Adventure Trekking on Catalina Island California!

With the help of the Catalina Island Conservancy, Catalina Island High Adventure has developed exciting and challenging backpack, mountain bike, and kayak treks that take our participants to amazing places where they see and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, and are unique to Santa Catalina Island. Our programs emphasize island history, ecology, wildlife observation, conservation, team building, personal growth, and lifelong memories.

Beginning the summer of 2005, we will be offering an intro SCUBA/Backpack combo trek, and a week-long PADI certification.

Imagine winding your way through rugged canyons and across mountaintops to sleep under a blanket of stars in a wild place where few people have camped for hundreds of years. The next day, you’re snorkeling among kelp beds and fishing from a kayak in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The most amazing part of all is that you’re only 25 miles from one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.


The journey begins on the boat trip to the island when dolphins, sunfish, or even whales are likely to make an appearance. After an opening campfire and a good night’s sleep in the White’s Landing base camp, participants take off on an adventure that they will never forget.

Pack up a kayak and paddle along Catalina’s rugged coast, taking time to explore hidden caves and snorkel through underwater gardens; or
Hoist up your backpack to experience Catalina’s pristine interior on seldom traveled trails; or
Hop on a mountain bike to cycle your way across the island’s back country roads and trails; or
Combine any two treks for a truly unique and memorable adventure while you stay at secluded beaches and campsites that most Island visitors have never seen.

SCUBA and the SCUBA/Backpack combination trek will work out of our White's Landing base camp.

Backpack:
For an extraordinary backpacking experience, the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy has generously opened several remote routes and campsites exclusively for our use. Backpackers can enjoy up to 64 miles of trail atop ridges, down canyons, and along streambeds. In Base Camp and during the hiking adventure, participants will have opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and other water activities.

Mountain Biking:
Utilizing up to 85 miles of limited access roads and trails, mountain biking across Catalina is not only exciting, but the optimal way to maximize the amount of terrain covered during your trek. Cyclists will enjoy spectacular views as they travel almost the entire length of the island. Bikes and helmets are provided for this rigorous, but rewarding adventure.

Kayak:
Paddling along the shores of Catalina Island is a truly unique experience. Taking full advantage of the Island’s unique beauty, participants will have opportunities to snorkel through kelp forests, explore hidden caves, fish from their kayaks, and sleep under the stars on secluded beaches only accessible by water. Enroute, it’s not uncommon for dolphins and seals to swim along side the crew of kayaks.

Program:
Throughout the journey, Trek Guides will lead their crews through a program that has been designed to teach basic concepts of leadership and teamwork through guided group discussion and application through activities and games. The objectives of the program are to:

• Learn the five concepts of the program: Teamwork, Attitude, Servant Leadership, Values, and Knowing Self.

• Apply what has been learned through participation in group activities, games and COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience).

• Better understand each person’s role as a leader AND member of a team.

• Create a list of goals to accomplish as a post-camp way to apply the methods of leadership and teamwork.

• Learn and respect the aspects of the “Leave No Trace” method of camping.

If you have a corporate or religious group, JROTC, or a sports team, our programs can be tailored to meet your group's specific requirements and expectations.


Catalina High Adventure, designed for participants who are at least 14 years old, offers a true backcountry experience for youth and adults. Catalina High Adventure Guides lead their crews through remote areas on and around the island to practice Leave No Trace style camping, enjoy daily Project COPE and team building activities, and participate in an island conservation project. The treks are mentally and physically intense, but the experience is amazing.

Catalina Quest is designed for participants who are at least 11 years old. It is a scaled down version of our High Adventure trek program and focuses on preparing campers for High Adventure experiences. Through games and activities, campers learn backcountry first aid, map and compass skills, and the principles of Leave No Trace. Crews will participate in daily Project COPE activities, learn the history of the island, and gain first hand knowledge of Catalina’s plants and animals.


Wall-tents are provided in base camp for participants' first and last night at White's Landing. Backpackers can carry their own tent while on trek, but mountain bikers and kayakers will sleep under the stars.

Participants wil be served hearty meals by our dining hall staff while in base camp, and they will cook their own dehydrated trail food while on trek.

Mountain bikers will have all their gear and food delivered to their campsites daily.