DESTINATION Garden to Sky Loop - Catalina Island 1 Photoset
2026-03-31 | | -
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| Hiking | 4.41 Miles |
1,647 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.41 Miles | 2 Hrs 31 Mns | | 2.05 mph |
| 1,647 ft AEG | 22 Mns Break | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | This was our first trip to Catalina Island. We had the day on the island and first opted for a driving tour of the booming metropolis of Avalon.
Next, we stopped at the Catalina Island Conservancy for our free/required hiking permit. This can also be done online at https://catalinaconservancy.org/resources/permits/. The girl at the desk said that this way the rangers knew where we were. (We saw no rangers.) The same lady who issued our permit was working the entrance to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens at the end of our hike.
Next, we got into the "Ride Circuit" to request our $2/pp ride to the TH at the north end of Hermit Gulch Campground.
Recent trail maintenance had the trail in great shape all the way to the top. Once at the Hermit Gulch Lookout, you get great views of both Avalon and the other side of the island. Our cruise ship looked like a small spec from up there.
Instead of the out-and-back, we opted for the slightly longer and more knee-friendly loop option. This utilizes Divide Road to the Avalon Cyn./Memorial Roads. This takes you through the Wrigley Memorial, which is worth the stop. The Botanical Gardens are also here, but we did not spend the time to peruse them.
We connected to WiFi at the entrance and requested our ride back. Nothing overly exciting on this hike, but a good option if you have minimal time on the island. |
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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