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.
Registration is required. Register here and search "Catalina" for the events.
2025 Dates |
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January 3, 2025 - 6 p.m. |
January 17, 2025 - 6 p.m. |
February 7, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. |
February 21, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. |
March 7, 2025 - 7 p.m. (CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER) |
March 21, 2025 - 7 p.m. |
April 4, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. |
SATURDAY, April 19, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. |
May 2, 2025 - 7:45 p.m. |
May 16, 2025 - 7:45 p.m. |
June 6, 2025 - 8 p.m. |
June 20, 2025 - 8 p.m. |
July 4, 2025 - 7:45 p.m. |
July 18, 2025 - 7:45 p.m. |
August 1, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. |
August 15, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. |
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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Sundays and Wednesdays
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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Thursdays, Mar. 20 | Mar. 27 | Apr. 3, 2025
Native Plant Walks at Catalina State Park
Join an Arizona Native Plant Society guided tour through the Upland Desert and Riparian plant communities along the Canyon Loop trail.
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Thursday, March 20, 2025
Spring Equinox Hike
Celebrate the Spring Equinox with a guided hike on the on the Canyon Loop Trail where you’ll enjoy beautiful mountain views.
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Saturdays, Oct. 19 to April 26, 2025
Catalina State Park 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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Second and fourth Mondays
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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Saturday, April 5, 2025
Buffel Slayers
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
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Saturday, April 5, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Kevin from KT Klassics
Join Kevin from KT Klassics with Catalina State Park's Music in the Mountains Concert Series!
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First and third Mondays
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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Sunday, April 13, 2025
Shelter Dog Walking with PACC
Stretch 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.
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April 18, 2025
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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Saturday, April 19, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Eric Schaffer & The Other Troublemakers
Enjoy an afternoon of country western and folk music with recording artists Eric Schaffer & The Other Troublemakers.