Garden to Sky Hike Catalina Island
Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views on Catalina Island's Garden to Sky Hike, featuring the stunning Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Garden to Sky Hike Catalina Island
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views on Catalina Island's Garden to Sky Hike, featuring the stunning Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden.
"Stunning views of Avalon and the ocean on the other side of the island."
👟 Wear Good Shoes
It's a steep hike up! Comfortable, supportive shoes are essential for this trail. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Even in fall, it can be warm. Stay hydrated on this exposed trail. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Garden to Sky Summit
Catalina Island
Panoramic views of Avalon and the ocean on both sides of the island. Breathtaking!
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
Trailhead
Stunning memorial and diverse plant collection. A beautiful stop on your hike.
Wildlife Sightings
Along the trail
Keep an eye out for native Catalina Island foxes and other unique island fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key!
Trail Options & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Good Shoes
It's a steep hike up! Comfortable, supportive shoes are essential for this trail. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Even in fall, it can be warm. Stay hydrated on this exposed trail. :droplet:
💰 Botanical Garden Fee
There's a $10 entrance fee for the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. :moneywithwings:
🗺️ Extend Your Hike
Consider the Hermit Gulch Trail loop for a longer adventure back to the garden. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Good Shoes
It's a steep hike up! Comfortable, supportive shoes are essential for this trail. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Even in fall, it can be warm. Stay hydrated on this exposed trail. :droplet:
💰 Botanical Garden Fee
There's a $10 entrance fee for the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. :moneywithwings:
🗺️ Extend Your Hike
Consider the Hermit Gulch Trail loop for a longer adventure back to the garden. :hiking_boot:
🦊 Look for Wildlife
You might spot the endemic Catalina Island fox along the trail. :fox:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from the Garden to Sky Summit and the beauty of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. The hike is described as a good workout with a steep but manageable climb. Some note the need for ample water and good shoes, and appreciate the chance to see local wildlife.
"This is a beautiful moderate trail. Steep hike up. Bring water and good shoes. Enjoy Wrigleys botanical garden and the memorial on your way up. Keep going straight past the summit sign. At the top of the mountain go right to hermit gulch trail for a loop back to the botanical garden entrance.
Walk down the hill for 20 minutes and enjoy lunch at the Sand Trap."
Virginia Huffman
"We got started at 11AM on Oct. 28. It was warm, approx 80F, so even though it's fall, it is still warm on Catalina. Cool to see the west side of island. We explored a little further to ridges and bluffs nearby to get better views. Saw lots of wildlife; check out the fox in the photos. Did Wrigley memorial on the way back - see photos: I like how they had storm water drainage through the mouths of the gargoyles or faces of the wall. Also check out the non-functional phone booth at entry to botanical garden. We forgot to take sandwiches for lunch, but enjoyed the Sandtrap on our way back into town. The hike is a good workout; just over 1100 feet climb in elevation from our house rental in Avalon. Took us maybe 2 hours total, but we're fit and kept good pace the entire way. Round trip from botanical garden can be done in 1 hour if pace is kept. I recommend the Sandtrap on the way back, see review for it on Google maps."
The Snowman
"From the memorial this is a 3 mile hike total there and back. At the top the clouds passed right through us! Cool view of Avalon and the ocean on the other side of the island.
We started from our room in Avalon and hiked all the way to entrance and then hiked past the Garden to Sky Summit.
At the top you’ll have an option to go left or right. We went left and continued on for a few miles. In total we hiked 12 miles."
Aivree K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located within the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. You can walk or rent an e-bike to get to the garden entrance from Avalon. Some visitors even start their hike directly from their rental in Avalon.
While golf carts are popular, many recommend e-bikes for a bit more freedom and to reach the garden area. Walking is also an option if you're up for it.
Once you're at the base of the Wrigley Memorial, the trail entrance is on the right, behind a gate. The gate is not locked, so just open it and head up the trail.
