Santa Catalina Island is located in the California Channel Islands, southwest of Los Angeles. The island is known for its wildlife, dive sites, and the imposing Mt. Orizaba. Two Harbors is a resort town where you can enjoy the beaches and the famous Avalon is a city of palm trees and cabanas. Avalon is home to the Catalina Casino and Ballroom, as well as a cultural center with a museum and movie theater.
Five species of mammals are native to Santa Catalina Island. There are also twelve introduced species. There are approximately 400 bison and a significant number of wild pigs. Nearly 400 species of plants and trees grow on the island. The island’s rugged coastline has pockets of sandy coves and pocket beaches. The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy works closely with the Institute for Wildlife Studies to protect the native species. Listed below are some interesting facts about Santa Catalina Island.
You can hike the island by bike or on foot. The island’s beautiful beaches and cliffs are accessible from the two main cities. Two Harbors is the primary landing point for the western half of the island. Getting to the island by bus or boat is also possible. You can also find good surf at Two Harbors. For families, there are summer camps and Boy Scouts on the island. If you’d rather not hike or bike, you can stay in the campground and visit the beach on your way home.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a way to exercise your body while exploring the island, consider hiking the Trans Catalina Trail. This 38.5-mile hiking trail generally follows the coastline from Avalon in the south to Parsons Landing in the north. You can hike the whole trail or walk segments of it. Generally, it is divided into five segments that make sense. For example, the 11-mile stretch from Avalon to Black Jack Campground is flat and scenic.
If you prefer to hike on your own, you can choose one of the numerous trails on the island. There are 165 miles of trails on the island, ranging from easy to difficult. Many visitors enjoy hiking along the 37.2-mile Trans Catalina Trail. A permit is required to hike outside of Avalon, however, and you can get one online at Catalina Island Conservancy. Alternatively, you can purchase a permit at the Conservancy House in Avalon or pick it up at the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon. Two Harbors Visitor Services and the Airport in the Sky are also locations where you can buy permits.
As the third largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Catalina Island is located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. The island is a lush 2.9-square-mile area, and is perfect for camping, hiking, and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also participate in programs related to environmental sustainability. Despite the fact that the island is far from the mainland, the island is not as remote as you might think. If you are planning a vacation in Southern California, this island is definitely worth visiting.