CLIMATE

Catalina Island enjoys a Mediterranean climate – the sun can be intense, even in October.  October weather is mild: average daytime highs in Avalon in October are 71 degrees and average nighttime lows of 56 degrees.

Our campsite will have a shade structure but nearly all hiking is in open terrain.  Plan sunscreen and water accordingly. Our campsite has cold showers. Nightly campfires are planned.

 MEALS:

All Meals will be provided by Coastwalk, including daily appetizers.  Hikers will however assist in preparation, including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners (except as noted ‘no host’ i.e. at hiker’s own cost, in the daily itinerary).

Please Note: Proof of membership in the Catalina Conservancy is required.

Vehicle parking in San Pedro is the responsibility of the hiker.

Sample Itinerary

Itinerary is subject to change due to weather and Coastal Conditions

Monday October 14:

 We’ll board the morning San Pedro to Two Harbors Catalina Express boat and with luck you’ll see porpoises enroute.

 After an early lunch at the Harbor Reef restaurant (no host) in Two Harbors we’ll hike six miles and pitch our camp at Little Harbor.

Personal and camp gear will be transported by truck from the boat in  Two Harbors to our campsite in Little Harbor. Dinner in camp.

6 miles

 Tuesday October 15:

 We’ll hike from our camp in Little Harbor and explore some of the hidden treasures on the west coast of Catalina Island. We will first visit Ben Weston Beach, then hike to the Middle Ranch near

Thompson’s   Reservoir.  Bag lunch on trail. We’ll pass by  the Eagle’s Nest (1050’), then ease down the Eagle’s Nest Trail back to our dinner in camp.

10 miles

 Wednesday October 16:

 Today we will shuttle up to the Airport in the Sky (1,602’) and enjoy an early lunch at the Airport in the Sky Restaurant (no host) where the specialties are Buffalo Burgers and Killer Cookies.

After lunch we will leave the Airport taking the Trans-Catalina-Trail, then descend west on the scenic Sheep Chute Road to camp and enjoy dinner in camp.  Option for kayaking from Little Harbor at hiker’s cost.

5 miles.

Thursday  October 17:

 We’ll shuttle to Black Jack Junction.  Those who choose to join the optional climb to summit Mount Orizaba (2,096’; 450 foot climb over 1.5 miles) will bear left.

Remaining hikers will continue on the Trans-Catalina-Trail then descend via the Cottonwood-BlackJack Trail to El Rancho Escondido, “hidden ranch”. 

El Rancho Escondido was the Wrigley’s Arabian Horse Farm in the 1930s, and the horses are there today.   

From the ranch we will follow the Escondido Road in the direction of  Little Harbor for our dinner in camp.

8 miles – with optional hike, 11 miles

 Friday October 18:

After breakfast we will strike camp.  Personal and camp gear will be transported by truck to Two Harbors.

We will say goodbye to Little Harbor and shuttle to Two Harbors on the Trans-Catalina Trail which will allow for a full day kayaking, SUP, even snorkeling in Two Harbors at hiker’s cost .  Alternatively,  take a well-earned rest and enjoy a beer.  Optional hike from Little Harbor to Two Harbors and other short hikes from Two Harbors. Bag lunch or eat at the Harbor Reef restaurant (no host).

Finally we will take the Catalina Express boat back to  San Pedro.

With optional hike, 6 miles

Hikers will be allowed one large pack or duffel bag, not to exceed 50 pounds, which must include tent, sleeping bag, folding chair, camping and hiking gear, clothing and personal food items.  You may also bring one small daypack.

We will be transporting a container on the Catalina Express – of equal weight per hiker – including all of the provisions for our week as well as all cooking and common equipment.

We will have ice coolers and ice deliveries.

