Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island offers more than a scenic escape. For travelers willing to trade relaxation for movement, the island becomes a full-scale outdoor playground. From steep mountain hikes to ocean kayaking, Catalina provides a rare mix of endurance, exploration, and adventure, all within a single trip.
My friends, Andres and Alejandro, and I set out to explore the island through sports over the course of three days, trekking over its harsh terrain and pushing ourselves along the way.
Day One: The Calm Before the Storm
We got to Avalon, the island’s biggest town, early in the morning as the port was just starting to wake up. It seemed like a normal day at the beach at first. We strolled down the waterfront, had breakfast, and took our time getting used to the morning. Boats came and went from the harbor, and everything felt tranquil and slow. For some time, it looked like the trip would go at that same slow pace.
But that peaceful start rapidly turned into one of the worst parts of the trip.
Our first objective was a 10-mile hike to Blackjack Campground. Known as one of the hardest sections of the island due to its elevation gain, the trail pushed us immediately. Long, steep climbs replaced the relaxed atmosphere of Avalon, forcing us to pace ourselves and stay focused.
To make things more difficult, I was attempting this hike just a few days after completing the Los Angeles Marathon. My legs were still recovering, and the fatigue from the race hadn’t fully gone away. What should have been a tough but manageable hike already felt heavier from the start.
About halfway through, I realized I had made a critical mistake. I hadn’t tightened the waist strap of my backpack nearly enough, which meant almost all the weight was sitting on my shoulders instead of being distributed through my hips. With every step uphill, it felt heavier. My shoulders started to ache, my breathing grew more strained, and at certain points, it felt like I was going to make it. Between the lingering marathon fatigue and the poorly adjusted pack, the hike became far more brutal than expected.
We still had a few miles to go when the sun started to set. The last part of the trip to Blackjack turned into a night hike, with the last two miles unfolding in total darkness. It made the final stretch more demanding, but it made reaching camp even more rewarding.
We ran into another problem when we got there: We had forgotten to pack a propane tank to heat up our food. After such a long and exhausting day, that realization hit hard. Fortunately, some people we had met on the trail stepped in and let us use their propane tank. That kind gesture was very much appreciated by all of us.
After finally heating up our food and eating, we didn’t waste any time. Completely exhausted, we went straight to sleep, knowing we needed the rest for the days ahead.
Day Two: Recovery, Refueling, and a Shift in Scenery
The next morning, we continued toward the Airport in the Sky, a well-known stop in the middle of the island. After the previous day’s climb, it felt like a checkpoint. We spent a good amount of time there, eating, recharging our phones, and giving our bodies a chance to recover.
From there, we hiked toward Little Harbor. The terrain began to change, with rolling hills gradually opening up to ocean views. The descent toward the coast was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. After miles of inland hiking, seeing the water again felt like a reward.
But nothing could compare to the moment we got there. We were so tired from the hike that we dropped our packs, put on our swimsuits, and rushed directly into the water. The water was really cold, but after being on the trail for hours, it felt great.
Little Harbor offered an entirely different atmosphere. The sound of waves replaced the silence of the mountains, and the campsite sat right along the beach. We set up camp and rested, knowing the next day would bring a different kind of challenge.
Day Three: Kayaking the Coastline
Instead of continuing on foot, we shifted to the water. We rented kayaks and paddled along the coastline, eventually making our way back toward Two Harbors for lunch.
Kayaking quickly became one of the highlights of the entire trip. Unlike hiking, where you experience the island from above, kayaking lets you see Catalina from sea level. The perspective is entirely different. As we paddled along the coast, we moved through thick kelp forests swaying beneath the surface, creating an almost underwater jungle just below our kayaks.
The water was incredibly clear, making it easy to spot fish and other marine life. At times, it felt like we were floating over an entirely different world. The cliffs were above us, and being on the open water made the island feel even more remote and untouched.
We reached Two Harbors and took a long break, eating lunch and relaxing for a few hours on the beach. After recovering, we got back on the water and paddled back, finishing the day with a mix of effort and ease.
It was still a workout; our arms and shoulders definitely felt it, but kayaking offered a balance between sport and exploration. It’s one of the best activities on Catalina because it provides a completely different view of the island.
After returning, we spent one last night at camp before packing up for the final stretch.
The Final Stretch: A Quiet Finish
We packed everything and left for Two Harbors on the last day. It felt quiet and far away, like a secret outpost rather than a tourist spot, compared to Avalon.
We got our trip back to the mainland from there, fatigued but proud of what we had accomplished.
A Note on the Trans-Catalina Trail
We didn’t finish the whole Trans-Catalina Trail, even though we followed a lot of it on our trip. We didn’t go to Parsons Landing, which many people think is the best camping on the island.
Since Parsons Landing is located on a remote beach, it offers a more secluded and picturesque camping area compared to others. One of the trickiest areas to get to, though. People who like to wait until the last minute to plan things (like my friends and I) often find it difficult to get reservations because they often need to be made months, if not six months, in advance.
We have a good reason to return and try it out again now.
More Activities to Try on Catalina
Although our trip revolved around kayaking and hiking, Catalina provides a variety of sports for tourists.
The island’s clear waters and rich marine life make snorkeling and scuba diving popular activities. Starting in Avalon, you may embark on scenic routes that feature considerably steep slopes, making cycling another fantastic alternative.
Beach volleyball and swimming are two activities that guests can enjoy at a more leisurely pace. Parasailing and ziplining, on the other hand, offer a more exhilarating and rapid way to see the island from above.
An Island Built for Movement
One of the things that makes Catalina Island so special is how versatile it is. Our three-day adventure included ocean kayaking, long-distance hiking, and backpacking. Our perspective on the landscape changed drastically after each action.
If you’re looking for an active vacation, Catalina proves that even a short trip can be an experience. Whether you’re on land or at sea, the island presents endless opportunities to explore, push yourself, and discover new things.
