Catalina Island hiking: plan before you go
Catalina Island hiking ranges from planning a visit near Avalon to preparing for a demanding journey across the island interior. Start by choosing a route that fits your experience and the time you have. The Catalina Island Conservancy manages land in the interior as a private nonprofit land trust. Catalina is not part of Channel Islands National Park.
Obtain the free hiking permit before starting a hike on Conservancy land. It is available online and at the Trailhead Visitor Center, Airport in the Sky and Two Harbors Visitor Information Center. A permit is not a promise that every trail is open, and an ordinary walk through Avalon should not be confused with a hike on Conservancy land. Check the actual route and current restrictions before leaving.
Explore Catalina Island
Plan island activities alongside your walk and check each activity’s meeting point.
Permits, closures and route choices
The permit and the current trail map serve different purposes. Obtain the permit, then confirm that the paths and roads you intend to use are open on your date. Stay on open routes, respect closures and leave plants, natural objects and cultural material where you find them. A hiking permit does not replace a campsite reservation or the separate pass required for cycling in the wildlands.
During the island resident hunting season from October 24 to December 18, 2026, hunting zones change. The Conservancy advises hikers to stay on designated trails and roads and be prepared to encounter hunters. Check the current zone information for your route. A seasonal notice does not mean the entire island is closed, but it can affect where you choose to walk.
For a longer itinerary, the Trans-Catalina Trail covers 38.5 miles from Avalon to Parsons Landing and back to Two Harbors. It is a multiday undertaking, and the Conservancy describes even its three-day version as very demanding. Plan campsites, water and transport for the whole route rather than treating it as a short link between settlements. See our Two Harbors guide and camping overview when arranging overnight stops.
Water, weather and wildlife
Spring and autumn are suggested for more moderate hiking conditions. Summer heat raises the risk of dehydration and sunburn, while winter rain can make trails muddy or lead to closures. Bring sufficient water for the route and check where you can replenish it. Phone reception in trail areas can be limited or absent, so carry the route information you need and make plans before leaving town.
If you encounter a bison, the Conservancy recommends staying at least 125 feet away. Do not approach, touch or feed the animal, and leave it an escape route. Wildlife can cause serious injury. Give animals room and be prepared to change direction or wait at a safe distance. Choose your route for the walk itself, since wildlife sightings vary.
For a remote campsite, check access and supplies as well as your booking. Parsons Landing should not be treated as having a regular water supply. Boat-in sites have no running water or sanitation stations and require visitors to bring their own supplies, including a portable toilet. A suitable return connection matters as much as the outward journey.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden at 1400 Avalon Canyon Road offers a separate self-guided visit near Avalon. The Conservancy lists it as open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Its published admission including taxes and fees is USD 13.58 for adults, USD 11.41 for seniors aged 55 and over and students, and USD 8.15 for children aged 5 to 12. Children under 5, military members and their families, veterans and Conservancy members enter free.
The garden is about 1.7 miles from the ferry terminal. A free shuttle from the Trailhead Visitor Center is listed roughly every 40 minutes when staff are available, so check before relying on a departure. The memorial was built in 1933 to 1934 and Ada Wrigley began the garden in 1935. For the wider story, read our island history guide. A garden visit is distinct from permission and planning for a hike into the interior.
Hiking questions
Do I need a hiking permit?
Get the free permit before hiking on Conservancy land. Check trail access separately for your chosen day.
Is the Trans-Catalina Trail a short walk to Two Harbors?
No. The 38.5-mile route is a demanding multiday itinerary via Parsons Landing, requiring reservations and preparation.
How far should I stay from bison?
The Conservancy recommends at least 125 feet. Do not approach or feed them, and give them room to move away.
Is the garden shuttle guaranteed?
The free shuttle depends on staff availability. Check its operation before relying on it for your visit.