Outdoor Blog

Backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail on Catalina Island

Published

3 years ago

March 21, 2021

Nestled within the old-world charm of small island towns and rustic territory is the Trans Catalina Trail: a 38.5 mile-long backpacking trail located on Santa Catalina Island, California. A short hour-long ferry ride from mainland Southern California, the Trans Catalina Trail is an ideal escape for those not wanting to travel far to get both seclusion and adventure. A backpacker’s dream, the trail boasts elevation gains as high as 1,600 feet, isolated campgrounds, and stops along some of the state’s most beautiful beaches.

Before hitting the trail, a short walk through Avalon to the trailhead exhibits the charm of life on Catalina Island.

The Trail Basics

The TCT trail specs:

Total length: 38.5 miles
Elevation change: 8,600 feet.
Time to complete: 3 to 5 days
Number of designated campgrounds on the trail: 5

The TCT extends the entire length of Catalina Island. From Avalon, the epicenter of the island and its only incorporated city, to Starlight Beach at the northernmost tip of the Island, the trail takes hikers through small towns, high peaks, and secluded beaches from beginning to end.

If you are planning on camping overnight, your campsite reservations will function as your hiking permit, no check-in needed. If you are just taking a day trip to Catalina Island and want to spend an afternoon hiking, you’ll need to pick up in person or print from online a hiking permit issued by the Catalina Island Conservancy visitors center. There, you can also get a trail map and fill up your water.

What to Expect and How to Prepare for Backpacking the TCT

The TCT is a challenging trail made up of a series of continuous climbs and descents. While the trail is made up of mostly clear dirt roads, the backcountry can be rocky and unstable at some points.

Just about all of the TCT is exposed to direct sunlight as very few tall trees cover the trail, making the heat brutal during the summer months. With the exception of the area surrounding Blackjack campground, you’ll most likely be in the sun all day.

Be sure you’re prepared for the hike by packing with you:

Trekking poles
Sturdy hiking boots
sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Potable water canisters
Headlamp

Additionally, be prepared to encounter some furry friends along the trail including bison, the Catalina Island Fox, and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake.

Getting to Catalina Island

The most common and convenient method of getting to Catalina Island is by ferry. The Catalina Express and the Catalina Flyer both depart multiple times throughout the day from Los Angeles to Avalon, Catalina Island.

The Catalina Flyer departs once per day from Newport Beach at 9 a.m.. The Catalina Express departs multiple times throughout the day from the following cities:

Long Beach
San Pedro
Dana Point

In order to get the most out of a backpacking trip, taking the earliest available ferry to arrive at around 8 or 9 a.m. on Catalina Island is the best option. If you are unable to arrive early in the morning on Catalina Island, the second-best option is to arrive late in the evening to Avalon, camp overnight at the nearby Hermit Gulch Campground, and then begin hiking the following morning.

Backpacking Itinerary

If you’re a camper wanting to hike the entire trail while getting the most of it, plan for a 5-day trip to ensure that you’re not rushing through from start to finish.

5 Day Backpacking and Camping Itinerary

Day 1: Renton Mine Road Trailhead to Black Jack Campground

Trail specs:

Total length: 13.8 miles
Elevation change: 3,339 feet
Total hike time: 7 to 14 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult

The first day of the trail is the most difficult, making an early start essential for getting into the campground before dark. Once you get to the island’s inland, there are views of the ocean, wildflowers, cacti, and, sometimes, wild bison. Arriving at the Blackjack Campground, you will then have the option to settle in at your campsite or take a 2 mile walk out to Airport in the Sky for dinner where they’re famous for their bison burgers.

Day 2: Blackjack Campground to Little Harbor Campground

Trail specs:

Total length: 7.15 miles
Elevation change: 1,754 feet
Total hike time: 2.5 to 4.5 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

After setting out in the morning, and if you hadn’t already gone to the Airport in the Sky, then that’s a good first stop in the morning for coffee and brunch. Once you arrive at the Little Harbor Campground in the afternoon, you’ll be happy it was a short hike as the Little Harbor beach and its neighboring beach at Shark Harbor make for some of the best water activities on the entire island.

This is the only campground located on the remote west end of the island so you’ll really feel the seclusion once you’re there. To make up for the remoteness, the Two Harbors general store is available to deliver food, water, and other supplies directly to your campsite.

