Catalina Island.. Avalon Adventure.. Hermit Gulch Trail.. Sand Trap Restaurant

TRIP OVERVIEW: This is the Sunrise to Sunset annual Catalina Island adventure. This year we are taking the Catalina Express departing from Dana Point for the 90 minute ride to Avalon Harbor. We meetup on arrival for our hiking adventure that takes us through Avalon, the Hermit Gulch Trail, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens, to the Sand Trap Restaurant. Following lunch, we return to explore the shops and historic Casino that front the scenic Avalon Harbor. The Catalina Express departs at 5 pm with arrival back in Dana Point at 6:30 pm. This is a truly unique hiking experience!

ABOUT THE BOAT: Make your reservation with Catalina Express for roundtrip passage on Saturday, May 24th, departing Dana Point at 9:30 am and departing Avalon at 5 pm. This happens to be Memorial Day weekend. Please do not RSVP this meetup event without making your boat reservation, as it will sell out. Adult round trip fare is $96 per person. You will find the Catalina Express web site for making on-line reservations here:
https://catalinaexpress.com

ABOUT THE HIKE: Don't think this is a Tommy Bahama sandal stroll. The Hermit Gulch Trail is 4.25 mile loop with over 1,200 feet of elevation gain on a sometimes steep and rocky single track trail. Hiking poles are suggested. The ascent provides some spectacular harbor and ocean views of both sides of the island. From the overlook ramada rest stop, we descend a ridge line truck trail with free entry into the historic Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. We descend another half mile to the Sand Trap Restaurant for lunch. And we descend another mile back to Avalon for an optional ice cream cone, as we explore the harbor shops and historic casino! The total hike distance for the day will be roughly 8 to 10 miles with approximately 1,500 of total elevation gain/loss. You will be ready for a nap on the boat returning to Dana Point.
Additional information on the Hermit Gulch Trail including pictures are here:
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/hermit-gulch-trail-catalina-island-ca-25296833

ABOUT THE SAND TRAP: It's an inexpensive Mexican restaurant with open patio seating across from the golf course. The happy hour pricing for beer and margaritas begins at 2 pm.

DRIVING DIRECTION: You will find a map, driving directions and parking suggestions for Catalina Express on their web site shown above. If willing to walk, there is plenty of free parking in the harbor.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.