SOLO BACKPACKING the Trans Catalina Trail & How I Planned My Hike

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for watching! Here are some links I think you’ll find helpful: My Trans Catalina Trail Backpacking Gear List lighterpack.com/r/1bnqe0 Download my FREE Backpacking Gear Packing List to help you plan your next trip: bit.ly/3TUMaBK Learn more about how The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System can help you achieve your backpacking goals this year: thehungryhiker.myclickfunnels.com/tcsfbs-application-yt

[@harrytraction1380]

Watched your gear list twice😍 thank you!

[@candacetoms4927]

I love that you went back up to the viewpoint once the fog cleared. SO worth it to see those views! Thanks for showing us this trail!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I knew if I didn't go back to see that viewpoint once the fog had cleared, I'd be really mad at myself. The other hikers thought I was crazy for going back because it was a pretty steep section of the trail, but honestly it was 100% worth it. I'd do it again if I had to...or just give it another hour for the morning fog to clear.

[@ervinslens]

So very atmospheric and picturesque! Such an amazing hike my friend!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stacyann0810]

I love the soothing music you use in your videos.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks! I like to try to match the mood I'm feeling when I'm out on trail with the music I use for my videos.

[@annapitre9863]

L❤️ve that you went back and got the photo and enjoyed the view . Cheers to you!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Totally worth going back for!

[@davidrobinson5180]

That hike looks fascinating. Your music choice gave the right ambience to this, too. Great video.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome, thank you!

[@LMay64]

Thanks for sharing your hike! I did this one last Spring and there was a super bloom on the island. Rains had washed out the roads and access to Parsons Landing and we had a dead smelly seal at our site on Shark Harbor, but it was incredibly amazing. We were still able to hike along the road overlooking the coast from TH. That steep hike up out of Little Harbor is no joke, lol. I'm returning this April to finish the trail between Two Harbors and Parson's Landing, spending two nights there due to missing it last year. I absolutely love this island, the wildlife and trail and look forward to enjoying the hospitality of Two Harbors again for some extra nights. Bonus is staying on the Queen Mary before heading back home!

[@TheHungryHiker]

The super bloom last year must have been amazing to see on Catalina Island. Sad to hear that the access to Parsons Landing was washed out for you. After experiencing the heavy rain on the island myself, I can see why the rangers close the roads and trails when it rains like that. Even walking into the village from my tent cabin was a struggle in all of that thick, heavy mud. I hope when I return that I get more clear weather so I can experience all of the views I missed on this trip. Even with the fog, this trail was really beautiful. 10/10 would recommend!

[@LMay64]

@@TheHungryHiker And you are absolutely correct, the staff at the visitor center in Two Harbors was super amazing. Last year, they changed our camp spots and gave us great advice on hiking along the road toward Parsons for a few miles. That tent cabin you had looked wonderful and something I would do if available if we get rained out again this Spring. We booked two nights at Parsons just because it is a beach spot and I've heard the views and day hikes from that spot are not to be missed.

[@adventureseeker9800]

Looks like loads of fun. Thx for sharing.

[@TheHungryHiker]

It was a TON of fun. Thanks for watching!

[@sarahdiot9270]

Just came back from the TCT, what a beast! Yay to you for turning around I don’t think I could. We went from Black Jack to 2 Harbors and oh the agony! I would do it again in a heartbeat 💗 cheers!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! Glad you had a great trip.

[@pleok08]

Saturday, February 10th: Thank-you for sharing. Very nice. Today is the Chinese Lunar New Year. Year of the Dragon. Happy Trails! Ross08

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@DayVid-md6ti]

This was cool seeing this video having done the TCT myself. It brought back some memories I would want to forget, and memories I cherish. That picnic spot is bad to the bone!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome!!

[@lewiswise1224]

We booked the TCT just a few days ago. We go in early April for our 20th wedding anniversary. Your video was very well timed, and we were excited to watch it and learn details. We actually booked it to overnight at a hotel in Avalon to get a start early. Then hike to Little Harbor. Then, a lazy day to Two Harbors to overnight at the Banning House. Then the last 14 mile loop back to TH and the ferry back to reality. Coming from San Diego, we will drive and park at the ferry terminal. FYI, it’s $20 (San Pedro) or $22 (Long Beach) per day to park. The hotels are quite expensive, but it’s a 20th anniversary splurge. We absolutely loved your logistics review, it was a great addition to your format. Any advice on how to kill 1/2 of a day in Two Harbors? How is the store there for food resupply? Thank you!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Sounds like an amazing trip you have planned to Catalina Island. Hope you have a great hike. There isn't much to do in Two Harbors, at least while I was there in January. Both the Banning House and restaurant were closed while I was there. The general store in TH was well stocked. You can even order a pizza there! You could put together a resupply there, but it would be pretty pricey. I find prices were less expensive in Avalon. You could spend some time on the beach while you're in Two Harbors or even check out the second harbor while you're there. There are also a number of trails in the area you could easily day hike out of Two Harbors to enjoy more oceanside views. Have fun!

