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Garden to Sky Loop - Catalina Island - 2 members in 3 triplogs have rated this an average 3 ( 1 to 5 best )
3 triplogs
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Mar 31 2026
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 Guides 42
 Routes 1,799
 Photos 15,483
 Triplogs 2,925

70 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Garden to Sky Loop - Catalina IslandCali Islands, CA
Cali Islands, CA
Hiking avatar Mar 31 2026
The_EagleTriplogs 2,925
Hiking4.41 Miles 1,647 AEG
Hiking4.41 Miles   2 Hrs   31 Mns   2.05 mph
1,647 ft AEG      22 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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Ladyeagle
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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."
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230404
Dec 11 2013
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 Guides 177
 Routes 249
 Photos 10,535
 Triplogs 2,249

75 male
 Joined Feb 12 2002
 Gold Canyon, AZ
Garden to Sky Loop - Catalina IslandCali Islands, CA
Cali Islands, CA
Hiking avatar Dec 11 2013
AZLOT69Triplogs 2,249
Hiking5.08 Miles 1,341 AEG
Hiking5.08 Miles
1,341 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Island hike-fun.
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It's best for a man to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open his mouth and remove all doubt.
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97106
Aug 30 2008
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 Guides 6
 Routes 40
 Photos 887
 Triplogs 214

male
 Joined Dec 06 2003
 Bordeaux, France
Garden to Sky Loop - Catalina IslandCali Islands, CA
Cali Islands, CA
Hiking avatar Aug 30 2008
Davis2001r6Triplogs 214
Hiking7.00 Miles 1,341 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles   3 Hrs      2.33 mph
1,341 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked this loop on my first trip to Catalina Island. Only came across 5-10 people on the trail. The first half is a good moderate climb, second half is easy downhill.

Took the shuttle/bus to the TH, then walked back into town for the extra 2 miles.
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  1 archive
38758
average hiking speed 2.19 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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