Catalina State Park

Giant Saguaro Cacti along the Canyon Loop Trail

The park is home to thousands of giant Saguaro cacti. This stunning view is along the Canyon Loop Trail.

Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area.

Park facilities include a campground, picnic tables, grills, trails, an equestrian center, a group use area for day or overnight use (available by reservation), restrooms, showers, and a gift shop. All restroom and shower facilities are accessible. The park also offers an equestrian center which provides a staging area for trail riders with ample trailer parking.

This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife that call this area home.

Catalina State Park is located within Coronado National Forest, and is managed by Arizona State Parks in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.

Upcoming Events

Bird Walk

Hiking Trails Every Friday morning. Start time depends on season. Contact Park for more information and for start time. Hikes last approximately two hours. (520) 628-5798.

Come enjoy the beauty of Catalina State Park and watch some of the over 150 species of birds that occupy this wonderfully diverse habitat. Please bring water, a bird book, binoculars, and sturdy shoes.

Location: Meet in front of picnic area restrooms at Catalina State Park

Reptile/Wildlife Exhibit

Every Saturday morning from 8:30 - 11:30 am. Weather permitting. Contact Park for more information and for Saturday schedule. (520) 628-5798.

Come see and learn about a menagerie of reptiles, arachnids, and animals who inhabit the Sonoran Desert. Some animals that may be on exhibit include rattlesnakes, Gopher snakes, Gila Monsters, desert tortoise, tarantula, and scorpions.

Location: Main Trailhead parking area at Catalina State Park

Guided Hikes

Every Sunday morning at 8 am (8:30 am in December). All hikes leave from the main trailhead, unless otherwise specified. Occasional, light bushwhacks and exploratory tangents may occur. Entrance fee required.

For all hikes, please bring water, hat, hiking boots, and snacks. A moderate pace. Round-trip mileage, duration, and elevation changes are approximate. Hikes are subject to change due to trail conditions and weather. A four hiker minimum is required, and please no pets.

Registration is required no later than 3 PM the day before the hike. Call (520) 638-5404 to register for hikes.

Other Events

Sunday, November 15, 2009: 6-7 mile hike, with a 300'-500' elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: Catalina's "Medium Loop". Starts from the Equestrian Center parking lot at Catalina State Park.

Sunday, November 22, 2009: 6-7 mile hike, with a 300'-500' elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: Alamo Canyon via Romero, Lilo/Arlyn and other trails/paths & West Ridges Loop.

Sunday, November 29, 2009: 6-7 mile hike, with a 300'-500' elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: Stock tank & beyond loop.

Sunday, December 6, 2009: 6-7 mile hike, with a 300'-500' elevation gain. 8:30 am start time. Destination: Both cliffs & north cycle trail. Starts at Equestrian Center parking lot at Catalina State Park.

Sunday, December 13, 2009: 7 mile hike hike, with 1,600' elevation gain. 8:30 am start time. Destination: Romero pools (upper).

Sunday, December 20, 2009: 7-8 mile hike with 800' elevation gain. 8:30 am start time. Destination: Walter Cascade and Beyond.

Sunday, December 27, 2009: 6-7 mile hike with a 300'-400' elevation gain. 8:30 am start time. Destination: Little Sand wash, Palo Verde & Briddle Loop. Starts from the Equestrian Center parking lot at Catalina State Park.

Top of Page Park Rules

[Skip] Home Find a Park Arizona Map

Western Region

Northern Region

Eastern Region

Southern Region

Location

Facilities

511 Speed Code