Catalina Island

Avalon has a number of ritzy mansions, many belonging to descendants of William Wrigley Jr.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Avalon is the main town and primary port of entry for Catalina Island.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Beyond Avalon’s city limits, 88 percent of Catalina Island is wildland.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Big Springs Ridge is a newly opened leg of the Trans-Catalina Trail.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A bison grazes at Little Harbor Campground.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A bison sits alongside a hiking path near Little Harbor. Hikers should give the animals a wide berth. Injuries from the animals are rare but not unheard of.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Catalina Island is a popular stop for boaters and sports fishermen.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Little Harbor Campground is an oasis of palm trees on the otherwise barren west coast.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The iconic Catalina Casino houses a movie theater on the lower level and a ballroom up top with panoramic views.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Each household in Avalon is allowed one golf cart to keep traffic to a minimum.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A bench overlooks Little Harbor and the windy west coast of Catalina Island.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Lower Jensen Hunting Road is part of the greater Trans-Catalina Trail, a multi-day path that crosses the island.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Pavilion Hotel has perks like complimentary wine-and-cheese happy hours each afternoon.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon offers entertainment and dining by the sea.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail is well signposted the entire way.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A small picnic table offers welcome shade for weary backpackers hiking along the exposed west coast.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The movie theater at Catalina Casino is said to be the first in America purpose-built for “talkies.”   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Two Harbors is Catalina’s second population center with about 300 residents.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Catalina Island’s west coast is home to wild surf beaches and rugged hills.   ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )