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. 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.
Explore Catalina State Park
Experienced bird guides lead this bird walk. They will help you spot and identify various birds that live and visit the park. Novices, seasoned birders, and every experience level of birder will enjoy this event.
READ MORELearn about and see many reptiles that live naturally in the Sonoran Desert. Listen to our experts talk about the creatures and their adaptions to survive in the desert.
READ MOREHow were the Santa Catalina Mountains formed? What are some of the different rocks in the park? Learn about the geology of the park with experienced geologist, Karen.
READ MOREJoin one of our park volunteers to explore the history of Catalina State Park and its surroundings from the 1850s to today, and get a sneak peek of exciting upgrades planned.
READ MOREExperience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required.
READ MOREJoin us for our concert series for an evening of smooth jazz!
READ MOREHelp eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
READ MOREJoin our local interpretive guides for a hike to the Romero Ruins. With this program, you'll walk through one thousand years of Hohokam history in 90 minutes.
READ MOREImagine what you can see with telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at Catalina State Park! Join us for an exciting, educational Star Party!
READ MOREStretch your legs and help a pup from Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) get out into nature on a short hike! Several ready-to-adopt dogs will be available to walk and staff from PACC will be present to answer questions.
READ MOREJoin us for our concert series featuring the Old Arizona Brass Band.
READ MORECelebrate the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year with a guided night hike around the Nature Trail Loop.
READ MORERing in the New Year with a group hike on a new trail!
READ MOREJoin us for our concert series for an evening of pleasant folk music!
READ MOREJoin us for our concert series for jazz in the mountains!
READ MOREJoin us for our concert series to enjoy traditional celtic music in the mountains!
READ MOREJoin us for our concert series to experience the funky reggae grooves of A1 Reggae!
READ MORENew ongoing events and programs are added to the park calendar each month. Check back right here for the latest ongoing activities for Catalina State Park.
The park is open year-round
Day Use
5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily
Visitor Center/Park Store
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily
(Summer hours may vary)
Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: closed
Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00
