The Trans-Catalina Trail is a rigorous 38.5 mile trail which traverses the Santa Catalina Island in Southern California. Hikers must access Catalina Island on the Catalina Express Ferry. Campsite Reservations (Hermit Gulch, Black Jack, Little Harbor, Shark Harbor, Parsons Landing, Two Harbors) must be made through the Catalina Island Conservancy. Free hiking permits are also required and issued by the Catalina Island Conservancy.
BEWARE: The Catalina Island Conservancy has hired a company to kill the Island’s mule deer. From my experience, drones were used and flown the whole night over BLACK JACK CAMPGROUND. Gunshots were also audible. Signs are posted that hikers can’t hike at night but the Trans-Catalina Trail goes right through Black Jack Campground. The CIC has posted that this initial activity will last at least through October 2026.
September 16 – 19, 2026
Trans-Catalina Trail Day 1: Avalon, Black Jack Campground, Drones, Gunfire And Deer Killing
Trans-Catalina Trail Day 2: Airport In The Sky, Yee-Haw Spur Jangle And Shark Harbor Sunset