Please email Coastwalk’s Walk Coordinator with any questions – [email protected] or contact the Walks Coordinator via phone 707-829-6689 ext. 1

What to bring on a Coastwalk

 Clothing

Hat

Jacket – (wind and water resistant)

Long pants

Hiking shorts

Hiking boots

Walking shoes

Vest

Long Sleeve shirt

Sweater

Underwear

Tee shirt

Socks

Bandanna, handkerchief

Toiletries

Soap or body wash, Bio based/biodegradable

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Dental floss

Daily Medications and vitamins

Shampoo, bio based/biodegradable

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Comb or brush

Towel and wash cloth

Personnel first aid items

Sleep wear

Poncho or rain gear

Camping gear

Tent, with footprint (pad underneath tent to keep your tent dry)

Sleeping bag with pad

Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon

Cloth napkin

Tupperware container, for left-overs with your name on it!

Flashlight or head lamp

Small Folding chair/ camp chair

Day pack

Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum each

Food

Breakfast and Lunch food if desired.

The Chuckwagon will provide milk, almond milk, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, oatmeal, butter, fresh fruit and bread, nut butters and other sandwich fixings.

 Nice to have

Camera

Binoculars

Hiking poles

Camp Chair

Andy is a lifelong hiker, as a kid in the Adirondacks, then for three decades in the Sierras when he lived in Northern California.  He moved with Andrea to Venice Beach a decade ago and now enjoys the mountains and deserts of Southern California.  His hiking heaven is the Dolomites in Italy.

Andy loves Coast Redwoods and Giant Sequoias; in addition to hiking the trails he has been a volunteer for Save the Redwoods League. Before retiring Andy was in the semiconductor industry, developing DSL and fiber-to-the-curb computer chips for companies in California and Europe

https://catalinaconservancy.org/resources/maps/

https://catalinaconservancy.org/

https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/catalinaisland/Little_Harbor_Map_85eee4ee-e186-4dec-85e9-6761ffa4d96a.png

https://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/ca/little-harbor/photos/little-harbor-lh009

https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/things-to-do/two-harbors/water-activities/dive-and-recreation-center/

https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/about-the-island/points-of-interest/el-rancho-escondido/

https://www.willyweather.com/ca/los-angeles-county/santa-catalina-island–little-harbor.html

 This Coastwalk begins in Southern Del Norte at beautiful Kamp Klamath Campground and RV Park. The Klamath River is the second largest river in California. Coastwalkers will pitch their tents for a three-night stay at Kamp Klamath Campground which is located at the mouth of the Klamath River. The Klamath River in Del Norte County is part of the Yurok Indian Reservation and also borders Redwood National Park. On the fourth day of this Coastwalk we’ll pack up our gear in our cars and drive to to Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Northern Humboldt County where Coastwalkers will setup camp and stay for the remainder of the Coastwalk. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park contains old-growth redwoods, prairies, and the scenic Gold Bluffs Beach. This Coastwalk is rated as moderate but shorter walks can be accommodated. Please note on some hikes there may be as much as a 700ft elevation gain. Most of the trails we will be walking are packed dirt, but there will some areas that are uneven and have protruding rocks, roots, minor obstructions and possible small creek crossings. 

Day 1 –  Arrive at Kamp Klamath Campground, set up camp, hike from camp to the mouth of the Klamath River.

Day 2 – Shuttle bothways:  Lagoon Creek to Klamath Overlook. A Naturalist will join us and give a talk on the unique Del Norte County coastal environment.

Day 3 – Shuttle back: Hike from camp from the mouth of the Klamath River to Carruthes Cove in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Day 4 – Move camp to Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Hike from camp from James Irvine to Miners Loop.

Day 5 – Shuttle bothways: Hike on the Ossagon Creek Trail to Fern Canyon.

Coastwalk will provide options for both breakfast and lunch. Dinners will be prepared by volunteer “food angels” who support Coastwalk. Please bring any personal food or drug items in well-marked sturdy containers to be placed in one of our ice chests.

Please make sure to review the list below so you have everything you will need for the Coastwalk.

