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

SOLO BACKPACKING the Trans Catalina Trail & How I Planned My HIke // In this video, I’m not only bringing you along with me for my recent solo backpacking trip across Catalina Island along the Trans Catalina Trail, but I’m also going to share with you how I planned my hike.
The Trans Catalina Trail is a 38.5 mile thru-hike along Catalina Island in Southern California with (according to the FarOut Guide app) has a total elevation gain of 11,176 feet. I spent 5 days and 4 nights backpacking this one alone…and I LOVED it.
Since planning a hike along the Trans Catalina Trail can be tricky and expensive, I wanted to also show you how I planned my solo backpacking trip including:
• My itinerary for the trip
• What kind of weather you can expect
• What the terrain is like along the trail
• The navigation system I used so I didn’t get lost
• Water sources on the island
• The clothes I hiked in
• Backpacking food I brought and ate
• Where I ate at on the island
• Wildlife you can expect to see along the trail
• Backpacking gear I used
• Campsites along the Trans Catalina Trail
• Trip costs
• What I’d do differently for my next trip
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• SOLO BACKPACKING the T...
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Пікірлер: 87

  • @TheHungryHiker
    @TheHungryHiker4 ай бұрын

    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

    @harrytraction1380

    2 ай бұрын

    Watched your gear list twice😍 thank you!

  • @candacetoms4927
    @candacetoms49274 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @DayVid-md6ti
    @DayVid-md6ti2 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    2 ай бұрын

    Awesome!!

  • @LMay64
    @LMay644 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @LMay64

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @annapitre9863
    @annapitre98634 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Totally worth going back for!

  • @pleok08
    @pleok084 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @tatiana2022rz
    @tatiana2022rz2 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    2 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @ervinslens
    @ervinslens4 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @davidrobinson5180
    @davidrobinson51804 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Awesome, thank you!

  • @stacyann0810
    @stacyann08104 ай бұрын

    I love the soothing music you use in your videos.

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @adventureseeker9800
    @adventureseeker98004 ай бұрын

    Looks like loads of fun. Thx for sharing.

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    It was a TON of fun. Thanks for watching!

  • @vettechmom6056
    @vettechmom60564 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @nancygeorge4030
    @nancygeorge40304 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Hope you like it!

  • @cherylfreed6121
    @cherylfreed612119 күн бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    17 күн бұрын

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

  • @lewiswise1224
    @lewiswise12244 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @randomrachel1480
    @randomrachel14804 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Hope you like it!

  • @RebeccaCuff
    @RebeccaCuff4 ай бұрын

    So beautiful!

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @chrystalcramer5486
    @chrystalcramer54864 ай бұрын

    Cannot BELIEVE you climbed back up but good for you!

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @pamelah9205
    @pamelah92054 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @deainza
    @deainza4 ай бұрын

    Love your videos!

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Topo.On.Trail1
    @Topo.On.Trail14 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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!!

  • @1MashMaster
    @1MashMaster4 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @sallys2423
    @sallys24234 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @brookebergen7258
    @brookebergen72584 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @OnkieKleinsasser
    @OnkieKleinsasser2 күн бұрын

    Atta girl that’s what I would’ve done

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    2 күн бұрын

    Awesome!

  • @annwiltshire2183
    @annwiltshire21834 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @fatmantv1
    @fatmantv14 ай бұрын

    Nice video

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @aleceverhart
    @aleceverhart4 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Hahahaha! It's me! Thank you :)

  • @GenX_outdoors
    @GenX_outdoors4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @GenX_outdoors

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @douglaspavkov4301
    @douglaspavkov43014 ай бұрын

    well done lady

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @erinhwang6389
    @erinhwang63894 ай бұрын

    you get that picture! I would too lol 😂

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @erinhwang6389

    @erinhwang6389

    4 ай бұрын

    @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 😀

  • @natalieworrall2870
    @natalieworrall28704 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @natalieworrall2870

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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

    @natalieworrall2870

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @souphasithbouasaysy956
    @souphasithbouasaysy9564 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @thebeardedhomesteader
    @thebeardedhomesteader4 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Awesome. I'll have to check those out.

  • @iseabeck9488
    @iseabeck94884 ай бұрын

    You fox, you! No feed!

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @amygrant4915
    @amygrant49154 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iIx516yso7iucps.html 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

    @amygrant4915

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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

  • @PotterPalace509
    @PotterPalace5094 ай бұрын

    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

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    Hahahaha!! Thank you!

  • @NewbieNikki
    @NewbieNikki4 ай бұрын

    How was cell phone service on the island?

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    4 ай бұрын

    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
    @harrytraction13802 ай бұрын

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

  • @TheHungryHiker

    @TheHungryHiker

    2 ай бұрын

    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.

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