Parking is only allowed in designated parking spots. Please observe all rules distributed by rangers when entering the park.
Use caution as flooding is possible.
Catalina Nights
Catalina State Park
First and Third Friday of the Month Varies by Date
Night hiking is an exciting way to experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies. On a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail, learn about the desert’s nocturnal animals like scorpions and bats. Enjoy a constellation tour featuring a variety of cultures and astronomy facts. Please bring a flashlight and a jacket. Caution: The hike begins and ends on a steep hill with slippery gravel. Children ages 5 years old and up are welcome to participate. The hike will take approximately 1.5 hours.
Meet at the main trailhead parking lot near the restrooms. Program is fee but standard park entry fees apply or bring your Arizona State Parks annual pass. Event is weather permitting.
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Registration is required. Register here and search "Catalina" for the events.
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| August 1, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. (CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER) |
| August 15, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. (CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER) |
| September 5, 2025 - 7 p.m. |
| September 19, 2025 - 7 p.m. |
| October 3, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. |
| October 17, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. |
| November 7, 2025 - 6 p.m. |
| November 21, 2025 - 6 p.m. |
| December 5, 2025 - 5:45 p.m. |
| December 19, 2025 - 5:45 p.m. |
MORE EVENTS
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Saturdays, July 5 - September 27
Monsoon Magic
Learn about monsoon meteorology and see real animals and desert plants that thrive with the seasonal rain.
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Sunday, September 21
Everyone Runs Catalina State Park Trail Race
One of Arizona's finest trail races. Catalina State Park features easy to manage trails and unreal mountain views! Come join the fun that is Everyone Runs!
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Monday, September 22, 2025
First Day of Fall Sunset Hike
Celebrate the first day of fall with a guided hike on the Birding Trail (one mile). You’ll enjoy beautiful sunset views and educational talks about the Fall Equinox and the Sonoran Desert alongside a Park Ranger.
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October 4, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Austin Owen
Austin Owen performing at Catalina State Park an eclectic mix of music ranging from R&B to Bossa nova!
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First and third Mondays, October through April
Catalina State Park - Past, Present, Future
Join 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.
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October - April
Star Party at Catalina State Park
Imagine 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!
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Second and fourth Mondays (Oct.-April)
Romero Site Interpretive Hike
Join 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.
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Saturdays - Starting October 18 - April
Saturday Nature Program
Learn 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.
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Sundays - check dates in description
Sunday Geology Walk at Catalina
How 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.
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Sundays and Wednesday, beginning October 19
Guided Bird Walks at Catalina
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.
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November 1, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Wendy Sweet
Join us for our concert series featuring Wendy Sweet!
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Saturdays: Nov 1 | Dec 6 | Jan 3 | Feb 7 | Mar 7 | Apr 4
Buffel Slayers
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
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Sunday, November 9, 2025
Everyone Runs 10.6 & 5.3 Mile Trail Run and 5k
Join Everyone Runs for a fantastic experience at Catalina State Park. They pride themselves in events that really are for everyone - runners, walkers, and differently-abled at road runs!
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December 6, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Oro Valley Jazz Band
Join us for our concert series for an evening of smooth jazz!
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December 20, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Old Arizona Brass Band
Join us for our concert series featuring the Old Arizona Brass Band.
