Mount Orizaba, Mountain summit on Santa Catalina Island, United States

Mount Orizaba is the highest peak on Santa Catalina Island, California, reaching 2,097 feet (639 m). The summit lies about 9.2 km west of Avalon and holds a Federal Aviation Administration VORTAC installation. The mountain is named after Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's tallest peak.

The summit gained historical note from an exceptional weather event in January 1949, when unusual snowfall deposited snow at its peak, a rare occurrence for the island climate. This event remains memorable as an unusual departure from the region's typical conditions.

Mount Orizaba is named after Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico, a name given by Spanish-speaking mapmakers and residents of Santa Catalina Island. The island lies about 9.2 km west of Avalon, and the mountain's name is one of several Spanish place names in the region. Visitors can see the name on maps and trail signs, a reminder of the Mexican influence on California's geography.

Reaching the mountain requires a ferry from ports such as San Pedro, Dana Point, or Long Beach, followed by hiking on established trails. Visitors should bring plenty of water and sturdy footwear, and check weather conditions before setting out.

The summit hosts a VORTAC navigation system maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration, providing guidance to aircraft over Southern California. This technical facility demonstrates how even remote peaks serve essential roles in modern aviation operations.