Backpacking Adventures in the Wind River Range

 

Thinking about a camping trip to the Wind River Range?  Are these must-haves for your backpacking adventure:

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Wildlife sightings
• No throngs of tourist traffic, or RV generators running into the wee hours of the morning!

 

Well, then the peaceful and scenic Wind River Range in Wyoming might be just the spot!  Are you planning to drive there?  If so, check out our road trip checklist with tips on what to pack for the best adventure travel!

 

ROAD TRIP PACKING CHECKLIST

 

The Wind River Range

 

The Wind River Range is a 100-mile long chain of towering granite peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and glacier-carved meadows.  It remains a special place for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

Whether you are fishing, camping, or rock climbing, we’ve included everything to help you prep for your summer backpacking adventure in the Winds, as they’re commonly called.

 

Photographer’s Point, Wind River Range

 

Highlights Of The Wind River Range

 

• Cirque of the Towers– a stunning semi-circle of 12,000-foot peaks
• Gannett Peak– the tallest mountain in Wyoming at 13,804 feet
• Titcomb Basin– a picturesque valley surrounded by lakes and mountains
• Skyline Scenic Drive- If you are not up for carrying a backpack and hiking some good miles into the wilderness, you can still get a taste of what the Wind River Range has to offer.  The Skyline Scenic Drive takes you 17 miles outside of Pinedale, ending at the Elkhart Park Trailhead.
• Alpine Rock Climbing– The Wind River Range has incredible trad climbing.  You’ll find both single-pitch and multi-pitch climbing with a wide range of grades from 5.6 to 5.13c in an alpine environment.

 

Wildlife in the Winds

 

Wildlife sightings may include bighorn sheep, owls, bears, deer, elk, and eagles.  In addition, the headwaters of the Green River, along with hundreds of lakes and streams, are teeming with rainbow and cutthroat trout!

Both black bears and grizzly bears can be found in the Wind River Range, and although sightings are rare, be prepared.  Keep your campsite clean and store food properly (see our tips below).

 

Owls watching over our campsite in the Winds.

 

Getting There: Access to the Wind River range

 

If you are flying into the area, the closest major airports to the Wind River Range are found in Jackson, Wyoming, or Salt Lake City, Utah.  From Jackson, the drive is about 3 hours.  From Salt Lake City, the drive to the Winds is closer to 5.

 

Access to the Wind River Range from the South or West

 

If you’re coming from places like Utah’s National Parks, Idaho, Grand Teton National Park, or Yellowstone, you will most likely visit the West side of Wind River Range.  To hike in, you’ll use either the Big Sandy trailhead or the Elkhart Park trailhead.

The Big Sandy Trail is the southernmost trail that leads into the Wind River Range and provides access to the Cirque of the Towers, Deep Lake, Black Joe Lake, and Big Sandy Lake.  Located 54 miles south of Pinedale, you will need to drive on a mix of paved and dirt roads to reach the trailhead.

Driving to the Big Sandy Trailhead is not quite suitable for large RVs.  In addition, flash floods and summer thunderstorms can cause road closures, so always check the weather before departing.

However, the Elkhart Park Trailhead is at the end of Skyline Scenic Drive, a paved 17-mile road that starts near Pinedale.  This trail provides access to Gannett Peak and the Titcomb Basin.  And is much easier to manage with a large campervan van or RV.

Pinedale is the closest ‘big’ town and the best place to stock up if you’re coming from points North and West.  The town is small but filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of accommodations.

Farson is another place to stop for gas, food, or last-minute items.  However, Farson is not a town, just a crossroads.  And the last time you really get cell service!

 

Access to the Wind River Range from the East

 

If you’re coming from Colorado or points East, you’ll head towards Lander, Wyoming.  Similar to Pinedale, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and places to stay. However, Lander is more your quintessential mountain town.  And Lander was voted one of the best outdoor towns in America!