[@tatiana2022rz]

I hiked this trail by myself 2 weeks ago. That point b/n LH to TH where you went back was totally worth it. I stayed there for 2 hours sitting on top of the table and just soaking in that view. I’m watching your video just so I can re-live my trip. Thanks for posting this video!

[@TheHungryHiker]

10/10 I would make the same decision to go back just for that view. Hope you had a great hike out there. Catalina Island was such a beautiful place.

[@randomrachel1480]

Love this!!! Been waiting for this video. I’m so excited! XOXO from Oly.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hope you like it!

[@nancygeorge4030]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’ve been waiting for this one!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hope you like it!

[@vettechmom6056]

I see you flew in to LAX. Long Beach does have an airport, not sure if that was an option for your flight. that would have saved you some uber fees getting to the boat. I grew up in the San Pedro/Palos Verdes area and looooove Catalina. I haven't been there in years, but I enjoyed it as a child, going many times. Fun video -- thanks for sharing !!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Glad you enjoyed the video! From where I was flying from and the connecting flights I had to make, LAX just worked out better for me for this trip, but you're right, LGB is an option to fly into.

[@Topo.On.Trail1]

Got to do this trip when I was 8 with my parents. Don't remember much... now I'm going to have to do it again! Thanks for putting this together.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hopefully you forgot about the lack of switchbacks on this one. My goal is that you'll still want to be friends by the time we make it back to the ferry. Hahahaha!!

[@sallys2423]

I read an article on Treeline Review about hiking the Trans Catalina Trail just last week. I'm so glad I got to see your experience! It is such a beautiful place. I would have liked to see some bison, but then again it's probably better that you didn't run into any. Yikes! Good for you going back to see the amazing ocean view.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I would've liked to have seen some bison too. Hopefully when I return later this year I'll be able to see a couple.

[@cherylfreed6121]

I done this hike a few times and I am doing it again in September. FYI the Catalina Express is pretty accommodating usually if you need to change ferry times or days if you call them. There’s not a lot to do in Two Harbors in bad weather.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Agreed! Both The Catalina Express and the Visitors Center at Two Harbors are both extremely accommodating.

[@RebeccaCuff]

So beautiful!

[@TheHungryHiker]

It really is. I can't wait to go back and hopefully see it in slightly warmer and clearer weather.

[@annwiltshire2183]

Thank you for sharing! This is on our bucket list. Is this a dog friendly trail? We keep our dogs on leash. Glad you went back up the point to get the epic views!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Surprisingly yes, the TCT is dog friendly! I did see that dogs were allowed on the trail and at most campsites. You will want to keep your dog on a leash while you're here though because of the wildlife encounter potential with the bison and rattlesnakes.

[@pamelah9205]

I love your perspectives, your self-care, and the awesome service to help women feel confident backpacking and hiking. I don't hike or do anything much outdoors but I have close girlfriends who do and Im starting to recommend your videos bc I worry about them out there

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much for watching my videos and sharing my videos with your friends. I really appreciate it!

[@aleceverhart]

I had no idea this was you when we were chatting at San Pedro port! Have fun in Arizona!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hahahaha! It's me! Thank you :)

[@chrystalcramer5486]

Cannot BELIEVE you climbed back up but good for you!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!!

[@brookebergen7258]

Doing this in March! (And possibly solo!) Thanks so much for the beautiful footage and advice! PS - what do you use to film while hiking? (I feel like I haven't seen you talk about this on prior vids, but apologies if I did and missed it!) ❤

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! You're going to love this trail and March is still early enough in the season where there shouldn't be a whole lot of crowds and the weather shouldn't be too crazy hot yet. Glad you enjoyed the video! For this hike, I used my GoPro 10 to shoot the footage out on trail along with a carbon fiber tripod. The tripod was a little bulky, but it made for some really good shots out there so I'm glad I brought it with me. I never thought about putting tighter a video showing my camera gear, but if enough people are interested, I'd be open to putting one together.

[@1MashMaster]

Looks amazing. So the tent/cabin had cots? how comfy!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Yes! My tent cabin at Two Harbors not only came with 6 cots, but also a propane stove, propane and a lantern. Luxury!!

[@GenX_outdoors]

Great trip video and logistics review. I’m booked to hike the TCT in April. Questions: because of the water sources at campsites, I’m thinking about leaving my water filtration system behind and just taking a few purification tablets for emergency. Do you think that’s safe? Also, for my beach campsites at Shark and Parsons, do you recommend special tent stakes for sand, or will my standard Durston tent stakes be enough? Thanks! Looking forward to your Durston tent review. Love my Xmid 1p.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I think you'll be fine bringing water purification tablets as backup for this trip. I didn't have to filter any of the water from the spigots at any of the campgrounds. But, with that said, pipes can break. They were still working on a broken pipe at Black Jack Campground, which is why they had bottled water available for hikers. I'd carry something with you for your trip, whether it's an actual filter or water purification tablets, just in case. For this trip, I didn't get the chance to camp on the sand. I was on dirt for both of the sites I set up my tent at. I used the stakes that came with my Durston tent and I was fine. I think you'd be fine using those stakes as well in the sand. You'll probably want to add a few rocks to your tent setup to make it more sturdy, especially if its windy. Have fun out there!

