Trans Catalina Trail: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking of hiking the Trans Catalina Trail this year? We've got you! Today, we're breaking down everything you need to know to have a successful and epic adventuring hiking or backpacking your way across Catalina Island. The Trans Catalina Trail is a southern california hiking classic, and we truly believe it is a bucket list hike for any hiking enthusiast. If you can, you must!
#hiking #californiahiking #catalinaisland

[@catherinewatson5519]

I'm not in the members' section, but this looks like a super-useful kind of video for folks who have access to the trails you hike. And Catalina Island looks gorgeous!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Catherine -- it really is gorgeous! In fact, when you make a California trip it would probably be in our top 3 suggestions for "must-do" locations, along with Yosemite/Sequoia and the Eastern Sierra area around Mt. Whitney and Kearsarge Lakes. ❤️

[@catherinewatson5519]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard There is also something about an island trip - being able to go end-to-end, coast-to-coast, up-and-down or whatever geography and logistics allow, and feel you've got around. I come from Scotland originally and just love going to the islands on the west coast, especially some of the tiny ones. 😊

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@catherinewatson5519 Well said, and very true!

[@jasonpacific5661]

You 2 always keep it so engaging!! ✅ Love Catalina too. My 1st ocean dive after getting certified in 10th grade... was Cherry Cove in freakin winter amid giant kelp forest at 6am... Brrrrrrr. Ha.. they wldnt take newbies nowadays there for 1st ocean dive. And my buddy's reserve pull broke. We were @ 80 feet. Close call 😵‍💫 We never told our parents obviously. 😁

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Jason, and that's a great dive story! My kids went there with their school to learn how to snorkel -- also in winter, wet suits and everything. We gotta do a hike/snorkel adventure for the channel at some point! ❤️

[@user-hy7kq8gw2g]

Looks awesome !

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

It is a truly incredible hike! ❤️

[@randyspotts5069]

Thanks for the Catalina travel log. Here's why it made an impact on me. In June of 1971 I had just graduated from Orange High School. I chose to attend Santa Ana College for both education, cross country and track competition. Just before the start of the school year in September, our cross country coach for SAC took us to the island in his motor yacht. The “Stormy Petrel" was fashioned after a tugboat, complete with fake smokestack. It was quite groovy. My coach belonged to the 4th of July Yacht Club, just northwest of the isthmus. For us runners, this was hell week. We spent five days running two, sometimes three times a day. As you portrayed in your video, Catalina is pretty much nothing but up and down. Though we were on roads for all our workouts, it was still really tough. I was glad that I trained during the summer. But despite that, it was still hard. I was so amazed that they had created a trail system on the island. So your feature was quite an eye-opener for me. Thanks very much for sharing it!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Wow Randy that is an awesome story! What a cool memory to have of your coach and team. So happy the video brought that back for you, and thank you for sharing it -- it brought a big smile to both our faces! ❤️

[@kylezemeir3955]

Just booked my camp sites last night! This is perfect timing! Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Kyle that is fantastic!!! So excited for you. Please let us know how it goes! ❤️

[@uptone12111]

Nice!

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Great weather July can hit 27 at night up there though. Normal is 38 +-

[@CarlStacey]

So kind of you guys to do these types of videos, cheers to you!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Cheers Carl! Our favorite thing is when you guys go and do one of these adventures (especially if you love it!), so we'll def keep on giving good beta when we can. ❤

[@XxXJayleneXxX]

Perfect timing! I’m going this May! Thanks!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Fantastic! The weather should be perfect in May -- you're going to love it. Please let us know how it goes!! ❤️

[@joeanderson418]

Thank you for sharing. Love you guys. Amazing video.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Joe! So happy to share this info with you guys -- this is really a hike that everyone should do at least once if at all possible. There's just nothing else quite like it! ❤️

[@BackpackingVideos]

This is one of my favorite trails! Great overview and yes the bison was definitely a highlight

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much -- glad you've gotten an opportunity to do it! Ya between the bison and the dolphins and birds and foxes there's a lot of great wildlife! ❤️

[@DISCOBANGIN]

❤ You guys so much . Amazing detail as Always

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- that really makes us happy to hear! Love sharing these adventures with you guys. ❤️

[@michaelmiller6878]

Enjoyed the trip description and detail. This seems like a real bucket list hike. Thanks guys!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes Michael! A bucket list hike is exactly the way to put it -- if you can do it, you must do it at least once in your life. ❤️

