Trail Work and Island Views: Giving Back on Catalina
Twelve dedicated volunteers packed their bags and set out for a memorable week on Santa Catalina Island, one of California’s stunning Channel Islands.
Just off the coast of Los Angeles, the island is known for its turquoise coves, dramatic ridgelines, and lively towns—but this crew ventured beyond the typical tourist trail to give back to the land in a meaningful way.
Throughout the week, the volunteers worked on the Trans-Catalina Trail, a challenging 38.5-mile route that winds through the island’s rugged interior. With tools in hand—shovels, picks, and loppers—they tackled erosion control and trail repairs to help maintain safe access for the more than 20,000 hikers who explore the trail each year. Each day brought new terrain, from coastal overlooks to remote canyons, offering volunteers the rare chance to experience parts of the island that few visitors ever get to see.
The trail work was fulfilling, but for many, the highlight of the trip was the sense of community and shared purpose. One volunteer shared, “This trip was made special by the people I got to meet and by the fact that we got to see a side of Catalina most people do not. It was so cool that we got to go to different sites every day—and being around such passionate people for a week was so inspiring.”
Between scenic hikes, group meals, and laughter on the trail, strong bonds formed as volunteers united around a common goal: to protect and improve access to public lands. Their hard work didn’t go unnoticed—The trail manager shared, “No other group that we host works as hard and as efficiently as American Hiking Society Crew.”
By the end of the week, the crew had not only improved one of California’s most iconic island trails, but also walked away with lasting memories, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the land they helped steward.
