CATALINA ISLAND ― Boaters cruising to Catalina Island can stretch their sea legs by going on land and exploring the newly expanded hiking trails, as Catalina Island Conservancy announces the completion of Trekking Catalina.
Trekking Catalina refers to the new master trail system on the island with 27 miles of newly developed trails.
“We now have 165 miles of trail or road that you can walk on this island, so there are huge number of hiking choices available to people,” Catalina Island Conservancy’s President and CEO Tony Budrovich told The Log.
Trekking Catalina is one of the elements of Imagine Catalina. Imagine Catalina was introduced in 2011 and entails a 20-year master plan of developing programs and infrastructures to make the island’s recreation, education and conservation more accessible.
“With new signs, a greatly improved trails map and waterless bathrooms, Trekking Catalina will make the Island a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” Budrovich said.
Better access points to the trails in Avalon and Two Harbors and new restrooms along the trails will be ready by the end of the year, according to Catalina Island Conservancy.
The completion of the trail system expansion is being celebrated just one month prior to the one year anniversary of Trekking Catalina’s groundbreaking.
Catalina Island Conservancy in partnership with REI and Brouwerij West are inviting the public to the Trekking Catalina Launch Party. The free event is being held at the craft brewery Brouwerij West in San Pedro, Sept. 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. New Catalina hiking maps will be provided at the event. The celebration also includes live music, food trucks and prizes. The website for information about the event and to RSVP is bit.ly/2xbe5iZ.
Hiking permits are required on Catalina Island’s trails. The permits are free to ensure people can enjoy access to the land and can be obtained through the Catalina Island Conservancy’s website at bit.ly/2uPfHlN.
“Trekking Catalina gives hikers even more opportunities to explore the Island’s wildlands, experience nature and see California as it once was – wild and free,” Budrovich stated.
Catalina Island Conservancy photo
