Catalina Island Hiking Trails – All hiking and mountain biking on Catalina outside Avalon requires a permit. Visit the Catalina Island Conservancy website for more information.

Hiking Permits: Permits are required for all hikes outside Avalon. They are free of charge and can be obtained on the same day of your hike. These permits are for day hiking only and not for overnight camping or backpacking.

Please dispose of trash properly in designated containers. When none is available, pack out your trash. Littering is strictly prohibited under California Penal Code Section 374B.

The cutting of trees, gathering of wood, plant collection, or defacing any natural or man-made feature, including archaeological sites, is strictly prohibited.

Disturbing or collecting wildlife is also prohibited. Catalina Island is home to many rare and endangered species, including plants and animals found only on the island.

Firearms, traps, and hunting equipment are prohibited in the interior of Catalina Island.

Carry a signed permit while hiking, and adhere to all posted regulations to preserve the natural environment.

Dogs are allowed on interior island trails but must be kept on a leash at all times. Catalina Island is more dog-friendly compared to National Parks, but ensure your dog is well-trained, especially around wildlife like bison. It’s also a good idea to carry your dog's vaccination records, especially for rabies. During summer and fall, yellow jackets are common, so bringing Benadryl for your dog may be helpful in case of stings. Catalina Express allows dogs on their boats, but they must sit outside, and you’ll need a muzzle for your dog. It's recommended to confirm all pet-related requirements with both the Catalina Island Conservancy and Catalina Express before your trip. Avalon is not very dog-friendly due to its compact nature, limited parks, and tiny roads, but Two Harbors (Isthmus) is highly dog-friendly with dog bag dispensers available around town.

As a visitor, it’s your responsibility to leave no trace in the backcountry. Stay on designated roads and trails to minimize your impact on the environment.

When to Hike? Avoid hiking in the summer. The interior of Catalina can be extremely hot and dry, especially in the canyons and ridges. The best time to hike is during winter or early spring when the island is green, moist, and far less crowded.

If you do choose to hike in the summer, bring plenty of water and a wide-brimmed hat for shade. You may also want to plan a swim to cool off. The best swimming spots include Little Harbor, Emerald Bay (middle beach), Parsons Landing, and the Isthmus beach. Avoid swimming in Avalon Bay due to pollution, and Cat Harbor, where the water clarity is not great.

Provisions and Restocking: You can restock provisions in Avalon and Two Harbors. The Beach Shop at Two Harbors is well-stocked, offering everything from food to outdoor supplies, including a great beer selection. Avalon offers more variety with multiple stores for food and supplies.

Popular Hiking Trails and Scenic Routes: Besides the iconic Trans-Catalina Trail, many side trails and routes provide scenic adventures for hikers:

One of the last one room school houses in the United States is on Catalina Island. The building sits just below the Catalina Civil War Barracks in Two Harbors.

Above is the public beach section of Emerald Bay, which is the longest beach section in Emerald Bay. You can swim and also walk/swim your dog here from both boat and road trails. There is no drinking water or bathroom/out-house here. The other sections of beach in Emerald Bay belong to Corsair Yacht Club and Emerald Bay Camp. This is one of the finest and cleanest swimming beaches on Catalina Island. The water is gin clear and has been very warm the last couple of years during late summer and fall. I actually was swimming here in late October 2011 with no wetsuit and it was very nice. Shown on the beach are kids from Howland"s Landing who have kayaked over to the beach to swim a few times a week in the summer months. Their beach is not as nice as this one. This is a public beach, so if you see large groups using it, don"t be scared off. The beach is fairly large, as far as beaches go on Catalina Island. The above photo only shows 2/3s of the total beach.

Above is my dog walking the Trans Catalina Trail to Parson"s Landing in October. This photo shows Emerald Bay and Indian Island in the middle of the bay. At the far north end of Emerald Bay you can see Emerald Bay Camp. It is a VERY LARGE camp that holds hundreds and hundreds of kids. The Trans Catalina Trail goes right through the camp. You will get some idea just how big this camp is when you walk 1/4 mile up the canyon through many groups of platform tents and finally cross the dry stream bed.

The photo above is looking south toward Two Harbors and Howland"s Landing below. Howland"s Landing is home to Catalina Island Camp and Los Angeles Yacht Club. This whole beach is private. The road which doubles as the Trans Catalina Trail can be seen below. The road/trail weaves deep in and out of the canyons on most coves, which basically quadruples the road and trail lengths.

Above is Parson"s Landing on the north end of Catalina island. The beach is 2/3 sand and some heavy gravel in the north. It is not the greatest swimming beach since there is some small surf here that keeps the water murky. There are now 8 camping tables on the beach and five out-houses. This is now a very popular camp spot for both kayakers and Trans Catalina Trail hikers. Years ago nobody used this beach except a few catamaran sailors that camped on the beach, now you have to watch where you walk since it is so crowded and sectioned up.

Whether you're seeking adventure on the Trans-Catalina Trail or exploring scenic side trails, Catalina Island offers a variety of hiking experiences for all levels. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island!

Trans Catalina Trail and Catalina Island Hiking Trails