[@mikegoesuphill5200]

I love Catalina. Thanks for including the booking details. That's helpful.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Our pleasure, Mike. We love Catalina too, and are considering heading back again and maybe trying the whole thing in a day! ❤️

[@Twobarpsi]

What an incredible place! Such magical beauty!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

It really is -- definitely a top ten all time California hike! ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

I did it with Hippolyte de Bouchard. After he retired to Haight Ashbury. In pirate boots.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Freaking fabulous, Dan! Can't imagine a better way to do this hike ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Looking at my favorite Quadrant mountain Yellowstone. Really you can do Teton. Quadrant + Electric + Bunsen. 2 days. Barronette. From silvergate. Granite. In 10 days. Windriver is a hiking deal. Like Glacier. Shall see what's up in 3 weeks. Catalina is to far. Need a friend with yacht. 😅 Father in law had one sold it moved to Florida. Years in LA harbor.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha the yacht is def the way to do Catalina 😂

[@miguelbarreto]

Excellent info video! Thank guys!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Our pleasure, Miguel -- hope you will do this one! Perfect hike to go on with friends and loved ones too. ❤️

[@sergelainesse7893]

Have seen this beautiful hike last year Elise and I remember how amazing it was.. But so nice that you share all infos and costs about this.. Thanks... At my age you know that I cannot do a hike like that but I love the scenery.. Have a great evening and weekend.. 😉👌😘

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Serge! So glad you remember the hike -- one of our all-time favorites for sure. You have a great evening and weekend too! ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

This and Venice are my favorite tour type videos. Venice was probably best ever overall. Rick Steven's Europe meets Godzilla. After watching, I didn't need to go.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha Rick Steves meets Godzilla is the best review ever!!! ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Granite peak. May be a top 8 hike from I90 side up Rosebud. Boulder River. Stillwater on that side too. Haven't been, but it looks like your A list material.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Excellent, Dan! Putting it on list!! ❤️

[@colbyclay5911]

“Hiking can be expensive” is such a painfully accurate comment…. This was amazing as usual guys! Love the deeper insights and breakdowns for these particularly special overnight hikes. It makes the logistics less daunting

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha oh my gosh Colby, we live that hiking is expensive comment a lot, but it's always worth it! Very glad this was helpful, and def hope you do it. ❤

[@sluggotinfantryman]

I have been in 3 feet of snow geared up and passed above 12000 feet by people in running shoes and jeans. Tim. Expert ski guide met a guy mid winter walking from Lee Vining CA in jeans work boots with tree limbs tied on as snow shoes going across Sierra Nevada. Yep. Now 20 below might get you. Good health seems to conquer all.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

And another friend high school drove from TN to South Chile at 19. Back to Alaska. Used BMW. They abandoned it in TX. 1980s

[@vampireslayer1989]

Good choice after your cold Yosemite vid.........love Catalina! As a California kid of the 1960s we sailed our small boat from King's Harbor. Mostly we'd anchor at the Isthmus. Thanks for sharing the adventure with this old man! Wrigley chewing gum was big post WWII..... KRLA.....The Neil Diamond Show........"Yes he was a DJ before he hit it big!"

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Wait Neil Diamond was a DJ?!?!? You always have such awesome info. Love that you actually sailed to Catalina! That must have been awesome. Did dolphins ever come close to the sailboat? ❤️

[@craigstevens4132]

thanks for the great info. my wife and I are heading out there next month. looking forward to it!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Craig that is awesome! Perfect time of year. Please let us know how it goes for you guys, and keep an eye out for those awesome bison -- we've heard sometimes they just post up right on the trail! ❤️

[@petr-podrouzek]

Amazing as always, have a good time my friends 🙂🙂

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much Petr, the same to you!! ❤️

[@kenlofgren6794]

always love ya'll videos

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Ken, that is wonderful to hear! So looking forward to when we start full-time traveling in July and can really bring you guys adventures from all over the place! ❤️

[@uptone12111]

Oh, this is perfect. This is one and I want to do this summer.❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes! Any time between now and next rainy season will be fantastic. Hope you do it, and when you do please make sure to let us know how it goes!! ❤️

[@uptone12111]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Absolutely! Thank you!

