If you’ve dreamed of hiking the entire 37-mile length of Santa Catalina Island, now’s your chance.

A new trail years in the making allows visitors to walk from one end of the island to the other. But be prepared: the trail offers dizzying views over plunging cliffs as well as ”more than guaranteed” encounters with bison, transplanted inhabitants whose ancestors were brought there for a movie in 1924.

The bison generally don’t present much of a hazard, but it’s best not to approach them; a good headbutt can toss a human a fair distance if the animal has a mind to do it.

The place is also home to island foxes and bald eagles.

While parts of the trail have been available to hikers for years, the entire route, linking existing service roads and trails, was only recently completed, said Bob Rhein, spokesman for the Catalina Island Conservancy. The official public opening of the trail is April 4.

“We’re looking forward to hikers and nature lovers throughout the Southland to come to Catalina and hike this trail for the very first time,” he said.

You can hike past the Airport in the Sky and stop for a buffalo burger, or at the Two Harbors boat community for a meal and supplies.

Camping is possible with reservations, and a free hiking permit must be obtained before you start.

Otherwise, no reservations required; just bring sturdy shoes, a camera, water and the will to scale the sometimes rugged spine of a place most of us only see hazily from the shoreline.

(Photos by Jack Baldelli, courtesy Catalina Island Conservancy).

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