AVALON PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Jeep up to the Sky: A 3.5‑Hour Private Eco‑Tour in Avalon’s Interior
A 3.5‑hour private, open‑air eco‑tour from Avalon that climbs to the Airport in the Sky, visits the Nature Center and summit overlook, and offers one of the best chances to see Catalina’s free‑roaming bison and native foxes.
Jeep up to the Sky: A 3.5‑Hour Private Eco‑Tour in Avalon’s Interior.
This 3.5‑hour private eco‑tour threads Avalon’s rugged interior in an open‑air Jeep, climbing unpaved, scenic roads to the Airport in the Sky. Along the way your knowledgeable guide stops at the Nature Center—where the island’s natural and cultural history is on display and the center’s cookies are a small local legend—and pauses at a summit overlook. Guides point out Catalina’s wildlife, including the island’s famed bison and the Catalina fox, and weave in the human stories that shape life here.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Best Chance to See Bison and Catalina Fox
The tour is noted for offering prime opportunities to spot Catalina’s free‑roaming wildlife—most famously the bison and the smaller Catalina fox—while driving along the island interior.
Airport in the Sky and Summit Overlook
A scenic climb delivers spectacular vistas at the Airport in the Sky and the summit overlook; these stops give panoramic views of the island and are explicit stops on the tour.
Nature Center Stop and Island Stories
Your guide will pause at the Nature Center—where local natural history is showcased and visitors commonly pick up one of the center’s well‑known cookies—and share Catalina history to frame what makes the island special to residents.
What the day feels like
What the 3.5 Hours Feel Like
You ride in an open‑air Jeep over mostly unpaved, often bumpy roads, ascending to the Airport in the Sky for a stop at the Nature Center and a chance for a cookie. The guide punctuates the drive with island history and natural history, pauses at a summit overlook for broad views, and keeps an eye out for wildlife—bison and the Catalina fox—roaming the landscape.
WILDLIFE
The Best Chance to See Bison and Catalina Fox
The tour is noted for offering prime opportunities to spot Catalina’s free‑roaming wildlife—most famously the bison and the smaller Catalina fox—while driving along the island interior.
THE VIEW
Airport in the Sky and Summit Overlook
A scenic climb delivers spectacular vistas at the Airport in the Sky and the summit overlook; these stops give panoramic views of the island and are explicit stops on the tour.
LOCAL FLAVOR
Nature Center Stop and Island Stories
Your guide will pause at the Nature Center—where local natural history is showcased and visitors commonly pick up one of the center’s well‑known cookies—and share Catalina history to frame what makes the island special to residents.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Comfortable clothes and shoes; hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended because the Jeep is open‑air; a light sweater or jacket for cooler weather; snacks and drinks are permitted.
Dress in layers and wear comfortable footwear; bring sun protection for the exposed, open‑air vehicle.
You are welcome to bring snacks or drinks. The Nature Center stop is noted for its well‑known cookies.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 3.5 hours; for custom times or to check availability you should call the operator.
Will I see bison on the tour?
The tour is described as the best chance to see the famous bison and also offers opportunities to see the Catalina fox, though wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Are the roads smooth?
Most of the roads on this tour are unpaved and very bumpy, which can aggravate certain health conditions.
Are there restroom opportunities?
There will be opportunities to use a restroom during the tour.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Yes—you are welcome to bring snacks or drinks with you on the tour.
Is gratuity required?
Gratuity is not required but is always appreciated.