In Lander, there’s easy access to Sinks Canyon State Park, Popo Agie Falls Trail, Pete’s Lake Trail, and several campgrounds.  Other towns nearby include Hudson, where they’re hosting this year’s overlanding and van life gathering, the Wind River Rally!

 

Fly fishing for dinner on the Green River.

 

Camping and Living the Van Life in the Wind River Range

 

There are a few campgrounds on both the East and West sides of the Wind River Range.  However, most campers prefer to backpack into the Winds and select a spot.  Here there are no designated campsites, no permits needed, and no services.  It’s all wilderness!

However, if backpacking is not your thing, it is possible to camp in a more traditional campground and do day hikes into different areas.  Below we’ve featured our favorite campground, Big Sandy.

 

Big Sandy Campground

 

Big Sandy Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds for accessing the Wind River Range.  There are no reservations or permits needed.  Therefore, all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis.  However, access to this area is very limited due to snow and road conditions.

To get to Big Sandy Campground, you will drive about 40 miles on mostly dirt and washboard terrain.  That being said, the drive to Big Sandy Campground is not quite suitable for large campervans and RVs.

You will find 10 sites total in Big Sandy Campground, a few of which have access to stock pens if you’re traveling with horses.  There’s also a large dirt lot for backpackers, as the Big Sandy Trailhead starts at the parking lot. 

If you had a campervan or small RV, you could certainly park in the lot and stay overnight.  There is also a compost toilet in the parking lot.  And pens for stock animals.

As Big Sandy is a primitive campground, you will not find the following:

• Running water. Be prepared to filter your water from the lakes and streams
• Cell service
• Trash cans or dumpsters. You must pack out all of your trash!
• Bear boxes.  Use proper food storage techniques. More on this below.

 

Big Sandy Campground is typically open between the end of June through September. 

 

You can do day hikes into the Winds, carry a larger pack and camp a few nights, or work with a guide service that can haul in your gear!

 

Should You Hire a Guide to Backpack or Hike the Winds in Wyoming

 

If you want to try backpacking in the Wind River Range but are not sure how to get started, think about hiring a guide.  Or book your trip through an outfitter.  This will ensure you are well-prepared for your backcountry adventure.

In addition, they can take care of most of the heavy lifting and even load your packs on horseback for the hike!  This means you can do your hike into the Winds with a light daypack!  And when your hike is over 8-10 miles, you will most certainly appreciate it!

Many guiding services provide everything from tents and meals, to round-trip transportation from Jackson, Wyoming.  Highly recommended outfitters include:

• Bald Mountain Outfitters
• Wildland Trekking
• Exum Mountain Guides
• Big Sandy Lodge

 

Big Sandy Lodge: Outfitter and Cabins

Big Sandy Lodge is our favorite outfitter.  They have 10 cabins, a lodge for meals, shared bathrooms and showers, and wranglers that can haul your gear in on horseback.

Big Sandy Lodge is family-owned and operated, and they really go the extra mile to make you feel welcome.  And even if you are not booking a cabin, you can still join other guests in the warm, cozy lodge for breakfast or dinner.

Lastly, the Big Sandy Lodge is about a mile from the Big Sandy Campground and Trailhead.

 

• 

  Planning to rock climb in the Wind River Range? Make sure you have a full trad rack and everything ready for big wall alpine climbing!

 

More Tips For Your Wind River Adventure

 

Map Reading:

Know how to use a compass and read a topographic map, especially if you will not be hiring a guide.  Trails are not well-marked and most see very light traffic throughout the summer.  We also picked up the Falcon Guide: Hiking Wyoming’s Wind River Range!

Are you a climber?  Well, then you might want to check out the Falcon Guide: Climbing and Hiking in the Wind River Range.

 

Wind River Camping Locations and Fees:

There are no entrance fees at the Winds, however, there are campground fees at the designated campgrounds.  You can also hike a few miles into the Winds and set up camp without paying any fees.  Then you can take on a bigger effort like hiking all the way to Deep Lake, Black Joe Lake, or the Cirque of the Towers.

