Park is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. No charcoal or wood fires. Propane stoves for cooking only. No smoking except in an enclosed vehicle.
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.
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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Saturday, June 7, 2025
Music in the Mountains: Marana Big Phat Band
Join us for an evening of live music with beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains.
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Friday, June 13 and 27, 2025
Evening Bird Walk
As temperatures soar, nocturnal birds take flight during the cool evening hours to hunt under the cover of darkness, join experienced birding guides with powerful spotlights to spot the owls and nighthawks that prowl the night skies on this unique nighttime adventure! Registration required.
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Friday, June 20, 2025
Summer Solstice Sunrise Hike
Celebrate the Summer Solstice by enjoying a sunrise hike in cool morning temperatures!
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Saturday, July 5, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: The Buckjumpers
Join us for an evening of live music with beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains.
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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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Saturday, August 2, 2025
Music in the Mountains: Ben Tully
Join us for an evening of live music with beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains.
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Saturday, September 6, 2025
Music in the Mountains: Treehouse Fire
Join us for an evening of live music with beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains.
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Saturday, October 4, 2025
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Janice Deardoff
Join us for our monthly concert series at the base of the Catalina Mountains with Janice Deardoff!
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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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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.