing small trails. This is true of the TCT too. As a result, approximately half of the TCT is on single-track backcountry trail, and the rest is comprised of one-lane improved dirt roads and multi-use trails. So keep an eye out, as you might be sharing short stretches of the trail with some vehicle traffic.
#19 – Pit toilets & trash cans abound
If you thru-hike the TCT, you probably won’t need to dig a single cathole when nature calls. Nor will you need to carry days upon days worth of trash in your pack until you reach the next town. That’s because there are a wealth of pit toilets and port-a-potties spread out along the route. Each of the campsites and day hiker areas are outfitted with restrooms, critter-proof trash cans, and recycling bins. The Catalina Island Conservancy ensures these amenities are plentiful as a measure to help preserve the natural beauty of this island. So do your part, and use them!
#20 – The Trail is geared toward west bounders
There’s no reason you have to hike the TCT in one particular direction of the other. You can start the trail in Two Harbors or Avalon. You can also opt to hike the 14-mile loop on the western end of the island in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. It’s all about personal preference.
The mile markers along the route are engraved on both sides so hikers can see them regardless of whether they are hiking east or west bound. This choose-your-own-adventure approach allows you to experience a seemingly new trail, even if you do it multiple times.
However, a word of warning. There are a handful of places along the trail where you might struggle if you aren’t traveling in the typical direction (i.e. chronologically from mile 0 to 38). The TCT’s path tends be more visible from the vantage points and elevation of a west bound hiker. It’s pretty easy to accidentally divert from the TCT and get on an alternate trail, especially near Parson’s Landing and Little Harbor. So bring a good map!!
#21 – Watch out for Poison Oak & Cactus
Every trail has some flora that you have to keep an eye on. The TCT is no exception. Catalina Island has a unique biodiversity of both native and invasive species. Poison oak is the most common nuisance hikers will encounter on the island, and contact may result in itching, swelling, and blisters. Poison oak leaves may be green or red, and take a variety of shapes. So adhere to the old adage, “leaves of three, leave it be.”
Prickly pear cactus is another hazard for TCT hikers. It often grows adjacent to trail, and inattentive hikers might end up with a leg full of spines. This cacti have two type of spines – the long splinter spines that are easy to see, and smaller hairlike spines with barbs on the end that can break off under the skin making them extremely difficult to remove.
#22 – Peanut butter shoes
Hikers encounter a wide variety of soil textures on Catalina Island. There’s sandy beaches, loose rocks, and plenty of dirt. When the island is dry, all of these surfaces can be enjoyable to hike on. But once a moderately heavy rain descends, the island can become a bit more challenging.
Be forewarned! The high clay content on some of the roads can turn wet ground into a thick, sticky mud. In a matter of seconds, the sole of your shoes become caked with this peanut butter-like substance. You’ll be forced to repeatedly stop and use you trekking poles to dislodge the reddish-brown clay before the weight of it pulls your shoes right off your feet. Luckily this nuisance seems to limit itself to roads, and you’ll be free of it once you return to trail.
Want to know more about hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail?
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Thank you for your information, especially in #14: the suggestion to loop to Parson’s Landing counter-clockwise. It was definitely the best way for our over-60 knees!
Mine too!