According to Sunset magazine, "Catalina ... is a geographic anomaly. Unlike California's other seven Channel Islands, it didn't break away from the mainland, but was formed by the upward heave of tectonic plates."
According to the NPS brochure, none of the eight islands were ever connected to the mainland.
Also, there is a gated fence along the road between Black Jack and Orizaba at approximately the halfway point. Beyond this, one is trespassing (but unlikely to be cited since it's pretty remote).
Rather than pick up the hiking permit at the sites listed, I suggest you just print one at home. It can be obtained in advance from the Conservancy's website at www.catalinaconservancy.org
In regard to Bob Burd's note, there are actually two fence/gates you must cross. On neither, however, is there any sign regarding trespassing. The first gate just past the campground has a worn sign that only requests the gate be shut as it is used to isolate species for conservation. (The gate is locked, so this is a non-issue for the hiker). The second gate at the summit only has a sign stating it is illegal to have a gun within, on the federal property. It FEELS like it should be illegal, but it is not posted as such, and the 3 foot high fence is very easily surmounted. Photos submitted
Yesterday I was charged $70 by the conservancy company for "bike permits" for the two of us. From what we can tell, this is not a true conservancy but rather a profitable business. There are no visible land or habitat restoration efforts, however there is plenty of evidence that they are raising a fortune in the tourist industry.
After the turnoff for Black Jack Campground, there is another fork in the road near a rusty old Water Tower. You must go right at this fork to get to Orizaba.
Bob Burd - Nov 29, 2011 8:31 pm - Voted 10/10
island geologyAccording to Sunset magazine, "Catalina ... is a geographic anomaly. Unlike California's other seven Channel Islands, it didn't break away from the mainland, but was formed by the upward heave of tectonic plates."
According to the NPS brochure, none of the eight islands were ever connected to the mainland.
Also, there is a gated fence along the road between Black Jack and Orizaba at approximately the halfway point. Beyond this, one is trespassing (but unlikely to be cited since it's pretty remote).
Helpful page, btw, thanks!
Eleutheros - Dec 17, 2011 1:58 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: island geologyThanks for this Bob!
mtbaxter - Sep 14, 2013 4:22 pm - Hasn't voted
Hiking permits and possible trespassingRather than pick up the hiking permit at the sites listed, I suggest you just print one at home. It can be obtained in advance from the Conservancy's website at www.catalinaconservancy.org
In regard to Bob Burd's note, there are actually two fence/gates you must cross. On neither, however, is there any sign regarding trespassing. The first gate just past the campground has a worn sign that only requests the gate be shut as it is used to isolate species for conservation. (The gate is locked, so this is a non-issue for the hiker). The second gate at the summit only has a sign stating it is illegal to have a gun within, on the federal property. It FEELS like it should be illegal, but it is not posted as such, and the 3 foot high fence is very easily surmounted. Photos submitted
gimpilator - Mar 11, 2015 9:48 am - Hasn't voted
New Bike FeeYesterday I was charged $70 by the conservancy company for "bike permits" for the two of us. From what we can tell, this is not a true conservancy but rather a profitable business. There are no visible land or habitat restoration efforts, however there is plenty of evidence that they are raising a fortune in the tourist industry.
Eleutheros - Mar 17, 2015 9:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: New Bike FeeThank you for mentioning this. Yes, they are definitely a business... sad to hear this.
Jens Midthun - Sep 2, 2015 4:53 pm - Hasn't voted
Keep Right at Water TowerAfter the turnoff for Black Jack Campground, there is another fork in the road near a rusty old Water Tower. You must go right at this fork to get to Orizaba.
Eleutheros - Jan 1, 2016 1:13 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Keep Right at Water TowerThank you, Jens. This is mentioned in the 'alternative route' section on the main page.
Eleutheros - Jan 1, 2016 1:13 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Keep Right at Water TowerThank you, Jens. This is mentioned in the 'alternative route' section on the main page.