While having breakfast or dinner at the Airport in the Sky, plane-watching is a must.

Day 3: Little Harbor Campground to Two Harbors Campground

Trail specs:

Total length: 5.14 miles
Elevation change: 1,212 feet
Total hike time: 2 to 3.5 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

The hike from Little Harbor Campground to Two Harbors Campground will take you across Catalina Island to its east end and second of two towns, Two Harbors. The first half of the trek will include a few consecutive, steep climbs. At the top, you’ll be able to look down and see the ocean on both the east and west sides of the island. After a short break, the remainder of the trail is mostly downhill as you make your way into the small town of Two Harbors.

Once you arrive at the campground, you can take another afternoon for water activities where equipment rental is available. There is also a small grocery store known for its ice cream as well as seaside restaurants famous for their seafood. Before departing Two Harbors, be sure to call the Two Harbors Visitor Service Center to order a locker and locker key for your stay at Parsons Landing.

Day 4: Two Harbors Campground to Parsons Landing Campground

Trail specs:

Total length: 6.57 miles
Elevation change: 1,728 feet
Total hike time: 3 to 6 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult

Just after departing Two Harbors Campground comes a steep 1,800 foot uphill climb with panoramic views of the island. After ascending to the top, the climb is followed by a quick drop down to sea level where Parsons Landing is located.

Parsons Landing is the more secluded of the two seaside, east-end campgrounds. This campground has only 8 primitive campsites on the beach, giving each campsite a private beach-like feel. Because it is so far removed, there is no place to get food, water, or supplies at the camp, so you’ll have to be sure to either bring your supplies or have already purchased a locker stocked with water and firewood before arriving.

Day 5: Parsons Landing Campground to Starlight Beach to Two Harbors

Trail specs:

Total length: 15.81 miles
Elevation change: 3,060 feet
Total hike time: 7 to 12 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate/hard

If you’re going to make a day hike to Starlight Beach from Parsons Landing and then make it back to Two Harbors by the end of the day, then you’d better be ready for a long hike! Starlight Beach, with its many rocky cliffs and coves, makes a great place to stop and picnic during the late morning. This is the last stop opportunity for some water activities before closing out the adventure.

By early afternoon and after a couple of hours on the beach, it’s time to head back to Two Harbors to close out the trip. You’ll head back the same way you came, covering just over 11 miles and expecting to arrive at Two Harbors within 5 to 8 hours of leaving the beach.

Points of Interest Along the TCT

Not only is the TCT in itself a destination, but points of interest along the trail also offer an opportunity to rest and take in the beauty of Catalina Island.

1. Airport in the Sky

Located two miles north of Black Jack Campground is Airport in the Sky, the island’s only airport where plane watching, dining, and the nature center can all be found. At 1,600 feet above sea level, Airport in the Sky sits on a plateau and boasts spectacular views of the islands inland and sea.

DC-3 Gifts and Grill is one of the only places along the TCT where you can stop and have a restaurant meal. Known for their famous buffalo burgers and Mexican classics, DC-3 makes a great breakfast on your way to Little Harbor or for dinner while staying at Blackjack Campground. Even better, in the summertime, you won’t want to miss the live music from local island bands outside on the barbecue.

2. Shark Harbor

Connected to the Little Harbor Campground and adjacent to Little Harbor beach is Shark Harbor beach. While right next to Little Harbor, Shark Harbor offers completely different conditions for water activities than its neighbor. Often considered one of the best locations for surfing in the country, Shark Harbor is an easy and must-stop along the TCT.

3. Starlight Beach

Situated at the very end of the TCT is Starlight Beach. Located at the island’s northernmost point, the beach makes a great day trip from Parsons Landing. A much rockier beach than those at Two Harbor and Little Harbor, Starlight Beach is full of cliffs and coves all worth exploring. Near the end of the entire trip, Starlight Beach is a great spot to get in some final few water activities before heading back to the mainland.

4. Haypress Reservoir

A perfect midday stop along the climb towards Blackjack Campground is the Hapress Reservoir, a picnic and rest stop that embodies the inland landscape of Catalina Island. Picnic tables, a playground, and a small lake often surrounded by bison make this spot perfect for a short (or long) hiking break.

