Lone Tree Point (Catalina)

Trail: Hermit Gulch

Miles: 8.6

Type: Out and Back

My Time: 3 Hours

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1811 ft.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Parking Permit: No (walked from Hotel)

Location: Catalina Island Conservancy

This is the beginning or end of the Trans Catalina Trail. All depending on which direction you start. Or you may just being doing the out and back I am writing this blog about! I have not yet done the whole trail, but met some really nice people who were starting their journey while we ascended as well. I have done this hike twice. The only change over the years is the picnic table they installed at Lone Tree Point. Great for a shaded snack...unfortunately it's covered in bird poop!

Looking for some elevation gain on a small island?! In roughly 8-miles this hike packs on about 1,800 feet of elevation gain. Also keep in my mind we hiked up the road from our hotel, so we added on some miles and elevation. I witnessed a ton of people stopping on their way up. Clearly they were not ready for this kind of elevation with sun exposure. Even though you may think because you're on an island there won't be much incline, don't be unprepared! For your average hiker, this should not be an exhausting climb. If you are used to elevation gain, this shouldn't be horrible considering you are at sea level! What this trail lacks is tree coverage! A LOT of sun exposure. Plenty of opportunities for a nice sunburn. Also dehydration, so bring lots of water, wear sun-layers or pack on the sunscreen. We had a couple jeep tours pass us the first time I hiked here, so be aware of vehicles driving on the fire roads.

Walk up Avalon Canyon Road and eventually on the right hand side, just past the campground, there is a trail head to start up the dirt trail. Take Hermit Gulch up and make your way to the opposite side of the island. There are trail signs you can follow to make sure you're going the right way. Once you start the split off towards Lone Tree there is a bathroom. Both times I've hiked by, it has been open. So I would presume it stays open year round. These hills you must go up and down are fairly steep. So be ready for a bunch of rolling hills which keep you guessing on when you will reach the end! Just keep on trekking until you see the LONE TREE. It will be worth it once you are there. The view from here is spectacular! You can see San Clemente Island clearly. Roughly 2-hours of hiking. This is the only hike I have done on Catalina, but for sure a must do!

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