Catalina Island: Backcountry/Airport Road

Thanks to the efforts of the Catalina Island Conservancy, formed in 1972, the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island and its 42,000 acres of land can be enjoyed by visitors today. Catalina Island is home to more than 60 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. The Conservancy offers 3-hour jeep eco tours into the interior wildlands of the island ( http://www.catalinaislandconservancy.org).
Several local outfitters offer guided hikes through the island trails. We chose Catalina Backcountry hike ( http://www.catalinabackcountry.com) for a guided walk on parts of the Trans-Catalina trail. The Catalina Airport is located high above Avalon on the crest of the Airport Road, which is a launching point for several trailheads as well as biking paths.