What to bring on a Coastwalk

 Clothing

Hat

Jacket – (wind and water resistant)

Long pants

Hiking shorts

Hiking boots

Walking shoes

Vest

Long Sleeve shirt

Sweater

Underwear

Tee shirt

Socks

Bandanna, handkerchief

Toiletries

Soap or body wash, Bio based/biodegradable

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Dental floss

Daily Medications and vitamins

Shampoo, bio based/biodegradable

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Comb or brush

Towel and wash cloth

Personnel first aid items

Sleep wear

Poncho or rain gear

Camping gear

Tent, with footprint (pad underneath tent to keep your tent dry)

Sleeping bag with pad

Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon

Cloth napkin

Tupperware container, for left–overs with your name on it!

Flashlight or head lamp

Small Folding chair/ camp chair

Day pack

Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum each

Food

Breakfast and Lunch food if desired.

The Chuckwagon will provide milk, almond milk, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, oatmeal, butter, fresh fruit and bread, nut butters and other sandwich fixings.

 Nice to have

Camera

Binoculars

Hiking poles

Camp Chair

Linda Schwaberow Walk Leader, Bob Adams Chuckwagon Master; Gail Williams, Donna Barnett, Donna Lockhart, Larry Rutherford, Bill Daniels Coastwalk Volunteers.

We will meet and our vehicles will remain at a group camping site located in Monterey Veterans Memorial Park. We will shuttle to the start of our hikes and their return. Hikes can experience a vertical change of 700 ft. While most of the hike is packed dirt, there are some uneven areas with protruding rocks, roots, and minor obstructions. Each day, you have the option of doing the longer hikes or walk less and spend more time in chosen areas. We will provide options for both breakfast and lunch. If you have any special requests regarding diet -please let your Walk Leader know. Dinners will be prepared by volunteer “food angels” who support Coastwalk. We ask that you bring any personal food or drug items in well-marked sturdy containers to be placed in one of our ice chests. To all, please bring a marked container for leftovers. (They are equally great along the trail the next day). Do bring along a camp chair for a comfortable time around the campfire. You will have your vehicles nearby each day so transporting items should not be an issue.

What to bring on a Coastwalk 

Clothing

Hat

Jacket – (wind and water resistant)

Long pants

Hiking shorts

Hiking boots

Walking shoes

Vest

Long Sleeve shirt

Sweater

Underwear

Tee shirt

Socks

Bandanna, handkerchief 

Toiletries

Soap or body wash, Bio based/biodegradable

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Dental floss

Daily Medications and vitamins

Shampoo, bio based/biodegradable

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Comb or brush

Towel and wash cloth

Personnel first aid items

Sleep wear

Poncho or rain gear 

Camping gear

Tent, with footprint (pad underneath tent to keep your tent dry)

Sleeping bag with pad

Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon

Cloth napkin

Tupperware container, for left-overs

Flashlight or head lamp

Small Folding chair/ camp chair

Day pack

Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum each

Food

All meals are provided but feel free to bring your own food or snacks. 

Nice to have

Camera

Binoculars

Hiking poles

Linda Schwaberow Walk Leader, Bob Adams Chuckwagon Master, Gail Williams, Donna Barnett, Donna Lockhart, Larry Rutherford, Bill Daniels & other Coastwalk Volunteers.

Veterans Memorial Park – https://www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/parks/veterans-memorial/

California Coastal Trail – Monterey – https://californiacoastaltrail.org/southern-california/monterey/

Elkhorn Slough – https://elkhornslough.org/

Fisherman’s Wharf – https://www.seemonterey.com/regions/monterey/wharf/

Monastery Beach – https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/monastery-beach/

Garrapata State Park –  https://www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/parks/garrapta/

Pt. Lobos State Park – https://www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/parks/point-lobos/

Coastwalkers will have the opportunity to explore the rural beauty of Northern Santa Cruz & Southern San Mateo Counties. Each day’s hike will offer a different and unique experience.  On this Coastwalk you’ll be tent camping at the Santa Cruz North/Costanoa KOA an eco-adventure resort designed to encourage guests to explore the stunning beauty of the protected California coastline. This KOA has many amenities for it’s guests from dry saunas to bike rentals and more!  The Costanoa KOA strives to develop programs and methods to reinforce its uncompromising commitment to the environment. From the Campground you can see the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, which is just three miles north. One of the highlights of this Coastwalk will be a hike on the new Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument with its string of pearl coves.

