This challenging hike takes you away
from the tourism of Avalon and gives you a taste of the island interior.
Remember your Catalina Island Conservancy permit before you hike, find more
info below.
Location: Avalon Region: Catalina Island Distance: 4.4-mile loop
Difficulty: Difficult When to go: October through June Hours: Sunrise to sunset Phone: 310-510-2595 ext. 100 Elevation Gain: 1500 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash Restrooms: Yes, at memorial entrance Permits: You need a free permit that's available at the Catalina
Island Conservancy at 125 Claressa Ave., and the Botanical Gardens has a
$3.00 charge.
Trail Information
Full Review: The trail starts at the
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden entrance. A word to the wise, rent a
bike, golf cart or take the island bus up to the gardens. Avalon Canyon Road
is a 1-1/2 mile trip from the center of Avalon. Take a short stroll around
the gardens, which was started by Mr. Wrigley's wife, Ada. The island
temperate climate allows for a wonderful showcase of Catalina's endemic and
native plants.
Work your way up to the actual memorial building, which is free to explore.
The memorial honors William Wrigley Jr., best known as the founder of the
largest chewing gum manufacturer in the world. The monument was built in an
effort to use as much Catalina materials as possible. The blue flagstone
rock on the ramps and terraces comes from Little Harbor, Catalina.
All this and you've hardly started. On the right-hand side of the memorial
is a gate. It looks foreboding, but it is open and the start of the Wrigley
Memorial trail. This is a steep climb that winds up the canyon. I recommend
hiking boots on this trail, but running shoes will do the trick. The second
half of the trail is loose ground.
As you are working your way up don't miss the gorgeous views of Avalon. In
1.2 steep miles you will reach Divide Road trail, a fire road along the
eastern spine of the island. This is the most rewarding view of the trip, on
one side of you is the northern side if the island with Avalon, and on the
other side is the southern uninhabited coast. Plus, most of your elevation
gain is behind you.
Continue along the Divide Road ridge until the Hermit Gulch trail. You will
see a stone planter box with a small shrub. This is where you veer off to
the right, and begin you descent.
If you are feeling up to it continue past the Hermit Gulch trail 100 yards
until the Lone Tree trail on your left. This is a one mile add on to the
hike, but rewards with stunning views of the island's Palisades region.
Whether you take the Lone Tree trail or not you will make your decent on the
Hermit Gulch trail. Beware the ground is loose. The trail will become
greener and greener as you descend until you reach the official Hermit Gulch
campground.
You made it! If your bike or cart is parked at the memorial you will have to
walk .25 miles to the memorial entrance.
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