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Hermit Gulch Campground permit area in Catalina Island Conservancy - backcountry hiking destination
One date at a time

Hermit Gulch Campground Permit

Catalina Island Conservancy · California

Campground near Avalon.

Get an alert when Hermit Gulch opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Hermit Gulch dates

One Hermit Gulch reservation is one date. Tell us every date you'd take and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

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70% of the openings our scanner caught on Hermit Gulch were gone within 10 minutes.

How to get a Hermit Gulch permit

As of September 2026, Hermit Gulch in Catalina Island Conservancy, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Hermit Gulch rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Hermit Gulch permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
CA

  1. Step 1: Create a VisitCatalinaIsland.com account

    Sign up at VisitCatalinaIsland.com if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Book at VisitCatalinaIsland.com
Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation hunting

More on Hermit Gulch: Live availability activityWhen Hermit Gulch permits open up

When to hike Hermit Gulch

Hermit Gulch rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Hermit Gulch.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Hermit Gulch · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Hermit Gulch FAQ

How do I get a Hermit Gulch permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Hermit Gulch cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Hermit Gulch permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Hermit Gulch?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Hermit Gulch permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Hermit Gulch permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

Hermit Gulch trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Hermit Gulch permit

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