[@GenX_outdoors]

One more question if you don’t mind. Did you fly with your backpack as carry on? If you checked it, what did you do with the travel bag that protected your backpack as checked luggage?

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@GenX_outdoors Great question! Since I knew I'd be staying overnight in Long Beach both on the frontend and backend of my trip, I checked my pack into a suitcase with all of my gear. This way, I didn't have to worry about bringing all my gear with me on the plane and I could bring my trekking poles because they were in my suitcase. Then when I left for Catalina Island, I left my suitcase at the hotel I stayed at in Long Beach because I would be staying there again after my trip. Every hotel will have different policies and storage space so I would double-check with the hotel you're staying at while booking your trip to see if that would be an option.

[@erinhwang6389]

you get that picture! I would too lol 😂

[@TheHungryHiker]

I would've been so mad at myself if I hadn't gone back to see that viewpoint.

[@erinhwang6389]

@TheHungryHiker right? I remember couple years back I tried to get a picture of the cypress tree tunnel at point reyes...too many people the 1st pass. actually went back towards the end....nobody! but I dropped and cracked my phone. it was well worth it 😀

[@deainza]

Love your videos!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@natalieworrall2870]

Hello (: Thank you for all the great tips. I am leaving for the Catalina Island trail next week. i was wondering why you set up tent at night ? Also, did you buy a lighter at Avalon or they are allowed on the plane ? Thank you ( :

[@TheHungryHiker]

I set up my tent at night because I didn't make it to my first campsite, Black Jack Campground until 5:30pm. In January, the sun sets pretty early. This is why I had to set up my tent in the dark. Not ideal, but it is what it is. Have fun on your trip! Yes, you can buy a lighter in Avalon at the Vons and also the hardware store nearby.

[@natalieworrall2870]

@@TheHungryHiker thank you for the fast reply ( : did you bring a lighter on the plane ? Are they allowed ?

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@natalieworrall2870 Lighters are typically not allowed on planes. A quick check with the airline you plan on flying on will answer this one for you.

[@natalieworrall2870]

@@TheHungryHiker Thank you, I will check with them ( :

[@amygrant4915]

Trying to plan my first solo backpacking trip… have you covered in any videos how to pick the first place you go. Do you go somewhere easily accessible and close to home where help is around the corner if needed. Or do you prefer to tell ladies to go somewhere (like an island) that would make it hard for other to be around? I have truly wondered this question.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Nice job starting to plan your solo backpacking trip! I created a video awhile back that goes through some tips and tricks on how to prepare for your first solo backpacking trip. You can check out that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jImopn2pqLp7eJo Helping ladies decide on where to go for their first (or next) solo backpacking trip is just one of the many topics I cover in detail in my online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo female Backpacker System. Click here for details: thehungryhiker.myclickfunnels.com/tcsfbs-application-yt

[@amygrant4915]

@@TheHungryHiker that video was extremely informative! Thank you so much for guiding me to it. Everything you said makes complete sense and makes me feel so stupid for asking the question!🤦‍♀️

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@amygrant4915 No, No! Don't feel stupid for asking the question. The stupid questions are the questions that never get asked. Preparing for a solo backpacking trip can be really overwhelming and intimidating, which is why I created a whole program to help women navigate through the trip planning process and build up their confidence to get out on trail by themselves. I wish I had this as a resource when I first started my backpacking journey. I could've saved myself a lot of time and made fewer mistakes. Glad you found the video helpful

[@OnkieKleinsasser]

Atta girl that’s what I would’ve done

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome!

[@fatmantv1]

Nice video

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@souphasithbouasaysy956]

Does your camping reservations serve as a trail permit, or do we need to get a trail permit separately to hike the TCT?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Great question! Your campsite reservations serve as a trail permit. If you have campsite reservations, you don't need to apply for a separate permit. If you're day hiking the trail and don't have campsite reservations, then you'll probably need a permit, which you can get through the Catalina Island Conservancy.

[@iseabeck9488]

You fox, you! No feed!

[@TheHungryHiker]

That's right. Don't feed the foxes. They are crafty and will steal your food when you're not looking. One hiker I met on the trail said that a fox broke into her pack, grab a package of hand warmers, opened them and when it realized it wasn't food, pooped in her hat!

[@thebeardedhomesteader]

If its in stock stowaway gourmet meals are the best peak is right under it tho

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome. I'll have to check those out.

[@douglaspavkov4301]

well done lady

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@PotterPalace509]

Fun trip! Bummer you didn’t get to do your beach camp, something on my list! Drop as many F bombs you earned it lol

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hahahaha!! Thank you!

[@NewbieNikki]

How was cell phone service on the island?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Pretty decent in both Avalon and Two Harbors. I didn't get any cell service at Little Harbor and I was a-okay with that.

[@harrytraction1380]

This must be a walk in the park for you compared to what, you’ve been doing in the past couple years😅

[@TheHungryHiker]

I wouldn't say this was an easy hike by any means. Yes, it was shorter mile days, but the trail is pretty steep in a lot of parts and it's very exposed, bringing on all sorts of challenges. Every trail I hike is challenging in its own way.