Skip to map

Trans Catalina Trail

Trans Catalina Trail — the trail guide

The Trans Catalina Trail is a 61.1 km trek in USA, typically walked in 2-4 days, with 2631 m of total ascent. It rates Moderate on our published rubric (43 m of gain per km, topping out at 526 m).

Just 35km off the Los Angeles coast, the Trans Catalina Trail crosses the entire length of Catalina Island. Rolling hills, coastal bluffs, and endemic wildlife including the famous Catalina bison await. This surprisingly wild escape from Southern California offers ocean views, isolated coves, and car-free tranquility.

Quick facts

Distance61.1 km
Total ascent2631 m
Typical duration2-4 days
Difficulty (computed)Moderate
Steepness43 m gain per km
High point526 m
CountryUSA
RegionUSA

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Moderate" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 0 m · high point 526 m · 2631 m total ascent over 61.1 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 50 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan16°12°53 mm
Feb16°12°44 mm
Mar16°12°41 mm
Apr18°13°9 mm
May18°14°8 mm
Jun20°16°3 mm
Jul22°18°1 mm
Aug23°19°6 mm
Sep23°19°7 mm
Oct22°17°9 mm
Nov20°14°13 mm
Dec17°12°41 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Trans Catalina Trail?

The Trans Catalina Trail is 61.1 km, and most hikers complete it in 2-4 days. Total elevation gain is 2631 m.

How difficult is the Trans Catalina Trail?

It rates Moderate on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 43 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 526 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Trans Catalina Trail is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Trans Catalina Trail?

In USA. The route starts near 33.334, -118.333 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

More treks in The United States