Catalina Island Conservancy, CA 2025

Explore diverse coastal habitat and maintain trails at the same time with this popular and beautiful trip to Santa Catalina Island! 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.

Volunteers will help with trail maintenance on this incredible island off the coast of California. The Trans-Catalina Trail is 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 Trans Catalina Trail. Volunteers will drive or carpool to the project site.

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

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.

Area and Attractions

The Conservancy provides access to Catalina’s Wildlands with nearly 165 miles of recreational roads and trails and 62 miles of secluded coves for camping, biking, hiking, touring and more. Enjoy Descanso Beach, a pretty one-mile stroll north of Avalon Harbor where kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent. Join a SNUBA adventure and walk across the sea floor without all of the heavy scuba equipment, all while breathing fresh air through a special hose connected to an air supply on the surface. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour or an entertaining mini-submarine tour of Avalon Harbor.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay in a group camp with tents, cots, and mattresses provided. The camp has two refrigerators, four bathrooms with flush toilets and two hot water showers, and a full kitchen. There is no wifi and cell signal is limited. Volunteers need to bring their own sheets, bedding, or sleeping bag; and towels.