Remember, camps should be set up 200 feet from lakes or streams, and 100 feet from the road or trail.

 

The view from Big Sandy Lodge, just adjacent to the Big Sandy Trail where you can begin your hike in!

 

Wyoming Wind River Weather:

The best time to visit the Wind Rivers is July through mid-September.  This way all trails should be clear of snow.  And, the later you go, you can avoid the dreaded mosquitos.

However, keep in mind chilly nights and thunderstorms are common above 9,000 feet in the summer.  And snowfall can also occur year-round.  Always be prepared.  We had 4 days of rain and temperatures in the low 40s in the middle of August!  Even though the weather report called for 60s and sunny!

Therefore, bring good, waterproof rain gear that you can hike in for cold and rainy weather.  And check the latest conditions before your departure.

 

Hiking preparedness:

For the best experience in the Winds, make sure you are comfortable carrying a mid-sized pack and hiking several miles a day.  And, hiking at elevations over 10,000ft.

Does a 40-pound pack seem like too much?  Then reach out to an outfitter or guide service like the Big Sandy Lodge to reserve horses and wranglers to carry your gear in!

As an example, our hike along the Big Sandy Trail to Black Joe Lake was 8.5 miles, and 2,000ft. of climbing.  And, the majority of the elevation gain was in the last 3 miles.  We got an early start and are in good shape, but it still took us over 4 hours to hike 8.5 miles!

Don’t forget to break in your hiking shoes well before your trip.  Remember, this is a remote area.  And, access to shops that sell camping equipment, as well as medical services, are quite far away.

 

Before you start down the trailhead, make sure you’ve done a few hikes in your shoes and carried a pack of the same weight you’ll be bringing in. Not comfortable carrying a big pack? Hire a guide to bring your gear in!

 

Packing for Backcountry Travel:

Learn how to pack a backpack!  In addition, determine what essentials you’ll need based on your type of trip.  Don’t skimp on the rain gear or the food!  We’ve also pulled together a list of what travel essentials to pack for your best outdoor adventure.

 

Water:

There is easy access to water from lakes and streams, however, you will need to purify the water by boiling, filtering, or using chemical tablets.  Outdoor Gear Lab reviewed some of the best water filters on the market and almost all are available on Amazon.

We use Life Straw and had no issues, but we did have to set up quite a large system to accommodate 5 people and 3 dogs!  And, walking back and forth to the lake to fill your water bladder and/or buckets is definitely a daily chore.

 

Altitude:

The Wind River Range is above 9,000 feet.  Therefore, make sure to spend a day or two acclimating to higher altitudes at the trailhead campgrounds.  Again, this is why we love the Big Sandy Lodge.  A day or two at the cabins and you’ll be ready!

 

The quiet mountain surroundings in the Winds are filled with wildlife. If you’re lucky you may see deer, elk, marmots, eagles, moose, and bears!

 

Bear Safety and Food Storage:

Learn how to tie up your food or bring secure food canisters to keep the critters out!  There are no bearproof food storage boxes located in the Winds.

So, purchasing a few bearproof canisters, dry bags, and smell-proof bags that you can travel with is a great idea.  In addition, we pack bear spray, even traveling with a 70-pound hound dog.  Keep it on you and know how to use it.

Dry bags like Osprey’s 20L Ultralight Dry Sack and scent-proof bags like OPSAK and Smelly Proof are very helpful!  Plan to tie up everything from toiletries to dog food. 

Yes, it’s a daily chore.  Well, sometimes a 3x a day chore!  But, after each meal, you need to pack up your food, haul it to the tree you have your anchor set up on, and then raise it up in the air.

We recommend either buying a hanging food storage bag system or creating your own.  And practice hanging your food before you hike into the Wind River Range.  Here’s a good video that demonstrates the PCT bear bagging method.

