Catalina Island- Southern California Island Paradise, CA (Weeklong Trip)

Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the island paradise of Santa Catalina Island, just off the Southern California coast.

Explore diverse coastal habitat and maintain trails at the same time with this popular and beautiful trip. Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. It’s known for its wildlife, scuba dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. The resort town of Two Harbors lies to the north. To the south, in the city of Avalon, palm trees and cabanas line Descanso Beach. Avalon’s circular, art deco Catalina Casino is a cultural center with a movie theater, ballroom and museum.

This volunteer vacation combines meaningful conservation work with unforgettable island exploration-the perfect way to give back while soaking in one of California’s most stunning coastal destinations. Volunteers will help with trail maintenance on the Trans-Catalina Trail, a rugged hike along the Island’s interior with camping stops next to pristine beaches covering 38.5 miles. Volunteers will use shovels, picks, and loppers to provide maintenance to the trail Volunteers will drive or carpool to the project site.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

During this trip, Santa Catalina Island’s average high temperature is 70°, and average low temperature is 55°

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Land Acknowledgment:

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Payómkawichum (Luiseño), Acjachemen (Juaneño), and Tongva (Gabrieleno) past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.