If you’re looking for a way to ride a big portion of Catalina Island with the least amount of effort, this is the ride to do. Over 17 miles, you will have climbed about 1700 feet and you’ll have panoramic ocean views for most of the ride. This ride can easily done as a day trip leaving Newport at 9AM and returning at 4:30PM.
The adventure begins with a shuttle ride up to the airport where you can grab some lunch and water and get ready to roll. The first 9 miles are deceptively easy because while you’re fresh, you’ll hardly notice that you did about half the ride’s climbing. Then you get a fun and quick mile long downhill section that brings you to the top of the Wrigley Memorial trail, and views of both Avalon and the way side of the island at the same time.
Next, the hard part of the ride begins, but 2 miles and 650 feet of climbing later, you’re done with the hard stuff. From there it’s five miles of pure fun downhill back to Avalon.
Once back in town, there’s plenty of time to cruise around the hills on the scenic route if you still have more left in the tank. The scenic route around Avalon (on the streets) adds another 7 miles and 700 feet of climbing, and it’s well worth doing to soak up some of the small town charm and history of Avalon.