 

Tips on keeping a bear-free campsite and staying bear-aware:

• Use a bear canister or hang your food in scent-proof bags!  Put all items with a scent in the bear canister or smell-proof dry bags.  This includes soaps, lotions, sunscreen, and even water bottles.
• Do not leave cooking utensils, dishes, or stoves out.  It will guarantee unwanted visitors.  And not just a large bear.  Squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and deer will raid your campsite for any items that look and smell like a treat!
• If cleaning fishing or cooking over a campfire, remove all clothes that smell and wear something scent-free to sleep in.
• Carry bear spray at all times.  Especially when hiking in more remote locations of the Wind River Range.  And, read the NPS Guidelines on how to use bear spray effectively.
• Keep a safe distance from bears if you spot one.  Especially if it’s a mother and her cubs.  300 feet is what’s recommended.  Resist the urge to approach for a better photo.

 

Need more tips on food storage and bear safety?  Here are the U.S. Forest Service food storage basics.

 

Interested in swimming while in the Winds? Be prepared for very cold temps! Our swim in Black Joe Lake lasted about 5 minutes!

 

Bathrooms:

Not often a topic you want to discuss, but you need a bathroom plan as there are no compost toilets or any facilities once you leave the campground or cabins.  The best practice is to Leave No Trace and pack out all human and dog waste during your time in the Winds.

How to do this?  We set up a private area outside of camp that served as our camp ‘bathroom’.  You can purchase a portable camp toilet that comes with everything you need to feel a bit more comfortable.

If you are having horses haul in your gear, this is a nice option.  Also, pack a pop-up changing tent to make it even more comfortable.  You will thank me when it’s raining.

 

Bugs:

Mosquitos and other bugs are plentiful in the summer months.  So, make sure to pick up bug spray before you drive or fly up.  You may luck out on mosquitos if you hike in towards the end of August or the beginning of September.  But, you could also get snow!

 

Fishing and Hunting in the Winds:

A valid license from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is required for fishing or hunting in the Wind River Range.  And, flyfishing is the most common form of fishing in the area.

Many of the lakes and streams in the Winds will have a number of different species of trout.  From brown, rainbow, and cutthroat, to brook and lake trout.  Again, make sure you have extra flies, lines, and everything else you need before you leave civilization.

 

Beneath the surface, these mountain streams are filled with rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout!

 

Campfires:

There are campfires permitted in certain areas of the Winds.  However, check the latest fire regulations before departing.  In hot, dry summers, expect to not be allowed to light a fire in the Wind River Range.  So if you were planning to cook your meals on an open fire, bring the Jetboil and if horse-packing in, the camp stove.

 

Leave No Trace:

Be respectful of wild places and ensure that whatever your pack in you must carry out.  Learn more about Leave No Trace and how you can help!

 

More Adventure Travel Tips

 

There’s definitely a lot to think about when planning a backpacking trip to the Winds!  And it’s such a different type of trip than visiting Yellowstone or the Tetons.  Especially if you like to be off the beaten path.

We hope this gets you excited about traveling through Wyoming this summer, and if you have more questions about how we prepared, contact us!

Looking for more travel ideas for fun destinations?

• Top 8 Summer Activities in San Diego
• Cuba Libre: Travel Tips for Outdoor Adventurers in the land of Classic Cars, Cigars, and Rock Climbing 
• Road Trip through Utah’s National Parks
• California’s 395: Road Trip through Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park

 

TOP 8 SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN SAN DIEGO

 

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy adventuring!

– Meredith McConvill

The post Summer Backpacking Trip Ideas: Wind River Range, Wyoming appeared first on Top Rope Media.

Searching for travel tips on how to bike Catalina Island?  Well from sweeping ocean views to the rugged interior, we’ve packed this blog filled with ideas to get you planning a cycling trip to Catalina!

