Catalina Airport – Wingley Overlook to Avalon loop from Santa Catalina Island
Catalina Airport – Wingley Overlook to Avalon loop from Santa Catalina Island
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Catalina Airport – Wingley Overlook to Avalon loop from Santa Catalina Island
05:49
56.0km
1,470m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 6.61 km for 134 m
After 19.2 km for 144 m
After 40.8 km for 144 m
Waypoints
Start point
Camping Site
Get Directions
361 m
Black Jack Campground
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
6.67 km
Buffalo Springs Reservoirs
Highlight • Lake
13.6 km
Big Springs Canyon
Highlight • Canyon
24.9 km
Catalina Airport
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
32.4 km
Middle Ranch Road Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
35.8 km
Wingley Overlook to Avalon
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
37.9 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
39.8 km
View from Chimes Tower Road
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
40.8 km
Avalon
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
56.0 km
End point
Camping Site
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
53.0 km
2.47 km
536 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
42.8 km
13.0 km
252 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (510 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Thursday 25 June
18°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're an experienced touring cyclist looking for a truly epic and demanding ride, the Catalina Airport – Wingley Overlook to Avalon loop from Santa Catalina Island delivers. This difficult route covers 34.8 miles (56.0 km) with a substantial 4836 feet (1474 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 49 minutes to complete. It's a challenging adventure best suited for those with very good fitness who want to push themselves while soaking in some of California's most unique island scenery.
What to expect on Catalina Airport – Wingley Overlook to Avalon loop from Santa Catalina Island
The route offers a journey through Catalina's diverse landscapes, starting from the Airport in the Sky and winding down towards Avalon. You'll encounter varied terrain, from paved roads with significant downhill stretches to unpaved dirt fire roads, gravel, and occasionally rocky sections due to erosion. Expect sweeping vistas of Avalon Harbor, rugged interior wildlands, and panoramic ocean views, with potential sightings of Shark Harbor and Little Harbor. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like bison and island foxes as you traverse the pine-dusted hills and coastal cliffs. This ride is a serious workout, with rolling hills and steep ascents and descents throughout, making it ideal for confident cyclists who thrive on a physical challenge.
Planning your visit
To access the interior trails on this loop, you must obtain a Freewheeler Bike Pass from the Catalina Island Conservancy. Be prepared for limited to no cell service for most of the ride, though solar panels along the route can offer sporadic Wi-Fi. Carrying ample water is crucial, as sources are scarce after leaving the Airport in the Sky. Many cyclists opt to take a shuttle service to the Airport in the Sky to mitigate the most strenuous initial climbs, then enjoy the ride back down to Avalon.
Trail details
- Distance: 34.8 miles (56.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 4836 feet (1474 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 49 minutes
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