General Info on Catalina 50 Mile Avalon Loop May 2026
This is a variation option that includes a camp site to accommodate doing the hike over a weekend without having to book a two night minimum at the hotels on the island.
Notes about the ferry to Catalina:
- Multiple departures on Saturday from Long Beach to Avalon. (Multiple Departure times) First departure is 6am.
- Sunday also has multiple departure times from Avalon to Long Beach. Last departure is 8:30pm
- Route goes by campsite at mile 29.
- Campsite and hiking permits obtained
- Time to complete is 36h based on an 8am start
General Timeline and Dates: 05/08 – 5/11
05/08 (Fri):
16:30 ➡️ 18:00: JB -> SNA
xx:xx – xx:xx <open >
05/09 (Sat):
04:30 ➡️ 05:25: Head to Long Beach ferry terminal
05:30 ➡️ 05:55: Prep for ferry trip
06:00 ➡️ 07:15: Ferry Long Beach -> Avalon
07:30 ➡️ 07:55: Breakfast (if desired)
08:00 ➡️ 21:30: Hike: Avalon Loop (See Pace tables)
Sat Night/Mile 29: Two Harbors Campsite (or keep going)
05/10 (Sun):
06:00 ➡️ 06:30: AM prep
06:45 ➡️ 07:45: Two Harbors Breakfast?
08:00 ➡️ 08:00: Complete Avalon Loop Hike**
20:30 ➡️ 22:00: Avalon to Long Beach
22:15 ➡️ 23:00: Long Beach -> IRV
05/11 (Mon)
07:00 – 07:
08:20 -> 09:45: JB -> OAK
Other Notes/Additional Resources/Articles on TransCat in a day:
- (**) = Times are variable, times shown are longest duration available, if things are efficient times can be adjusted back.
Items needed tor adventure:
- 3 – 4 liters hydration
- Snacks/Food/Electrolytes/GU
- Sunscreen
- Poles
- Water Filter
36 hour Average Pace estimates including stoppages:
| ST | HH | AP |
| 240m / 4h | 32h | 1.625 mph / 37 mpm |
| 360m / 6h | 30h | 1.733 mph / 35 mpm |
| 480m / 8h | 28h | 1.86 mph / 32 mpm |
| 600m /10h | 26h | 2.0 mph / 30 mpm |
ST = Stoppage Time
HH = Hiking Hours
AP = Average Pace
Average pace and completion times with stoppage over 2mph
| Average Pace | Hiking Time | Total Time +8/10/12h inc | Approx Sunday Completion TOD | Next Available Ferry Departure | |
| 2.0** | 26:00 | 32/36/X | 4pm – 7pm | 6:30pm & 7:45pm | |
| 2.4 | 21:40 | 29+/31+/33+ | 1pm – 5pm | 2:15pm & 3:55pm | |
| 2.8 | 18:34 | 26+/28+/30+ | 10am – 2pm | 11:50 & 2:15pm | |
| 3.2 | 16:15 | 24+/26+/28+ | 8am – 12pm |