Little Harbor Backpacking

April 11-14th, 2025

Let’s take a hike! Once again, we will be traveling by boat to Two Harbors on Catalina Island and then hiking to Little Harbor on the other side of the island, where we will spend three nights (before hiking back).

SPACE IS LIMITED – RSVP ASAP!

Fair warning: This is not car camping! It is a bit more strenuous than a typical camping trip. However, if you need certain accommodations, there are a few ways to make the trip a little easier if you prefer not to pack all your gear on your back and haul it over the ridge yourself. Those will be listed below – so if you think this trip sounds fun but might want an easier time, check out those alternatives at the bottom of this page!

Your reservation fee includes the following:

  • Round trip passage on the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors.
  • Three nights at the Little Harbor Campground.
  • Firewood (community) for all three nights.
  • Delivery of items purchased at the General Store to our campsite (All items must be purchased together, as a group).

You will be responsible for your own meals, and the cost of any add-ons or accommodations you need to get to the site.

If you need assistance planning, figuring out accommodations, or just have general questions about the trip, please contact Craig Reade.

RSVPS are mandatory! You must have RSVPed and made payment by March 31st (the sooner the better) if you wish to go on this trip.

If you prefer to pay by cash or check, payment can be made to Wayfarers Lodge. Contact Craig Reade for payment information.

Resources:
CatalinaExpress.com
Catalina Island Camping
Kayak Rental
Two Harbors Visitor Services
Wildlands Express Shuttle

Tickets

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ACCOMMODATIONS

There are a few services on the island that you can use to transform this trip from a 6 mile, 1,500 foot climb with a full pack to something a little more comfortable, if that is to your liking.

Gear Haul

The Catalina Island company offers gear haul services. For $20 each way they will deliver your gear to and/or from the campsite. You only need carry it off the boat to the drop-off area, which is a short distance from the dock. This fee is paid upon arrival at the dock (even if you just want it hauled back on Monday), so decide before you go!

The fee is “per item” – so make sure what you bring fits into a single container/backpack.

Get a Ride to the Campsite

If you do not want to make the hike, or are unable, the Wildlands Express Shuttle can take you to the campground, provided you arrive in Avalon or the airport. It’s a little over $50 each way.

There is also a taxi service that can take you directly to the campsite from Avalon – that runs about $250 one-way for up to seven passengers. More expensive, but more attractive if flexible scheduling is required, and you have more than a couple of people that want to go with you!

Outside of that, if you know anyone who has a boat – they could hypothetically drop you off directly at Little Harbor!

If you are going to take advantage of any of these options, please contact Craig Reade prior to RSVPing for this trip.

Alternate Hiking Route

Rather than hiking along the TCT to Little Harbor, there is a slightly longer (just under 7 miles) road you can follow that is a much easier hike. It only has about 900 feet of total elevation gain. It isn’t quite as scenic as the more difficult ridge route, but it is still a gorgeous hike. In 2024, we got quite close (safe distance) to the herd of buffalo taking this route – which was a neat experience.

Gear Rental

If you aren’t well-equipped with camping gear, Visitor Services offers rentals of tents, stoves, and sleeping pads. They also sell sleeping bags. Pricing can be found on their website.

General Store

Upon arrival at Two Harbors, we will be stopping by the Two Harbors General Store to pick up some groceries. They offer delivery service to Little Harbor which includes ice and coolers. The cost is per-transaction, so we will be doing one big purchase on arrival – that delivery is included in your price for this trip. You can pay the organizer directly for any items you want on that order.

If you want to do your own delivery (why?!?), you will be responsible for the fee.