Can the Trans-Catalina trail be conquered in a weekend?

The Trans-Catalina Island trail opened last year, giving hikers the chance to see the entire island for the first time. If that sounds like a good backpacking trip, you have a couple of options: pay to hike it with a group such as Coastwalk, or have a go of it on your own.

I chose the latter. The Coastwalk trip, beginning this weekend, costs $600 per person and spans six days and five nights. The trail is about 36 miles long, and the highest elevation is about 2,000 feet -- which doesn't sound too intimidating at first. But although Coastwalk stretches the trek out to almost a week, the nonprofit warns:

The Trans-Catalina Coastwalk is rated strenuous because of the high mileage covered each day, the need to be able to carry a large amount of water and the elevation gain/loss.  Weather this time of year is usually pleasant, but Catalina is truly a desert island, dry and exposed.  This event is not suitable for children, and walkers must submit recent hiking and fitness history.

 

The problem is, who has $600 and six days to spare for a nearby backpacking trip? Like many people, I have a full-time job and only two weeks of vacation per year.

So after buying my hiking permit and booking my campsites more than a month ago, I'm heading to Catalina tomorrow on the first ferry of the day. My boyfriend and I may cross paths with the Coastwalk hikers, but we'll be attempting the hike in half the time -- three days and two nights. And unlike the group, we'll be carrying our own gear and food on our backs.

Online testimonials warn me of several things -- wandering buffalo, steep trails without switchbacks and lots of exposure. But I've never been to Catalina, and I'm not going to pass up the chance, even if my schedule can accommodate only three days.

Check in next week for my report on the trip. Is it reasonable to hike the entire island if you have only a weekend? Or will I wimp out and hop on the Safari bus?

-- Clare Abreu

Photo: The Trans-Catalina trail, looking north from Two Harbors. Credit: teamg42 on flickr

Next: Backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail in a weekend, Day 1

Comments

[Jeff Hester]

The Trans-Catalina Trail is an awesome trek. It's not a trivial one. Hiking it in a weekend is really ambitious.

I hiked it in the spring over three nights/four days, and THAT was tough. But it's an amazing and beautiful trip. I'm planning to do it again in 2011, but over five days (maybe even six, if I can swing the time off!).

Who knew you could find such a challenging trip so close?!

[Anne Obrien]

I'm doing the Coastwalk hike and they're doing the whole length of the TCT. That means landing by ferry at Two Harbors and somehow getting out to Parsons Landing for the first night. But that's not the real start of the TCT which is Starlight Beach which can only be reached by guess what....walking. So if you count up the miles that secondt day it's about 20, mostly steep. Camp at Two Harbors. Third day Coastwalk is going to the USC Research Center and has a special tour of the decompression chamber before hiking over to Little Harbor. This is the shortest day, about 5 miles plus. Next day goes from the back side of the island, through the interior (all uphill), lunch at the airport, and camp at Black Jack, about 11 miles. Next day is BJ to Hermit Gulch, about 9 miles. Last day is HG back uphill to the ridge and around the east side of the island and into the ferry terminal the back way, another good hike. Good luck on your 3 days. Easy if you're a tiger! And remember to bring lots of water.

[thewildsideofcatalina]

Yes, and no.
Yes, if all you want to do is hike.
No, if you want to really enjoy the beauty that is Catalina.

[Don Nierlich]

I have hiked parts of the TCT several times with Coastwalk groups, and can say that the Ridge Trail segment, leading to Little Harbor Campground, is truly a world-class trail for its views and ambiance; and for some people it will be a challenge. I don't know why Clare Abreau should not have time to do the whole trail properly (two days for 30-plus miles backpacking on rugged terrain she acknowledges is a bit much). Why don't we Americans think that such a walk would be part of one's vacation, and a value at the $600 that the non-profit, Coastwalk, is asking? To have a guided hike, and not have to carry your own pack or fix your own dinner, or make travel and hiking/camping reservations as the hike description says (www.coastwalk.org), sounds like the makings of a wonderful hiking vacation.

[Jodi]

Have a great trip..it was fun having you at the house...can't wait to hear all about it!!

[Hiking Lady]

Good luck on your Trans-Catalina hike. I am eagerly awaiting your trip report! I've hiked all around Two Harbors and think it is beautiful, and would love to do a Trans-Catalina hike someday. Have fun!