We came back for Round 2 on Catalina Island a little over a year later to attempt bikepacking again. We learned from our mistake and decided to adjust the route and start from Two Harbors and make our way to Avalon, but stopping to hit Parson's Landing.
We chose to go in April while it was still off season, and before the weather got hot again. The trip was 40 miles over 3 1/2 days. We packed everything between our 2 bikes and both carried 25L backpacks. Only pack the necessities because the more you bring, the more you have to push uphill.
Of course what is a bikepack trip without a little bit of an issue. The first few miles in I popped a tube the same exact way as my friend did the first time around. Luckily for us, we came prepared and were able to fix the issue and not let it get in the way of our trip.
Tip: In my experience when backpacking, you prepare for the worst and have all the supplies you need for a 'just in case' moment. With bikepacking I would say assume something is going to happen because it most likely will and be prepared to have to fix something, possibly multiple times.
I popped my tire mile 4 or 5 into the trip and had to fix it, and then the tire popped again somewhere along the last two mile downhill into town. Bring 2 tubes minimum assuming both could blow out and practice changing the tubes before you head to the island to ensure you know how to fix it. We also changed our treads to be off-roading tread since the entire trail is a dirt road.
Parson's Landing
This section of the island goes off the main trail and requires you to walk the bike for most of the footpath that takes you down to the beach. It is very hilly with a lot of protruding rocks that could launch you off your bike. The hike out of the camp site is a little more effort to get the bike and yourself over the rocks on such a narrow path, but it is doable. It just takes more time to get out than going down.
Parson's Landing is the smallest of the camp sites as they are beach spots only. At this site you can get water and wood set up to be there upon your arrival. There are stone walls to help block the wind from blowing at your tent all night and fox bins to store your stuff in.
Tip: There are warnings for the bison on the island as well as the small creatures, but there is no warning about the crows. The crows on the island, much like the Channel Islands, have become smart and know how to unzip bags and will pop holes in water containers. Don't leave your stuff unattended or cover it so they can't get to it.
This was the camp spot we had for the night. I carried a tarp with me to cover the bikes to keep animals, especially crows, out of our stuff. On this particular trip I thought it would be safe to not carry a rain fly since it never rains in California. We woke up to a nice rain shower that lasted about 20 minutes coming down on us. It was all laughs, but fair warning, the weather can change in a moment.
There are bathrooms and trash bins at this site so you can dispose of your trash rather than have to carry it around with you. The island is very well maintained, and it should be kept that way.
Tip: If you are low on water and forgot to reserve water to be sent to the campground, check the fox bins at empty sites or ask the surrounding people if any water got left in the bin. A lot of people get too much water and end up storing it for the next people who come along to use rather than throw it away.
Backside Near Little Harbor
All campgrounds require a reservation on this island, but in this case we made our own spot. There are a ton of small beaches on the backside of the island near Little Harbor and past it. We found a footpath that looked like people had previously used to sit and watch sunset or even camp. We were hidden from the road but could see the road wind around the corners below us.
Little Harbor campground is a large campground on the backside with the same amenities as Parson's where you can get firewood and water drop off. In addition it looked like there was luggage drop off since the beach had spots to launch paddle boards and could snorkel in the bay.
The distance between Parson's Landing and Little Harbor will be the furthest distance to bike in one day. Luckily we passed back through Two Harbors, the town, so we were able to relax in some shade and grab a popsicle.
Tip: The trails are all out in the open. Catalina is not an island with tree coverage. When you hit spots on the trail that offer shade, definitely take a moment to relax there because otherwise you spend the day baking in the sun. There are man built shaded areas with benches on some parts of the trail that make it easy to get out of the sun during the hot parts of the day if you happen upon them.
Packing List
We were only on the island for a few days, but were covered in the sweat at the end of each day. Our bikes carried all our supplies for us including the tent, sleeping bags, food, first aid, and all the miscellaneous items.
Clothing Packing List
- sandals with good straps like Chacos or Tevas
- sneakers or slim profile hike shoe
- 2 pair of shorts
- a pair of lightweight pants
- 2 tanks
- 2 t-shirts
- one long sleeve
- a set of sleep clothing
- windbreaker
- thermal layer for nighttime
Tip: Bring a pair of shoes for the uphills. Pushing the bikes uphill on a dirt road is much easier with traction from a shoe than with a pair of sandals. It also keeps rocks from getting on your feet.
The island is a beautiful place and one of the perks is the chance of coming across a bison. We came across one on the last day grazing along the road. Keep plenty of distance from them because they will charge at you. If you are bikepacking the island, get off and walk your bike if you come across one. They will chase after a bike because they think you are prey.
We made the trip in 3 days and arrived on the morning of the 4th day around 8am. Starting at Two Harbors allows you to ride down the giant hill that leads out of Avalon. On our first trip we trekked up that hill with our bikes and the blind spots on the curves made for a challenge walking along the road during the day. If you are considering biking the island, starting at Two Harbors is a more enjoyable way to see the island. There are still days where the bikes were pushed uphill for an hour or two at a time, but to us is ended up being the better route. This is a perfect beginner bike camp trip!
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