Bannings Canyon, Santa Catalina Island

Bannings Canyon, Santa Catalina Island

BANNING'S CANYON: “Is next west of Gallagher's and somewhat similar to it in that it has two main branches, separated by a high dividing ridge. There is a broad, flat, rich glade of about 30 acres leading in from the beach upon which grows a jungle of Nicotiana glauca. In this are also a number of fine Heteromeles trees. The left hand canyon is less interesting. The right branch is larger and has several further right hand branches extending up to and on each side of the summit of Mt. Banning. There is water in the main right hand branch which is easy of ascent for a half mile but grows steep and difficult farther on. On the precipitous brow of a lateral ridge, one half or three-quarters of a mile from the beach and 200 feet above the creek bed, there is an interesting grove of Lyonothamnus trees. From this grove another and finer one is to be seen in one of the lateral canyons high up and to the left of Mt. Banning. This main right hand branch is excellent collecting ground in the spring.” [Millspaugh & Nuttall Flora of Santa Catalina Island (1923)].