We’ll review the type of bike you’ll need, what to pack, where to stay, and what to expect. So if you’re up for a challenge, but want the beach time too, Catalina packs it all in.  And, if you’ve ever traveled through the Meditteranean, this part of California will remind you of those hilly coastal towns in Spain, Greece, and Italy!  Bellisima.

Be ready for lots of gravel roads and pedaling uphill as you bike across Catalina Island!

What You’ll Need to Bike Catalina

Bike Selection

To have a great adventure cycling on Catalina Island, you will want to bring your own gravel or mountain bike.  Knobby tires and a squishy suspension will help you absorb all those bumps and broken pavement as you make your way across the island.

No hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike in your stable?  How about a gravel bike?  If none of the above, your best bet is to purchase the widest knobby tires that will fit your road bike and keep the air pressure on the low side.

Pro tip: Bring everything you need to fix a flat, refill your tubeless tires, or adjust your suspension.  There is only 1 legit bike shop on Catalina, Brown’s Bikes, and the likelihood that they will be available on short notice is slim.

For this trip, I rode my gravel bike with a standard crank, 38mm tubeless tires, and ran about 35-40 psi.  No flats, no issues, but definitely wish I had more gears or a compact crank in certain sections.

Bike Rentals on Catalina

Want to rent a bike while on Catalina, take a tour, or shuttle one of the routes?  Here are a few outfitters that can help with bike rentals and tours:

• Catalina Island Company
• Brown’s Bikes
• Bike Catalina
• Catalina e-Bike Tours – island rental e-bikes are not permitted in the interior

Bring your gravel bike or mountain bike and be prepped for lots of bumpy, unpaved roads but spectacular views!

Bike Permits for Catalina Island: Give Back and Enjoy Your Ride

Biking is a great way to see the interior of Catalina!  However, you will need to purchase a Freewheeler Bike Pass from the Catalina Island Conservancy to ride past the gates at either Two Harbors or Avalon to reach the interior of the island.

The cost for an annual membership is $35 for 1 person or $65 for 2 people.  As the Catalina Island Conservancy protects and restores native habitats, including keeping track of all those bison, you can feel good about making the purchase.  Need more reason?  Making this small gift, which is tax-deductible, supports an organization that protects over 88% of the island!

Have a larger group?  You can add on to your Catalina Island Conservancy membership level depending on how many riders are in your group!  Lastly, if you are renting a bike, the rental company should include the bike permit in the cost of your rental.

Bike Fitness

So, this is the area I was lacking in.  Being fit on the bike is different than just having a healthy, active lifestyle.  I surf regularly, run a few days a week, yoga a few more days, but have been slacking on riding consistently.  My 2 days a week of riding were not enough to feel fit for the epic day of riding to Two Harbors and back. 48 miles and 7,000ft of climbing is no joke on gravel roads!

Climbing back out of the interior in 80+ degree weather made for a few rough hours for me, and my adventure partners!  It was like getting off the couch and riding the BWR (Belgian Waffle Ride) Wafer version.  Therefore, I do not recommend attempting this crossing without a bit of cycling fitness.  Other options?  Arrange to have a shuttle meet you, or make a ferry reservation to take you back!

On almost every route there is an opportunity to see bison grazing across Catalina!

What To Pack for Visiting Catalina Island by Bike

Extra Water

There is “water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.”  Meaning you will have gorgeous ocean views on many of your routes around the island, but very little access to freshwater.  Catalina is an arid, low-humidity environment.  Therefore, dehydration and heatstroke or heat exhaustion are always risks. Having a Camelbak is almost essential for the long days.  On a warm sunny day, you can lose up to 1 liter of water an hour just standing still.  Never mind pedaling a bicycle uphill!

When pedaling from Avalon to the Airport in the Sky, you can get by with 2 bottles and easily refill them at the airport cafe.  They also have packaged snacks, and a grill at the airport, along with water for sale.  And if you ask nicely and are buying other items, they may even refill your bottles behind the counter!

