Catalina Camino

Hike in California’s best-kept secret

Catalina Camino is a series of hikes to explore the beauty of Santa Catalina Island and train for your next pilgrimage. It includes 8 stages, beginning with 5 day-hikes and culminating in a 7-day, 6-night walking adventure across the island. We’ll cover a total of 112 miles from start to finish, the equivalent of walking from Villafranca del Bierzo to Santiago de Compostela.

Each of the 5 day-hikes includes roundtrip ferry ticket from Dana Point, Long Beach or San Pedro, a hiker permit, the Catalina Camino credential and a copy of the Insider’s Guide to Catalina. Cost to participate: $150 per day-hike. Limited to 12 adventurers. 

The weeklong Catalina Camino experience includes 6 nights on the island in accommodations ranging from quaint bed & breakfasts to camping (where the tents and gear are provided and set up for you!). Also included are 8 meals and the ferry to and from Two Harbors. The next weeklong trip is October 26 to November 1, 2025.

Email support@KarinKiser.com for details.

 

Just Added! January 25, 2025. “Hills of Avalon” day hike. This 8-mile, moderate hike takes us up along the town’s periphery for sweeping views of the harbor, Pebbly Beach, Lover’s Cove and more. Limited to 12.

March 16-19, 2025. Experience a 4-day hiking excursion based out of Two Harbors, on the remote west end of the island. We’ll cover 30+ miles. Limited to 7 adventurers. Email support@KarinKiser.com for details.

As part of the Catalina Camino, you’ll get a stamp for each of the 8 stages, just like on the Camino de Santiago. 

  1. Intro to Catalina 
  2. The Hills of Avalon
  3. Eucalyptus Ridge
  4. East End
  5. Secret Spots
  6. Two Harbors
  7. Airport in the Sky
  8. Trans Catalina Trail

 

THE BACKSTORY: When one door closes, another door opens. Unable to travel to Spain during the global events of 2020-21, I started a Camino-from-home, spending as much time outdoors as possible taking long walks in the neighborhood and exploring remote areas of town. Then I remembered Catalina. I trained for my first Camino in the hills of Santa Catalina Island more than a decade ago. Those hills were calling me back. During the height of global uncertainty, I spent several months on the island and became reacquainted with the charm of Avalon and the beauty of the interior. Living there gave me the inside scoop to what makes Catalina unique. I decided to share Catalina’s treasures with other walker-adventurers. Hence, Catalina Camino was born.

ABOUT CATALINA: Santa Catalina Island is one of 8 Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. Once owned by the Santa Catalina Island Company and majority shareholder William Wrigley Jr., 88% of the island was deeded in 1975 to the Catalina Conservancy.

Just a short ferry ride from Dana Point, Long Beach or San Pedro, Catalina offers more than 165 miles of hiking trails and surprisingly few hikers. As part of the Catalina Camino, you’ll walk the flats of Avalon, pass historic mansions and landmarks, enjoy spectacular views from East Summit and East Mountain, see American bison roaming the hills, experience Little Harbor, Two Harbors and the Airport in the Sky, as well as view some of Catalina’s 60 endemic species, including the Catalina Island fox and St. Catherine’s lace. It’s a walking adventure like no other.

ABOUT KARIN: Karin lived on Catalina Island in 2021 and is a Certified Island Naturalist by the Catalina Conservancy. She trained for her first Camino de Santiago pilgrimage on the hills of Catalina and has since walked the Camino six times.

    Here’s what past participants say about the Catalina Camino

    “The 7-day Catalina Camino trek was a perfect training and learning experience for walking one of the Camino del Santiago routes, complete with beautiful vistas and scenery, and the camaraderie of meeting new people and sharing meals together. The accommodations were top notch, including the camping setup. Karin’s knowledge of the island made for a much more enriching experience. If you simply wish for a guided Catalina walking or hiking experience, you won’t be disappointed, Karin covers many of the very best spots on the island. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!” – Alison

    “I loved our Catalina adventure! Things were so well organized. The routes were well planned varied, beautiful and fun. The level of challenge was perfect.” – Mark

    “The Catalina Camino is an extraordinary experience. The daily hiking is challenging yet rewarding. Our guide, Karin, is knowledgeable and passionate, sharing fascinating insights about the island’s unique wildlife and history along the way. The trip was well-organized, with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals that fueled our adventure. It was the perfect mix of nature, challenge and tranquility.” – Chris

    “A most magical trip to Catalina Island to rekindle my Camino-like experience in Spain. We hiked 65 miles in 6 glorious days. Our ages ranged from 52 to 77 which once again proves that age is just a number.” – Alice

    Get the details and reserve your spot by emailing support@KarinKiser.com. ¡Buen camino!