Airport Loop Trail

First, catch a ride on the Catalina Island Conservancy's Wildlands Express from Avalon by calling (310) 510-0143 for reservations. Or, plan a side hike on your Trans Catalina trek.

Either way, start the hike here and continue the loop in either direction. If you go West, you will first come to the Soapstone Quarry. The trail sticks fairly close to the airport during the entire hike.

Obtain your Hiking Permit online or in the Tower at the Airport in the Sky. Also, be sure to review Cautions and Policies before heading out on your adventure.

The soapstone quarry is easily accessible by entering the airport loop trail from the main road and taking a left, with the airport behind you. Experiencing the quarry is literally like taking a step back in time. You'll see soapstone bowls still attached to the rock matrix, with the quarry left exactly as it was when the last Tongva people walked away from the site. There's a very nice description of the mining and carving techniques used by the Tongva, located in the Airport in the Sky's Nature Center, near the main entry to the DC-3 Gifts & Grill. Remember, this is a genuine archeological treasure: Look, enjoy, explore, but don't touch!

On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean from this point. You might also see American Kestrels soaring above Cottonwood Canyon in this open area. These small falcons love to perch on wires, or hover over the open ground in search of insects and small rodents. The male of this species is very charismatic, with plumage that runs from blue to brown to black. Binoculars are recommended for the best view.

Catalina California ground squirrels are abundant. They may look like just another squirrel but don't be fooled. These are true island endemics. In fact, Catalina is the only Channel Island that has ground squirrels. These animals are examples of Island Gigantism and are measurably larger than their mainland counterparts.

Directly across Cotton Canyon you'll be able to see Black Jack Mountain. This is not the tallest mountain on the Island. In fact, it obscures your view of Mount Orizaba the tallest mountain on the Island at 2,103 feet.

The DC-3 Gifts & Grill restaurant is famed for its buffalo burgers and monster cookies. You can also get regular beef, chicken and vegetarian burgers, other sandwiches and Mexican specialties (including buffalo tacos). During the summer, don't miss out on the Grill's barbecues featuring live music from Island band Hot Off the Range. Call (310) 510-2196 for reservations.