When riding in between the Airport in the Sky and Two Harbors there is hardly anywhere to fill your bottles.  Meaning you could be out for 2+ hours without a chance to refill.  Often longer depending on your fitness and how many stops you make to take photos!  So, buy an extra small bottle or two of water if you did not bring a Camelbak and tuck them in your jersey pocket or burrito bag.

On-the-bike nutrition

While Avalon is a quaint tourist town, and they do have a Vons grocery store, there are not a lot of shops where you can buy ride snacks.  Come with your usual nutrition, and for long days, it’s nice to make some PB&Js for the journey.

Helmet

Helmets are required when biking in the interior.  And you’ll be happy to wear it when you see some of the steep dirt sections!

Cycling Shoes for Gravel Riding and MTB

Having clipless pedals, meaning shoes that clip into your pedal, I know, sounds counter-intuitive, will definitely help you get to where you are going faster.  There is a lot of climbing!  Therefore, a flat pedal and sneakers will not work as well but could be more comfortable on the gravel and dirt roads.  And allow you to pack less if you’re camping.

Don’t go this alone. Bring some friends along for the ride to make the long days more fun!

A fully charged cell phone, Garmin cycling computer, and maybe a SPOT tracker

Once you travel a few miles outside of Avalon or Two Harbors, you will begin to lose cell service.  There will be service at the Airport in the Sky, and at the top of some of the climbs, but be prepared to not have any service in other parts of the island.  Especially in areas like Little Harbor or Middle Fork Ranch.

Therefore, make sure your cell phone is fully charged, along with your Garmin, and you could carry an extra power pack to recharge.  If your cell phone tends to die early, put it in airplane mode.  Having a device like a SPOT Tracker or Garmin In Reach can also put your family’s mind at ease.  And make your group feel more comfortable when you’re exploring the interior!

Go Pro, travel camera, or easy access to your smartphone

YOU WILL STOP FOR PHOTOS.  Even if that’s not your thing.  You just can’t help it with the incredible vistas.  And the bison lingering by the side of the road.

Bike repair kit

Extra tubes, bacon strips, CO2 cartridges, hand pump, sealant, whatever you usually take for a longer day on a mountain bike or gravel ride.  If you have a mechanical that you can’t fix on your own, you will have to hike until you have cell service and call Catalina Taxi & Tours or Catalina Island Conservancy Park Ranger to come and rescue you.

Do not depend on a passing car for help.  They can be few and far between in the interior.  We rode for hours without seeing another cyclist or car on the road.

People repair kit

We ALWAYS carry some kind of emergency medical kit for long days in the backcountry.  And biking across Catalina’s interior should be thought of as backcountry.  Especially because if there is an accident, you may be at least an hour or longer before you reach help.

Adventure Medical Kits are our favorite and they have several different types of kits depending on the activity, length of your journey, people in your party, etc.

We often pack a larger kit if we’re carrying a backpack, and a smaller, pocket-sized one if we’ll just be out riding for a few hours with no cell service or shops nearby.  Having items like moleskin, antihistamine, caffeine tabs, band-aids, and adhesive tape can save the day!

Most visitors will begin their Catalina cycling by pedaling uphill from Avalon. Make sure to stop to take in the views!

Bike Routes and Catalina Island Maps

Download the Catalina Island Conservancy Map.  It’s worth taking a look at this before you choose your routes around the island.  You can view all the details, like distances, where to find potable water, camp, or if you are hiking while you’re here, where to hop on the Trans Catalina Trail.  Keep in mind, you can only bike about 8 miles of the Trans Catalina Trail.  It’s designed more for hikers, but more on that later.

Catalina Bike Route #1: Avalon to the Airport in the Sky

Biking from Avalon to the Airport in the Sky is about 10 miles, 1,550ft of climbing, with an average grade of 8.2%.

