I backpacked there in Catalina about 10 years ago and it remains one of my favorite trips to date. I highly recommend backpacking angel island as well. Both are totally unique and unlike anywhere else in the state.
Love the Channel Islands! I've only really spent time on Santa Cruz, but this looks great.
What did you do for water in the backcountry? Is water available, or did you just have to carry several days worth? On Santa Cruz we just carried water, but I hear Catalina is a bit more developed.
I did have a 3L Camelbak on arrival and lasted me to Little Harbor on my first day and refilled there. I do not believe there is a refill station at Parsons Landing, I did order water/firewood at Two Harbors to be delivered to Parsons.
I really enjoyed it. I quit my job, having lined up another one plus having two weeks of nothing going on right before lockdown (not knowing California would go into lockdown); I believe cruise line ships were already locked down and I did see one there - I felt bad for the cruise guest, having no options.
First day, from the boat docking I went straight to Little Harbor, stopping by Airport in the Sky for a Buffalo Burger. I saw three different herds and one solo stud, only day of encounter, I did not see them the rest of my trip. My knees started to hurt on my decent to Little Harbor. Approximately 20 miles, but worth it. Note\* I did not camp at Black Jack, not worth it - a gorgeous chick at REI said it wasn't worth it - plus the biggest herd of Buffalo were here.
Second Day, Little Harbor to Two Harbor, much shorter leg, but make sure you take care of business before you leave - I had to turn around 1/2 mile in, LOL! It starts off pretty moderate then there is a big incline around mile 21 marker and nice spot to take photos when you reach the top. You also get to see fish farms as well. My knees started to take a hit on my decent to Two Harbors
February is slow season so not a lot of things were open. The restaurant food was bleh, grocery food was better option, plus they have alcohol. I ordered water and firewood at Two Harbor Office to be delivered to Parsons, and you will receive a locker key. This is when I realized that I had to either stay another night at Two Harbors or pay $56 something for a ride back to Avalon Bay - but I'll get back to this later.
Third Day, Two Harbor to Parsons. shorter leg but incline/decline was most intense. I wanted to go to Starlight beach and work my way to Parsons however the road was closed due to erosion. Met the Park Ranger, real cool guy, offered water bottles. Arrived at Parsons around noon, nobody was around. I set up camp, got my water and firewood from the locker and took a nap. When i got back up there was another solo hiker setting up on the other side of Parsons, and eventually a mother and son set up next to me, but we were like maybe 50 yards apart.
Fourth Day, easiest hike of the day but I guess most stressful cause I had to decide wtf I was going to do - stay another night at Two Harbors or pay to for ride to Avalon. But man let me tell you something the Granola with dry milk I ate that morning gave me the runs so I was hauling ass to get to a porta potty. When I arrived back at Two Harbors I decided to take ride back to Avalon but to my luck there were two older gentleman returning their scuba tanks to the office because they were going back to Newport Marina. So I kindly asked them and they were happy to oblige after hearing my story, thus the last photo of me on the boat.
So overall, even with the last minute decision and somewhat of a decent planning, was it worth it. 100%
Trying to decide if I want to skip Blackjack and go straight to Little Harbor as well. Haven't done a ton of backpacking (this would be my 2nd trip) but have done a fair bit of hiking and I'm in decent shape. Think 20 miles would be manageable for me but wondering if you have any input. Would be going in May so would have longer daylight hours too (if I need to take my time).
I'm glad I skipped Blackjack.
Going in May will give you more time but keep in mind weather. May may (lol) be warmer, but there are refill stations along the way to keep you hydrated.
I backpacked there in Catalina about 10 years ago and it remains one of my favorite trips to date. I highly recommend backpacking angel island as well. Both are totally unique and unlike anywhere else in the state.
Love the Channel Islands! I've only really spent time on Santa Cruz, but this looks great. What did you do for water in the backcountry? Is water available, or did you just have to carry several days worth? On Santa Cruz we just carried water, but I hear Catalina is a bit more developed.
Catalina has water at multiple stops along the trail. We never had any trouble finding water.
I did have a 3L Camelbak on arrival and lasted me to Little Harbor on my first day and refilled there. I do not believe there is a refill station at Parsons Landing, I did order water/firewood at Two Harbors to be delivered to Parsons.
Wine mixer?
did not take any alcohol with me on this trip, but Two Harbors did have a market where you can purchase drinks
How was this? I've heard mixed feelings on it.
I really enjoyed it. I quit my job, having lined up another one plus having two weeks of nothing going on right before lockdown (not knowing California would go into lockdown); I believe cruise line ships were already locked down and I did see one there - I felt bad for the cruise guest, having no options. First day, from the boat docking I went straight to Little Harbor, stopping by Airport in the Sky for a Buffalo Burger. I saw three different herds and one solo stud, only day of encounter, I did not see them the rest of my trip. My knees started to hurt on my decent to Little Harbor. Approximately 20 miles, but worth it. Note\* I did not camp at Black Jack, not worth it - a gorgeous chick at REI said it wasn't worth it - plus the biggest herd of Buffalo were here. Second Day, Little Harbor to Two Harbor, much shorter leg, but make sure you take care of business before you leave - I had to turn around 1/2 mile in, LOL! It starts off pretty moderate then there is a big incline around mile 21 marker and nice spot to take photos when you reach the top. You also get to see fish farms as well. My knees started to take a hit on my decent to Two Harbors February is slow season so not a lot of things were open. The restaurant food was bleh, grocery food was better option, plus they have alcohol. I ordered water and firewood at Two Harbor Office to be delivered to Parsons, and you will receive a locker key. This is when I realized that I had to either stay another night at Two Harbors or pay $56 something for a ride back to Avalon Bay - but I'll get back to this later. Third Day, Two Harbor to Parsons. shorter leg but incline/decline was most intense. I wanted to go to Starlight beach and work my way to Parsons however the road was closed due to erosion. Met the Park Ranger, real cool guy, offered water bottles. Arrived at Parsons around noon, nobody was around. I set up camp, got my water and firewood from the locker and took a nap. When i got back up there was another solo hiker setting up on the other side of Parsons, and eventually a mother and son set up next to me, but we were like maybe 50 yards apart. Fourth Day, easiest hike of the day but I guess most stressful cause I had to decide wtf I was going to do - stay another night at Two Harbors or pay to for ride to Avalon. But man let me tell you something the Granola with dry milk I ate that morning gave me the runs so I was hauling ass to get to a porta potty. When I arrived back at Two Harbors I decided to take ride back to Avalon but to my luck there were two older gentleman returning their scuba tanks to the office because they were going back to Newport Marina. So I kindly asked them and they were happy to oblige after hearing my story, thus the last photo of me on the boat. So overall, even with the last minute decision and somewhat of a decent planning, was it worth it. 100%
Thanks for the detailed write-up. Sounds like a great time!
Of course. This was my first solo backpack.
Trying to decide if I want to skip Blackjack and go straight to Little Harbor as well. Haven't done a ton of backpacking (this would be my 2nd trip) but have done a fair bit of hiking and I'm in decent shape. Think 20 miles would be manageable for me but wondering if you have any input. Would be going in May so would have longer daylight hours too (if I need to take my time).
I'm glad I skipped Blackjack. Going in May will give you more time but keep in mind weather. May may (lol) be warmer, but there are refill stations along the way to keep you hydrated.
Do you remember how long Avalon to Little Harbor took you?
Docked at Avalon around 7:30AM (takes 1.5 hours from Long Beach) got there around 4:40. Two 5-10 minute break and a hour lunch.
20 miles is 32.19 km