A photo series showcasing California's Trans Catalina Trail is gaining traction as travelers seek alternatives to overcrowded national parks.
Located on Santa Catalina Island, the multi-day backpacking route offers dramatic coastal views, backcountry camping, and unique Channel Islands wildlife — all just 22 miles from Los Angeles.
The Trail: 38.5 Miles Across an Island
The Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) stretches 38.5 miles across Santa Catalina Island, running from Avalon on the eastern shore to Starlight Beach on the western end.
Most hikers complete it in 3-5 days, staying at designated backcountry campgrounds along the route:
- Blackjack Campground (Mile 12.5) - Highest point on the island at 1,600 feet - Little Harbor Campground (Mile 20) - Beach camping with ocean views - Two Harbors Campground (Mile 31) - Near the isthmus, with access to services - Parson's Landing (Mile 38.5) - Remote beach camping at the trail's end
The terrain varies from exposed ridges with Pacific views to oak and pine woodlands, rocky canyons, and coastal bluffs.
Why It's Gaining Attention Now
National parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree are facing crushing overcrowding, with permits for popular trails booked months in advance.
The TCT offers a different experience:
- Accessible permits - Reservations are easier to secure than popular mainland trails - No wilderness permit lottery - Unlike or the - - Endemic species like the island fox and Catalina mahogany - - Ferry access from , , , and
