Hiking the Catalina Trail: California’s Best Island Hike

Hiking the Catalina Trail: California’s Best Island Hike

Thinking about hiking the Catalina Trail? You’re in for a rewarding challenge that you’ll never forget! The Trans-Catalina Trail, or TCT, is a 38.5-mile hike along and across Santa Catalina Island in Southern California. I consider it the best island hike in the entire state of California, and as a local, I take that title seriously!

Santa Catalina is part of the Channel Islands, a group of eight islands located around 30 miles off the coast of Southern California. In this video, join me for a thrilling and scenic 3-day hike across the island. We’ll be camping at Black Jack Campground, exploring Little Harbor, and ending the trail in the town of Two Harbors.

Hiking the Catalina Trail is a bucket list activity if you enjoy hiking, backpacking, and exploring some of our nation’s incredible island settings. The TCT is not for the faint of heart, as some parts of the trail are steep and challenging, but it’s a fantastic experience that brings you to some truly unspoiled parts of California that feel worlds away from the buzz and rush of Los Angeles.

If you’re considering visiting Channel Islands National Park, please note that hiking the Catalina Trail is not part of it (but the TCT is located in the same archipelago). You can learn more about the Trans-Catalina Trail here, or check out my complete guide to Channel Islands National Park to learn more here: Island Guide to Channel Islands National Park.

With 7,900 feet to climb, there’s no doubt that the Catalina Trail is a challenge—but I know you’ll love the scenic surroundings and rewarding views that await you on California’s best island hike. Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links that generate a small commission for me at no cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them.