Depending on where you begin, settle in for a steep, long climb on a paved road for the first 3 miles, taking you up over 1,400 ft.  Then make way for lots of rollers with sections of broken pavement mixed with dirt and gravel.

Although the grade of the road comes down to about 4% on the climbs, it still feels like a trek.  There may be a few cars, Hummer tours, and taxis coming and going from the airport so stay alert as they sneak up quickly!

Keep an eye out for bison and the island foxes as you make your way up to the Airport in the Sky.  Plan to stop into DC-3, the airport restaurant where you can grab burgers, refill water, pick up souvenirs, and try their famous cookies!

Catalina Bike Route #2: Airport in the Sky to Little Harbor

Biking from the Airport in the Sky to Little Harbor is about 6.5 miles with 1,646ft of descending, with an average grade of 5.4% on gravel roads.

From the Airport in the Sky, you will turn right onto El Rancho Escondido Road and take this all the way down to a sharp right onto Little Harbor Road.

Be prepared for mostly packed dirt and gravel, loose in some sections, but easily navigable.  Here at Little Harbor, you find several secluded beaches and Little Harbor Campground.  There are no services, but there is potable water, and there are port-o-potties at camp!

You may also get cell service up on the bluff, just before you descend into camp.  This is also a great place to stop for photos!  We also spotted 2 bison on this route, just off to the side of the road.  You may not see any vehicles at all on this segment.

Catalina Bike Route #3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors

From LIttle Harbor to Two Harbors is where you will begin to climb again.  Settle in for about 850ft of climbing, over 3.8 miles at 4.2% on packed dirt and gravel roads.  You will pass a small bathroom (compost toilet) just outside a farm.  Keep an eye out for bison here as we saw a huge herd on the hillside!  Once you reach the top, with another incredible view, you begin descending again.  2.2 miles, 775ft, with an average grade of 6.5% on the gravel descent.

You will have to slow to pass through a gate and then descend a bit more into Two Harbors.  Road conditions are packed dirt, gravel, and a bit sandy.  Once again, stay alert as there may be vehicles on the descent!

Once in Two Harbors, you’ll pass the Two Harbors Campground, restrooms, and then the General Store.

When you climb up Middle Ranch Road, prepare for over an hour of uphill. And make sure to say hi to the horses when you pass the ranch!

Catalina Bike Route #4:  Two Harbors to Avalon via Middle Ranch

If you haven’t arranged to stay in Two Harbors, see below for accommodations, it’s now time to make your way home.  Make sure to grab an extra bottle or two before rolling out on those harsh gravel roads!

Climbing out seems exhausting by this point, and at a 6.5% gradient for 2.2 miles and 775ft, it certainly is.  Once you reach the summit, it’s back to descending again into the interior. You’ll descend for about 4 miles, 850ft, and at a 4.2% grade on gravel.  Keep an eye out for island foxes and bison!

As you reach Little Harbor, instead of turning up El Rancho Escondido Road, you will keep going towards the coast onto Middle Ranch Road.  Remember to top off water here if you need to.

The views are phenomenal.  There’s even a lookout off-shoot trail to the East that takes you to a beautiful overlook of Cottonwood Beach and Ben Weston Beach.  Both of these spots are rarely visited on Catalina, and you are allowed to camp here!

Plan on pedaling over some gravel rollers as you turn inland, and then it’s time for the big climb out of the interior and up to Avalon Vista.  This is where it gets warm, especially in the afternoons.  Settle in for about 7 miles, 1285ft of climbing, and at about a 4% grade. 

This was the most brutal part of my day.  But if you have great friends in tow, they will make it less painful.  And give you all their snacks and water!

Once you reach the summit, make a right and pedal past Haypass Recreation Area.  Here’s your next chance to get water.  But you may not need it, as it’s all downhill from here.  The descent is about 3 miles, 1450ft of descending at an 8% grade back into Avalon on the paved road.

