Santa Catalina Island: Isthmus Cove to Parsons Landing is a 14.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Avalon, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
backpacking
birding
camping
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
paddle sports
walking
beach
views
wild flowers
wildlife
A visually stunning (backpacking) hike along the coastline. NOTE: Visitors usually camp at Parsons Landing and hike back out the next day or two.
Just got back from a 3 day in and out from Two Harbors to Parsons Landing. Perfect time of year to do this trip weather wise and crowd wise.
Visited in September. Very warm, not much of any shade along the trail. Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Level for the first 5mi. or so. As soon as you transfer from West End RD. nearing the Trans Catalina trail (close to Parsons), there are some nice hilly areas. I suggest trekking poles for backpackers.
You are hiking a road but it is beautiful and Parsons Landing is worth every bit of the trek.
Relatively flat and a good route for my son's (9) first backpacking outing
I walked it round trip in five hours. Really enjoyed it. Lots of open scenery and a beautiful beach at Parsons's Landing.
Easy stroll on a improved trail/road. Views throughout, Parsons cove is a terrific spot to spend the night, never saw another person during out December hike around the island.
Freya M.
I like to call Catalina Island the Key West of the West Coast. It's a great weekend or day trip via cruiseline out of San Pedro or Long Beach, CA. I took the bus tour that explores the island and there are some great views. I also enjoyed the glass bottom boat tour. Very fun experience.
Beautiful place to camp, right by the water. It's a nice flat hike to the campsite, took about 3 hours to get there.