Sample Itinerary*

Please note this Itinerary is subject to change due to weather and tidal conditions.

Day 1: On your arrival after set up at 2pm, explore Pigeon Point Lighthouse.  While under construction, their grounds have beautiful paths, tidepools, and nearly Wilber’s Watch (1 mile hike) allowing you to see an expanse of the Santa Cruz and San Mateo Coast.

 Day 2: Choose from two tours, do both or, just sleep in!

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center and Younger Lagoon will provide tours of their beautiful and interesting site, explaining their research through UC Santa Cruz.  We will then walk to the museum of the Monarch Butterflies. The Monarchs who will have flown away in July – but the videos and information are amazing.  We take a walk down West Cliff Drive past the surfing museum, lighthouse and classic surfer viewing spots.  Stop for a refreshment in the hotel now standing where O’Neill Surfwear got its start. The day ends at the beach with a stint at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with its historic wooden rollercoaster. Shuttle back to camp.

Please reach out to Coastwalks Walk Coordinator at [email protected] if you would like to participate in one or both of these tours. You can also reach the Walks Coordinator by calling the Coastwalk office at 707-829-6689 ext. 1

  Day 3: We will walk part way up the path to Big Basin State Park which is recovering from the CZU fire and witness the incredible regrowth.   This is also where Waddell Creek enters the ocean and is a beautiful place to walk and play.

Day 4: we will hike Wilder Ranch’s beautiful fern grotto and bluffs, then will also have the option of hiking into the hills to the east.  Costanoa’s grounds also offer trails into the hills.

Day 5: On the last day we have the option to go to Año Nuevo State Park, possibly entering from the North’s beautiful little trail, accessed from the campground.  Otherwise, it is a few minutes south by car.

The Coastwalk ends after lunch when we wind up camp and go on our way! Until Next Time!

 Clothing

Hat

Jacket – (wind and water resistant)

Long pants

Hiking shorts

Hiking boots

Walking shoes

Vest

Long Sleeve shirt

Sweater

Underwear

Tee shirt

Socks

Bandanna, handkerchief

Toiletries

Soap or body wash, Bio based/biodegradable

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Dental floss

Daily Medications and vitamins

Shampoo, bio based/biodegradable

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Comb or brush

Towel and wash cloth

Personnel first aid items

Sleep wear

Poncho or rain gear

Camping gear

Tent, with footprint (pad underneath tent to keep your tent dry)

Sleeping bag with pad

Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon

Cloth napkin

Tupperware container, for left–overs

Flashlight or head lamp

Small Folding chair/ camp chair

Day pack

Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum each

Food

Breakfast and Lunch food if desired.

The Chuckwagon will provide milk, almond milk, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, oatmeal, butter, fresh fruit and bread, nut butters and other sandwich fixings.

 Nice to have

Camera

Binoculars

Hiking poles

Walk Leader – Julie Groves

Julie Groves is a long time Coastwalk and CCT advocate. Julie began going on Coastwalks with her parents, Bill & Lucy Kortum and as an adult she brought her children on many Coastwalks.

Julie is an Occupational Therapist who lives in Los Gatos, California.

Walk Leader – Patti Pope

Patti Pope is a long time Coastwalk member and has been on numerous Coastwalks. Patti’s children grew up on going to on Coastwalks and now grown adults, joined Patti on the 2022 San Luis Obispo Classic and signed up to become Coastwalk volunteers. Coastwalk is looking forward to the next generation of volunteers.

Patti is an educator who lives in Woodside, California

 Resources

Santa Cruz North/Costanoa Koa 

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

 Wilbur’s Watch Trail

 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Wilder Ranch

Año Nuevo State Park

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanical Garden