Personal vehicles are not allowed on most of Catalina Island. You'll need to rely on walking, e-bikes, or golf cart rentals to reach the trailhead.
Yes, you can hike from Avalon to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, which adds to the overall mileage and elevation gain of your day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a $10 per person entrance fee to access the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, which is where the Garden to Sky trail begins.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check the official Catalina Island Conservancy website for the most up-to-date information.
No advance booking is typically required for the hike itself. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the botanical garden.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring at the entrance or checking the official website for any potential offers.
The primary access point for the Garden to Sky trail is through the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, so the entrance fee is generally required to start the hike.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderate with a steep climb to the summit. It's a good workout, with over 1100 feet of elevation gain from Avalon.
The round trip from the botanical garden to the summit and back can take about 1 hour if you maintain a good pace. However, allow 2-3 hours if you plan to explore the garden and memorial.
You'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Avalon, the ocean on both sides of the island, and the surrounding hills.
Restrooms are available at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden entrance. It's advisable to use them before you start your ascent.
The trail is steep in parts, so it might be challenging for very young children. However, older children who are used to hiking should be fine with supervision.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Sand Trap restaurant is recommended for lunch on your way back into town after the hike.
It's a good idea to bring snacks and water, especially if you plan to extend your hike. There are no food services directly on the trail itself.
The Sand Trap is a casual dining spot, perfect for refueling after a hike. Reviews suggest it's a good place for lunch.
While not explicitly mentioned, the botanical garden grounds might offer scenic spots for a picnic if you bring your own food.
Avalon has a variety of restaurants and cafes offering different cuisines, from casual to more upscale dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. Don't miss capturing the Wrigley Memorial and the diverse flora in the botanical garden.
Late afternoon, especially before sunset, provides beautiful golden hour lighting for your photos. Early mornings also offer soft light and fewer crowds.
Focus on the architectural details of the memorial, the unique storm water drainage features, and the surrounding botanical displays.
The summit itself is the primary viewpoint. Exploring slightly further along ridges near the summit can offer even more expansive vistas.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors. If you're serious about landscape photography, a wide-angle lens would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden itself is a fantastic place for kids to explore, with interesting plants and the impressive memorial structure. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on the trail itself. The chance to spot Catalina Island foxes can be a big hit with kids, adding an element of wildlife discovery to the outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
The panoramic views from the summit offer a moment of peaceful reflection and a great sense of accomplishment. Consider starting your hike in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people, allowing for a more serene experience. The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden provides a beautiful and engaging starting point, and you can take your time exploring it at your own pace.
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider starting early to maximize your training time before the island heats up. The loop option via Hermit Gulch Trail offers a more extended and varied route for those wanting to increase their mileage and intensity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
The botanical garden showcases a diverse collection of plants, with a particular focus on California native species and drought-tolerant flora. It's a peaceful place to wander and appreciate the island's unique ecosystem. The entrance fee of $10 per person contributes to the maintenance and preservation of this beautiful space.
Many visitors find the garden to be a delightful prelude to the hike, offering a chance to acclimatize and enjoy the scenery before ascending to the summit. It's also a great spot for photography, with its architectural beauty and vibrant plant life.
Hiking the Garden to Sky Trail
As you climb, the landscape opens up, providing increasingly spectacular views. Reaching the summit is a significant accomplishment, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Avalon on one side and the vast Pacific Ocean on the other.
For those looking for a loop experience, the Hermit Gulch Trail can be incorporated to create a circuit back to the botanical garden entrance. This adds to the overall mileage and offers a different perspective of the island's terrain.
Wildlife Encounters on Catalina
Beyond the foxes, keep an eye out for various bird species, lizards, and other small creatures that inhabit the island's diverse habitats. The open terrain of the Garden to Sky trail provides good visibility for spotting wildlife.
It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and visitors should maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding them. Observing them in their natural environment is a special part of the Catalina Island experience.
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