hermit gulch trail loop

This is a loop trail which you can begin either in the Wrigley Botanical Garden or at the Hermit Gulch campground. I highly suggest beginning at the campground. The trail immediately begins to climb and takes you in and out of shaded areas. Before long you will have spectacular views of the Avalon Harbor in the distance. After a little over 2 miles you will reach the summit. Then the trail down is more of a road which descends to the botanical garden. Beginning at the campground you also avoid paying the entrance fee to the garden ...... and get to visit it for free at the end of your hike!

A 5 mile loop trail from the campground and ending at the Wrigley a Memorial. Take plenty of water and a camera!

We started our hike from the city center, through the botanical gardens and down toward the camp ground. It was one of our more enjoyable hikes. It's tough, but not overly difficult, but you do need to be prepared. Be sure to wear hiking appropriate shoes, carry water, and a snack. Once you get to the top you can see all of the city center and both sides of the ocean. The view is worth it! Keep in mind that in high season you will encounter rattle snakes and other critters. I also suggest that you get a hiking permit in case an act of nature happens someone will know where you're located. I also wouldn't recommend doing the entire hike alone, there are some steep areas and it's my personal belief that hiking with a buddy is best. One last note, if you finish your hike between 2 - 7 p.m. then splurge and get some $1 tacos, $2 draft beer or $5 margaritas at the Sandtrap's Happy Hour.

We did this hike in reverse meaning we did not start behind the botanical gardens like they suggest but straight up the trailhead before you go into the gardens. This saves you the fee they charge you to get into the gardens. We started in Avalon & hiked up to the trail (1.5 miles). From this point it is 1.7 miles straight up & there is not much shade so bring water (it was very hot & sunny when we went). The view looking down towards Avalon is beautiful. At the top you will be able to see the Pacific Ocean on both sides of the island...very cool & well worth the hike.

You can get a bus tour or drive your own golf cart. Fun to get a golf cart and toddle around Avalon and the areas above the town.

A strenuous hike that takes you to the top of the island, where you get sweeping views of both sides. We started at the Hermit Gulch campground trailhead, and enjoyed a picnic lunch at the gazebo at the trail's summit. The footing was a little tricky in places but we were glad that we went up this direction because it was much easier coming down on the Garden to Sky part of the loop with its broad dirt road. Be sure to stop at the Wrigley Memorial, Avalon's version of the Taj Mahal - it's spectacular!