[@johnmcnulty1129]

☀️ 🐬 Great info on all things TCT Elise & Adam, looks fabulous 😻😸❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks John -- hope it will be helpful! 🙏❤️

[@yolandabecool69]

Wow I just booked my trip a couple weeks ago! Thanks for the tips ❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Our pleasure, Yolanda. So excited for you! Hope you have an amazing time, and please let us know how it goes!! ❤️

[@WorldT]

thanks on sharing, something t consider for sure

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Our pleasure to share -- and you will definitely not regret doing this hike! ❤️

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

I've only been to Avalon and wasn't aware of all there was to offer outside of the town. It was a very good point about making the hike a mini vacation so you don't feel rushed for time. I also appreciated you listing the costs at the end. Great info!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oh my gosh, Avalon is fantastic but you will definitely be stoked if you explore the rest of the island. Even if you just stay an extra day and do the hike from Avalon to Two Harbors, then stay in Two Harbors and take the ferry from there the next day, you'll be super glad you did. It's such a great place! ❤️

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard it looks beautiful. and your hiking advice and reviews are gospel to me so it is definitely being added to the future vacation list :)

[@rmpici]

you guys are a beautiful couple and your videos are all so amazing and exciting. we just got married on catalina island a year ago so very special place for us. thank you so much for taking the time to document your exciting travels . . . we love all your vids..!! ralph & alex

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Wow you guys, congratulations!!!!! What a fantastic choice to get married on Catalina. It is such a magical and romantic place -- your guests must have been delighted to be there as well. Really happy you are enjoying the videos, and SO excited for when we begin full-time nomadic life this summer and can take you to amazing new places every week! ❤️

[@andreajohnson1796]

Awesome...

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Andrea! It's a true SoCal classic hike. ❤️

[@kimcozean9066]

Adam, for the record, very few people would consider a 26 mile hike with 5200 feet of gain a "vacation". Thanks for sharing.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha fair point, Kim -- but it is definitely vacation-level pretty! --A

[@networkimprov]

Hi friends, hope you two are safe & well; it's been a couple weeks since you posted this, and we miss you! This is the second moment I've felt LH2-deprived, so I hope we'll hear from you soon! Or at least drop a note in the community section for the worriers among us ;-)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Liam you're right! We def need to drop a note. Thanks very much for checking in, and we're doing fine. Adam got really sick -- it might be bronchitis or something, so he's been knocked out with illness for a couple weeks, and we've been dealing with a lot of bad weather this month as well. But we're hoping to get back out adventuring again next weekend!! ❤️

[@networkimprov]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I send healing vibes and miso soup - or whatever soup would help most! Looking forward to next adventure, but def take care of your good selves first :)

[@tyronetb3]

Thank yall for this!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

It's our pleasure! We love sharing info about these really great hikes with you guys! ❤️

[@tyronetb3]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Do you guys got like a hiking for begineers series? I subbed to you guys recently found a hiking vid and Loved yall content ever since. But Im smalltime hiker,like ive just done lil trails in the moutains. But im interested in the bigger actual hikes.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@tyronetb3 That's so great to hear! Yes, check out our "how we train" section of the channel for how we train for hiking and mountain climbing, how we train for class 4 terrain, train for altitude, etc. And then of course we also do members videos breaking down all the basics, from when to wear crampons or microspikes to the strategy for all our favorite hikes. Really happy that you're getting into harder and harder hikes, and we'll definitely think about other videos we can do on the channel to help people making that transition!

[@tyronetb3]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I'll be checking them out! Thank you so much, it's appreciated!

[@danbluenord8984]

Hello ADAM, thank you for this kind answer. In French, "EASTERN SIERRA" means the " Sierra orientale ", facing east, (vers l’orient) east of one of the 4 cardinal points : north, south, east and west (west or occidentale is facing l’occident). I hope I've given you the explanation... Respect for your French langage. DAN Hello ADAM, merci pour cette gentille réponse. En Français « EASTERN SIERRA » veut dire la « Sierra orientale », tournée vers l’orient donc à l’est d’un des 4 points cardinaux qui sont : le nord, le sud, l’est et l’ouest (l’ouest ou occidentale c’est tourné vers l’occident). J’espère t’avoir donné l’explication… Respect pour ton Français. DAN

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Merci Dan! J'adore le son de Sierra orientale -- je vais certainement l'utiliser a l'avenir!!

