Parking is only allowed in designated parking spots. Please observe all rules distributed by rangers when entering the park.
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.
| 2025-2026 Dates |
|---|
| 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. |
| January 2, 2026 - 6 p.m. |
| January 16, 2026 - 6 p.m. |
| February 6, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. |
| February 20, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. |
| March 6, 2026 - 7 p.m. |
| March 20, 2026 - 7 p.m. |
| April 3, 2026 - 7:30 p.m. |
| April 17, 2026 - 7:30 p.m. |
| May 1, 2026 - 7:45 p.m. |
| May 15, 2026 - 7:45 p.m. |
| June 5, 2026 - 8 p.m. |
| June 19, 2026 - 8 p.m. |
| July 3, 2026 - 7:45 p.m. |
| July 17, 2026 - 7:45 p.m. |
| August 7, 2026 - 7:30 p.m. |
| August 21, 2026 - 7:30 p.m. |
| September 4, 2026 - 7 p.m. |
| September 18, 2026 - 7 p.m. |
| October 2, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. |
| October 16, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. |
| November 6, 2026 - 6 p.m. |
| November 20, 2026 - 6 p.m. |
| December 4, 2026 - 5:45 p.m. |
| December 18, 2026 - 5:45 p.m. |
MORE EVENTS
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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October - April (Oct 10 event cancelled due to weather)
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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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.
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January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at Catalina State Park
Ring in the New Year with a group hike on a new trail!
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Saturday, January 3, 2026
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: The Hares on the Mountain
Join us for our concert series for an evening of pleasant folk music!
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January 17, 2026
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Jazz Oasis
Join us for our concert series for jazz in the mountains!
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February 7, 2026
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Out of Kilters
Join us for our concert series to enjoy traditional celtic music in the mountains!
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February 21, 2026
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: A1 Reggae
Join us for our concert series to experience the funky reggae grooves of A1 Reggae!
