The best walks and hikes around Avalon
4.9
(17)
265
hikers
19
hikes
Hiking around Avalon, particularly on Catalina Island, offers diverse landscapes ranging from coastal paths to rugged interior hills. The region is characterized by rolling hills, chaparral-covered canyons, and expansive ocean views. Trails often feature significant elevation changes, providing panoramic vistas of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean. This varied terrain supports a range of hiking experiences for different skill levels.
Best hiking trails around Avalon
- The most popular hiking route is Vista – Green Pleasure Pier loop from Avalon, a 4.7 miles (7.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 7 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers scenic vistas overlooking the bay.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Trail marker & viewpoint – Green Pleasure Pier loop from Avalon, a moderate 8.3 miles (13.4 km) path. This trail leads to various viewpoints and trail markers, providing expansive views of the island's landscape.
- Local hikers also love the East Mountain – Green Pleasure Pier loop from Avalon, a 11.5 miles (18.5 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 5 hours 43 minutes.
- Hiking around Avalon is defined by coastal views, rolling hills, and chaparral-covered canyons. The network offers options for easy strolls to challenging uphill climbs, catering to various ability levels.
- The routes in Avalon are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 18 reviews. More than 250 hikers have used komoot to explore Avalon's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4
hikers
3.62km
01:04
120m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
10.0km
03:05
500m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
2.31km
00:48
200m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
736m
00:11
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
61.5km
19:04
2,200m
2,220m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Avalon
Tips from the Community
Great out and back beach spot, or stay the night for tranquil no services time. “Potable” water and porta johns. In my top 10 bike pack destinations in the U.S. You can even pay a porter take your gear there if you aren’t equipped.
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This small shade shelter and viewpoint offers a shaded table and a perfect spot to rest and snack while taking in the 360-degree views. Reaching this high point requires a decent climb, but the panoramic scenery and ocean views make it well worth the effort. It’s a great part of the Trans-Catalina Trail to soak up views and take some photos.
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Catalina Airport (KAVX) serves as a shuttle stop, offering access to Avalon. The airport’s restaurant, open from 8 AM to 5 PM, provides a refreshing break for Trans-Catalina Trail hikers, who often stop for a meal, drink, or hot coffee. Perched on top of a hill, the airport offers an impressive view of planes landing and taking off. Privately owned but open to the public, it welcomes general aviation aircraft and sits 6.4 miles northwest of Avalon in the heart of Catalina Island.
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Follow this sign to stay on the Trans-Catalina Trail going toward Haypress Reservoir while enjoying ocean views, well earned from the climb out of Avalon Bay.
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Rated one of the best campgrounds in the West by Sunset Magazine, Little Harbor Campground offers a chance to camp on a secluded beach on Catalina Island’s remote “backside,” and it’s only accessible by hiking or biking, keeping crowds away. This protected cove is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunbathing. Campsites vary from beachfront spots with ocean views to more sheltered areas with tree cover. While amenities include potable water, picnic tables, fire pits, and outdoor showers, there’s no electricity and bad cell service. The Catalina Island Conservancy offers gear haul services, so campers can have essentials like firewood, ice, and even a stocked cooler delivered. You can top off your water bottles at this campground for the climb up and out of Little Harbor. Reservations are required, with minimum stay requirements on weekends and holidays.
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Black Jack Campground is nestled amongst pine and eucalyptus trees, just a mile northeast of Catalina Island’s highest peak, 2,097-foot Mt. Orizaba. This peaceful primitive campground sits in the island’s interior. Black Jack Campground has eleven sites with views of rolling hills leading to the ocean. Campers can find picnic tables, fresh water, and a pit toilet. The trailhead is 9 miles from Avalon and 11.8 miles from Two Harbors. Reservations must be made to camp and can be made online or by phone. Most hikers will skip their packed breakfast the next morning and purchase breakfast at the airport.
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Hermit Gulch Campground sits just a mile from downtown in Avalon. Nestled near the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden, it has scenic views of the surrounding hills. Trans-Catalina Trail hikers will begin their climb out of Avalon Bay here. This campground is self-service with tent cabins with army cots, a propane stove, and a lantern, while traditional tent sites require campers to bring their own gear. Amenities include picnic tables, BBQ stands, restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, coin-operated showers, and vending machines.
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Beautifully located airport with a very tasty restaurant. There is also cell phone reception here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Avalon?
There are over a dozen hiking trails around Avalon, offering a variety of experiences from easy strolls to challenging climbs. The komoot community has explored 13 routes in the area.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Avalon?
Hikes around Avalon feature diverse terrain, including coastal paths with sweeping ocean views, rolling hills, and rugged interior trails through chaparral-covered canyons. You'll find significant elevation changes, especially on routes leading to higher points like Mount Ada, providing panoramic vistas of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Avalon?
Yes, Avalon offers several easy hikes suitable for families. For instance, the Hermit Gulch Campground – Green Pleasure Pier loop from Avalon is an easy 6.7 km trail, and the Green Pleasure Pier – Hermit Gulch Campground loop from Avalon is another easy 7 km option. These routes are generally less strenuous and offer pleasant walks.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints I can see while hiking in Avalon?
Many trails offer breathtaking views of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean. You can find excellent vistas from points like Lone Tree Point. The historic Catalina Chimes Tower also provides bird's-eye views of the town. Additionally, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden combines natural beauty with historical significance, offering serene botanical gardens.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers in Avalon?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Avalon has more difficult routes. The East Mountain – Green Pleasure Pier loop from Avalon is a difficult 18.5 km trail with significant elevation gain, often taking over 5 hours to complete. This route leads through mountainous terrain, offering a rewarding experience for seasoned hikers.
Can I find circular hiking routes around Avalon?
Absolutely. Many of the popular routes around Avalon are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Vista – Green Pleasure Pier loop from Avalon and the Trail marker & viewpoint – Green Pleasure Pier loop from Avalon, both offering diverse scenery on a loop.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Avalon?
The hiking trails around Avalon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 18 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the diverse landscapes, and the rewarding panoramic vistas of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming or water activities near the hiking trails?
While not directly on the trails, Avalon is renowned for its water activities. After a hike, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking at beaches like Descanso Beach, South Beach, or Middle Beach. Lover's Cove is a marine reserve popular for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours.
What is the best time of year to hike in Avalon?
Avalon on Catalina Island generally offers pleasant hiking conditions year-round. However, spring and fall often provide the most comfortable temperatures for hiking, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Winters are mild, making it a good option for those looking to avoid intense heat.
Are there any campgrounds accessible from hiking trails in Avalon?
Yes, there are campgrounds that can be accessed or are near hiking routes. For example, the Hermit Gulch Campground is featured in several loop trails, and Black Jack Campground is another facility on the island that hikers might utilize.
Is public transport available to access hiking trailheads in Avalon?
Within Avalon, the town itself is quite walkable. For accessing trailheads further afield on Catalina Island, options like the Catalina Island Conservancy's Wildlands Express shuttle or local taxi services might be available, though many trails are accessible directly from the town center.
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