[@danbluenord8984]

ELISE and ADAM a hello from France. Just a hello to tell you that your advice is essential for anyone who wants to have an adventure on this beautiful island, and I remember watching a beautiful video of your hike on the "Trans Catalina". Kisses to both of you. DAN ELISE et ADAM un bonjour de France. Juste un coucou pour vous dire que vos conseils sont indispensables pour toutes personnes qui veulent réaliser une aventure sur cette ile magnifique, et j’ai le souvenir d’avoir visionné une belle vidéo de votre randonnée sur le « Trans Catalina ». Bises à vous deux. DAN

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Merci beaucoup, Dan! Nous esperons qu'un jour tu viendras decouvrir les meilleurs endroits de Californie. Surtout Yosemite, l'eastern Sierra et Catalina. Je ne sais pas comment dire "eastern" en francais. Est-il possible? --A

[@runninghighOG]

I've always wanted to do the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile race there in January. I was so close to sign up, but then I did the math and realized that it'll cost over $800. I signed up for Leona Divide instead. Maybe I'll do that race some day when I have more disposable income.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Ya 800 is no joke. I assume that includes 2 nights on the island, one before and one after the race? Really hope you can do it at some point. I want to do that one too. Maybe even this coming year if I'm in good enough shape for it! --A

[@runninghighOG]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Yes, it was for the race weekend and it was before Covid. Not sure about now. You guys can totally do that race from what I've seen through your adventures. Unless you're trying to stand on the podium, ultras for the mass majority involve lots of hiking. Haha!

[@paulbytheriver4976]

thanks guys, really enjoy your videos, admire what you're doing and what you've accomplished. Seems like with your combination of hiking and financial skills, along with KZbin exposure, a hiking tour/guide company would be up your alley. You could bring Elon and Jeff up to a few peaks, help bring about world peace.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, Paul -- that is super nice of you to say, and so happy you're enjoying the videos! Yes once we get situated up in the Sierra we will start doing a nice little boutique guide service. Really excited to see how it goes! ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

The road got annihilated on Rosebud Creek. Montana and you can get same views from 212 at Beartooth Pass out to Spirit. BUT having not been up the 4-5 north side rivers they got my attention because you can run walk fast. Drive in 6 up 6 down out. THIS is a classic go to the shorter peak place. Video bigger ones. Bam.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Granite definitely has to happen this year, Dan. It's just too enticing. Not sure if it will be summer or fall, but we're def gonna do it. ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I have been into tooth alot. Never North approaches oddly. I guess if working in Mammoth 🦣 why would you. Once in Yellowstone it is epic from off trail options. Pebble Creek is it. Woods. Big mountains. If you look at ridge from ice box you can see one section through woods and slope on 3D from ice box start. Granite like Gannett just had no easy approach. Personally I take lake approaches. Aka Rosebud. I like the idea of 8 days in the Beartooth as mini expedition. It's just different place.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

After staring at this days. I am going up Tempest. Or out to Spirit. Rather have video of Granite and approaches and Panoramic from Tempest. Same with pass 212 out to Spirit. Those green areas have bears. All of them north of 212. And they are healthy.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Tempest. Look at the views. Both sides and Granite. The trailhead from Cooke side is through bear maul woods. The fire tower is easy. Drive in park at curve walk out away from tower to high point. Barren. The bowl below is griz central.

[@carlstrohmeyer]

Great video, again! There is another option to get to Catalina, and the only way I've used, and that is by plane to the "Airport in the sky". I am a pilot and would rent a plane to fly there, but I believe there are small aircraft charters, at least there used to be. The restaurant at the airport is cool too as you noted, serving a good bison burger.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That is definitely the coolest way, Carl! Do they let you leave the plane in the hangar for a couple of days while you explore the island, or do you have to come in and out on the same day? That must have been a beautiful flight, and a really fun place to land and take off from! ❤️

[@carlstrohmeyer]

@LiveHardxLoveHard There is a one time landing fee of $38 to $110, depending upon the type of plane. Then there is an overnight fee of $22 - $27, depending on single or twin. As for flying, it is beautiful, but tricky, often likened to landing on an aircraft carrier. My very first flight there required a check off from a flight instructor due to the difficulty of landing there. I also carried life vests when flying in a single engine plane, as there is point in the middle where you are too far from land to glide if you had engine problems (I never did).

