The following information are excerpts from the new book, Catalina Island, All You Need To Know. Greater detail is provided in the book.

Geology Geodetic surveys provide information about Catalina's size. It covers an expanse of approximately 75 square miles (120.5 km), and encompasses 54 miles (86.8 km) of coastline. Its highest point is Mt. Orizaba (2,069 feet or 630 m), followed by Mt. Black Jack which rises to just over 2,000 feet (610 m). Catalina is personified largely by steep mountains and rugged valleys, while a considerable portion of its geology comprises open meadows and rolling hills.

Tile Map of Catalina

Crowded beach in Avalon

Seasons Seasons at Catalina bring a varied visitor base to the island. While Catalina enjoys its largest population during summer, winter, fall and spring months have significant advantages for the visitor as well. As a whole, the days at Catalina are usually warm and sunny, and evenings cool, yet comfortable.

Because the surrounding marine environment significantly influences Catalina's climate, fog and overcast skies are year-round occurrences. Marine layers of this nature might show up as early morning and evening fog; it may also linger the entire day, especially during winter and early spring.

Wildflowers in the springtime

A calm Catalina

Air Quality Typically, Catalina experiences very little smog. Common westerly winds keep most of the unhealthy air pushed up against the mainland, and because of the island's 20 mile stretch from the coastline, smog rarely affects it. Exceptions, however, are during Santa Ana wind conditions. As wind is forced out to sea from distant inland deserts and mountains, so is coastal smog. However, because the foul air is spread out over such a large area of the ocean, Catalina won't sustain the concentrations typical of the mainland.

To find out more details and interesting seasonal facts, order Catalina Island, All You Need To Know today!!