1/5
Hiked a chunk of the Trans-Catalina-Trail this weekend. Started in Avalon and wrapped up in Two Harbors. 23 miles and 5k feet of elevation over 8.5 hours. Mentally and physically grueling but worth the spectacular views (and post hike beers).
We filled our waters leaving Hermit Gulch campground and the next spot to get water is at Haypress recreation/picnic area. It’s about halfway to Blackjack.
Didn’t happen to see pallets for firewood at Gulch or TH.
There’s one or two ponds the Bison use that you could plausibly filter from.
ew
I’m heading out there soon. I’m wondering if I will be able to wear shorts…were you brushing up against plants on the trail or any reason for me to need pants instead?
Thank you for sharing!!
I chose to wear shorts for the whole thing. During the narrow sections of the trail you’ll only brush up against mostly long grass. Didn’t encounter any ticks either which was good.
Just keep an eye out for cacti which I saw on the side of the trail often. It was overcast this weekend so I didn’t worry about rattlesnakes, but obviously always something to be vigilant about. Some zip off pants might be the best call if you want the luxury of both.
Enjoy it ! You’ll love it.
I can’t wait!
dang, impressive pace
Omg it’s Cat!!! Glad to see she’s doing well.
TCT is amazing. Congrats!!!! You covered a lot of ground fast!
Dope. Congrats!
Is there a way you could hike and camp this trail without dropping hundreds of dollars? As i understood it you have to get all sorts of permits that just end up costing a ton. Wondering if you had a different experience? Thanks!
Do you need permits beyond just the campsite reservations?
Im not exactly sure. Also is something like backcountry camping possible?
Nice! Thanks for sharing. I'm doing part of this soon. Shark harbor, how was the trail and water source?
Nice man ! Trail was excellent. It was a nice mix between single track and some fire roads for some portions. I had 4L of water with me and it got me through the whole thing with some to spare. There’s potable water at each campsite on the route which makes it fairly easy. Enjoy !
How was the weather and the sun exposure during the day?
On this particular day mostly overcast so it wasn’t too bad, UV’s on the lower end. Got a bit lucky, would have been much tougher had it been sunny the whole time.
Love it. Been meaning to get out there for ages now.
Looks like you can start in either Avalon or TH, do the hike, and then stay the night or take a ferry back all in one day. How did you do it? I imagine we would arrive, stay overnight in one town, hike to the other, and then stay again or ferry back.
Any recommendations along those lines?
I've done it a few times. I like to start at TH (get off the ferry and immediately hit the trail), spend the night at Little Harbor (best campground in SoCal), another night at Blackjack, burger at the airport, and then end in Avalon. Certainly not setting any speed records, but I like hiking and camping more than I like speedwalking.
I can get a hotel room in Avalon and take a shower, clean up, get some mediocre food and a beer, just hang out and rest my feet. Then take the first ferry home the next morning.
The northern bit of the trail is vastly overrated, IMO. Parson's Landing is an interesting campground, but not worth the effort to me.
burger at the airport,
Is this a particularly good burger?
And cool! Good to know. I like to camp now and then, and Little Harbor looks great.
After the climb, especially all the way from Avalon/Hermit, it's the best burger in the world!
No, it's definitely not a particularly good burger. But it's tradition. ;-)
I can appreciate that :)
interesting how the TCT is different than the old route. is there water between Avalon and Blackjack on the TCT? nice that it stops at the airport though that is a longer route. do they still drop off old shipping pallets for firewood at the campsites?