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@carlstrohmeyer That sounds amazing -- good for you for doing that landing! The overnight fee is actually less than I would have guessed. --A

[@Seriocity2]

Are there places to get water along the trail other than the campgrounds and towns? Love the video, thanks for sharing!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

So glad you enjoyed! The only place to get water other than campgrounds and towns is at the airport, which also has a little store so you can buy snacks, etc. ❤️

[@deansoles2009]

Love your channel! Quick question: When you do a cold ocean/lake plunge, how do you dry off fast? Do you use towels, change out of swimsuits, and back into hiking gear? I'm keen to try it myself but worried about staying cold during the hike afterwards :)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

So glad you're enjoying the channel, Dean! We always bring those little quick-dry towels, and yes if it's cold out we do change right back into our hiking gear after toweling off. If it's hot, on the other hand, we sometimes just hike in the wet suits until we get to the next lake or cooling off point! ❤️

[@deansoles2009]

Thank you! You are both so inspirational!@@LiveHardxLoveHard

[@sharonlo2686]

Would love to know where you buy your hiking clothes from! I love the style of the shorts and yoga pants!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Aw thanks Sharon! It has definitely taken me years to find the brands that are comfy for me and my body shape. Funnily enough it’s nothing fancy! I’ve linked the specific leggings and shorts that are my faves in our gear list but most of them are relatively affordable Amazon gear. While they may not be the sturdiest, I’ve also ripped a brand new pair of Lulus first time on trail, so I love having pants then I’m not freaked about tearing on a scramble! ❤️

[@1955porsche]

surfing? u guys know how to live ,, stay safe

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha yes! One of our future goals is to have ski mountaineering and ocean surfing as part of the same adventure!! ❤️

[@robertcalonico8008]

Very nice! So if one was just going to go to Little Harbor, do you take the boat to that spot or does everyone have to go to Avalon? Just curious--maybe an anniversary destination.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That's so funny, as we were making this I was literally thinking about whether you guys would want to go there on a family trip! You can take the boat to Two Harbors and do the hike over to Little Harbor. It's about 9 miles, but I think there is also a bus you can take from the main town. Also Parson's campground is 7.5 miles but it is pretty much a flat walk and that one is SO pretty! I would totally take you and momma and carry your tent if you were down! Muah.

[@robertcalonico8008]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard How about a hotel?? I haven't camped in years (nor would I want to at this point). Maybe in June?

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@robertcalonico8008 Yes!!!!

[@davidtate166]

Hello you two .when you move from the coast of california.like to know the mountains town you might move to.yes 🤔 California got some beautiful mountain towns for your life style 🤙

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

David we're so excited about exploring the mountain towns and living at altitiude! We're going to start with spending time in Lone Pine, Bishop, and Mammoth. Then we're also going to do a few weeks in Tahoe, and some more time further north near Shasta. So excited for all of it!! ❤️

[@davidtate166]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard any of those mountain towns would be great..but mammoth town not cheap I heard big bucks there for a house $$$$😵‍💫

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@davidtate166 Ya we could never afford a house in Mammoth, but will be fun to stay for a month and explore everything!

[@attention_shopping]

sweet

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

It's definitely a Socal classic! ❤️

[@andrewstorm8240]

So much content

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

We're def doing our best to give you guys some good stuff, Andrew! ❤️

[@Newstatejournal1]

I wonder if mountain bikes are allowed?

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

As far as we know they are allowed on the roads and fire roads, but not on the single track part. ❤

[@shelbyclonts3293]

Do they allow Mountain bikes for that trail?

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That's a great question. I'm pretty sure that bikes are not allowed on the single-track part of the trail -- we would have seen a biker, or at least a bike track or two, if they were. But there is also 10 miles or so that is much more like a fire road, and I would guess bikes are allowed on that part. But for the whole thing, no. ❤️

[@shelbyclonts3293]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard thanks for the info --appreciate it

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Bison wallow who knew? Dags allowed? DOI hates dogs. Really does. Horse. This is a horse dream deal.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

2 more feet Mammoth.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Another crazy Cali winter!!

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Seriously, if named Avalon and on a beach, what more do you need to know.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Truth. It's practically a crime to spend time in SoCal and not visit at least once!

[@user-zt9tq8bx7f]

Fish school dolphins travel in pods….

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Good info -- thank you! ❤