More Routes Plus the Trans Catalina Trail

Want more routes?  Search Strava and Ride with GPS to see what other options you can link together.  Keep in mind, for the safety of hikers, and the enjoyment of cyclists, bikes are permitted on about eight miles of the Trans-Catalina Trail.

To get there, ride through town and climb the paved road up towards the Wrigley Mansion.  Just before the scenic overlook, there will be a left onto Renton Mine Road.  Take this to East End Road, and then Divide Road to Dakin Peak (the microwave tower) on the East End.

Having the Catalina Island Conservancy Map in hand, or just take a photo of it, will be helpful to find your way around.

When you ride between Avalon and the Airport in the Sky, you’ll be on some of the only paved roads outside of town!

Travel Tips for Planning Your Catalina Trip

When and How to Travel to Catalina

Most people visit Catalina between May and October when the ferry crossings are plentiful, and you have a better chance of good weather.  Catalina can be accessed by ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point.

Check out the Catalina Express or the Catalina Flyer to make a reservation.  Boats do fill up in the summer months.

You can also sail to Catalina on your private boat or with a tour, just make sure to obtain a mooring or boat-in camping spot in advance.  Other options?  Fly by private plane or helicopter to the island. 

What You Will See: Nature and Wildlife on Catalina Island

The bison on Catalina is a big draw for many tourists, but there’s also the island fox, rattlesnakes, mule deer, antelopes, and dozens of species of birds, bats, and butterflies!  Read more about the Catalina Island conversation programs.

If you’ll be getting in the ocean, pack a wetsuit for diving and at least a 1mm jacket for snorkeling.  The water is incredibly clear but cold!  Only about 65-70 degrees in the summertime.  You’ll have the opportunity to spot lots of bright orange Garibaldi, California’s State Fish, sea lions, stingrays, and lots more.

Check out Diving Catalina to arrange for a dive trip or snorkel tour.

Make sure you leave some time to recover and soaking in the ocean instead of an ice bath is one of our favs here in Hamilton Cove!

Where to Stay on Catalina for a Biking Trip

There are lots of options for where to stay in Catalina, whether you select a hotel, Airbnb, or camp!  Check out LoveCatalina.com to check rates and availability.  Bike packing and camping on Catalina could be a great adventure.  Just make sure to reserve a Catalina campsite well in advance!

Where to Eat: Dining out in Catalina

• Bluewater Grille
• Steve’s Steakhouse- great fine dining with views over the harbor.  Say hi to Steve for us!
• Cafe Metropole
• Maggie’s Blue Rose
• The Lobster Trap- you can also pick up fresh fish here to go!
• Avalon Grille
• Descanso Beach Club– just north of Avalon, this is a great spot to enjoy the beach, cocktails by the ocean, and a nice dinner!
• Toyon Grille- just next to the Catalina Island Conservancy shop.

Other Things to Do on Catalina

There’s lots of free beach access, but we recommend walking or biking to the Descanso Beach Club, Hamilton Cove, or Lovers Cove to escape the crowds in Avalon.  Bring your snorkel gear as the water is quite clear but cold!

There are lots of campsites available across the island, but be prepared for dirt and sandy spots, and not very much shade!

More Resources to Help You Plan Your Catalina Trip

• Love Catalina Island
• Catalina Above and Below– check out their Instagram images or reach out for Island Tours!
• SoCal Bike Tours: Mountain Biking on Catalina

Want more travel tips?  Read more of Top Rope Media’s travel blogs:

• Backpacking in the Wind River Range in Wyoming
• Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
• Road tripping through Utah’s National Parks
• Driving California’s 395 to Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park

Keep up on our latest adventures by subscribing with your email below, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy traveling!

– Meredith McConvill

The post Bike Catalina: Travel Tips for Mountain Biking and Gravel Riding in Paradise appeared first on Top Rope Media.