Campsites Along the TCT

Five campgrounds are found along the length of the TCT, each conveniently spread about a days’ hike between one another and with points of interest located along the way. Each campground requires a reservation in advance which comes with the basic campsite amenities.

With the exception of Parsons Landing Campground in which you will need to reserve a locker in order to have drinking water, reservations at each other location include drinking water. Additionally, firewood is available for purchase at the locations where fires are permitted including Little Harbor, Two Harbors, and Parsons Landing.

1. Hermit Gulch Campground

Starting off at the top of the trailhead, the Hermit Gulch Campground is the only campground within the Avalon City limits. Walking distance to all the activities within the town as well as the TCT, the campground is a nice hybrid of city and scenic.

If you’re arriving on Catalina in the evening and looking for a place to sleep that night before backpacking the next day, Hermit Gulch is an easy choice. In addition to tent sites, the campground also offers tent cabins for rent which come with a propane stove and an electric lantern.

Amenities:

Picnic tables
Barbecue stands
Flush toilets
Showers
Coin-operated lockers
Vending machines
Equipment rental

2. Black Jack Campground

Midway between the towns of Avalon and Two Harbors, Black Jack Campground is Catalina Island’s highest altitude campground. 1,600 feet above sea level and covered in eucalyptus trees, Black Jack Campground ensures sprawling views of the entire island. With no fires permitted at the campground, another option for meals is the restaurant located at Airport in the Sky.

Amenities:

Picnic tables
Barbecue and fire rings
Drinking water
Chemical toilets
Showers

3. Little Harbor Campground

In between Avalon and Two Harbors, the most secluded campground on Catalina is Little Harbor Campground. Isolated on the island’s “backside”, Little Harbor is the dream for any backpacker in search of sprawling, sandy beaches, and water activities.

Activities available at Little Harbor include sailing, kayaking, and even scuba diving. Named the “World’s Healthiest Marine Environment”, taking a break from backpacking may be worth it to take an afternoon and go for a scuba diving lesson. Being so far removed from the rest of the island, Little Harbor also has its own general store with everything from fresh fruit to sandwiches available to be delivered directly to your campsite.

Amenities:

Picnic tables
Barbecue and fire rings
Cold-water, outdoor showers
Drinking water
Chemical toilets
Kayak rental
Equipment rental

4. Two Harbors Campground

Sitting just outside the town of Two Harbors, the campground sits on top of a bluff overlooking the Pacific ocean, giving it a secluded feel despite being a walking distance to town. Similar to Little Harbor Campground, Two Harbors also has a general store and equipment for activities like kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. Two Harbors also offers tent cabins with propane stoves and electric lanterns for rent offering a more comfortable camping experience.

Amenities:

Picnic tables
Barbecue and fire rings
Showers
Chemical toilets
Drinking water
Equipment rental

5. Parsons Landing Campground

The northernmost campground along the TCT is Parsons Landing Campground, a small, secluded location on the island’s east side. Backpackers looking to make a day excursion out to Starlight Beach should plan on beginning and ending their excursion from Parsons Landing as it is the most conveniently located campground to the beach.

Amenities:

Picnic tables
Barbecue and fire rings
Chemical toilets

Is the Trans Catalina Trail Worth the Trip?

The Trans Catalina Trail is great for backpackers both looking for a nearby getaway from hectic Southern California and for those ready for a challenging, multi-day backpacking trip. If you’re looking for a challenging hike that incorporates other activities, is in a beautiful location, and has some of the country’s best campgrounds, then you need to check out the Trans Catalina Trail.

Bonus tip: While you’re at it, check out this awesome video on hiking the Trans Catalina Trail!

Outdoor Blog

Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Published

7 days ago

September 20, 2023

rokumedia

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently.

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger.

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

Outdoor Blog

Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Published

1 month ago

August 24, 2023

Matt Colletta

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news.

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise.

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails.

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important?

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy.

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources.

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources.

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important:

Allows for sustainable rural development

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy.

Test new technologies

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy.

Improving the effect of climate change

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air.

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air.

This leads to job creation

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms.

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors.

Embracing the Use of Green Technology

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails.

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment.

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it.

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive.

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources.

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes.

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem.

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before.

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being.

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses.

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists.

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants.

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market.

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com.

Outdoor Blog

Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Published

1 month ago

August 23, 2023

Samantha Bos

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.