Starting February 2, 2026 through April 2026, the restroom/shower building in campground A will be closed. A new restroom building will be installed during this timeframe. Portable restrooms will be available throughout the campground, and shower buildings in campground B and group areas will be available. Thank you for your patience as we make these park improvements for you!
Native Plant Walks at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Thursdays in March 7:30 a.m.
Join an Arizona Native Plant Society guided tour through the Upland Desert and Riparian plant communities along the Canyon Loop trail. The desert on a March morning is a great to learn about key desert plants, including trees, grasses, and cacti. We will also enjoy the surge of spring growth and flowering. Besides the plants, we will learn about geology and critters great and small. Meet at the trailhead near the cactus tile mosaic. This program lasts approximately 3 hours. The program is free but park entry fees apply.
This event is part of Outdoors250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Arizona’s natural heritage. By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.
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. This is an Outdors250 event.
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First and third Mondays, 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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First and Third Friday of the Month
Catalina Nights
Experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required. This is an Outdors250 event.
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Saturdays until 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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Saturday, March 7, 2026
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Vinyl Grooves
Join us for our concert series to experience the funky reggae grooves of A1 Reggae!
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Saturdays, Mar 7, Apr 4, 2026
Buffel Slayers
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
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Saturday, March 7, 2026 (canceled)
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Vagrant Hippies
Join us for our concert series to experience some folk and bluegrass music performed by some of Catalina State Park's volunteers, known as the Vagrant Hippies!
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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. This is an Outdors250 event.
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Sunday, March 8, 2026
Art in the Park at Catalina
Shop local and support the park with the annual Art in the Park sale hosted by The Friends of Catalina State Park! Buy paintings, pottery, and more; all sales benefit the park.
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Second and fourth Mondays, through May
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. This is an Outdors250 event.
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March 9 and 23 | April 6 and 20 | May 4 and 18
Monday Guided Bird Walks at Catalina
Located in the Tucson Sky Islands Important Bird Area, Catalina State Park is home to 150+ species of birds. Experienced birding guides will help you spot and identify beautiful birds as you walk through the park for 3-4 hours. This is an Outdoors250 event.
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March 14-15, 2026
Family Campout at Catalina State Park
Arizona Family Campout Program weekends are designed for families that have little or no experience camping. We will introduce you to the great experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors!
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Friday, March 20, 2026
First Day of Spring 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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Saturday, March 21, 2026
Music in the Mountains: Your Money’s Worth
Join us for an evening of live music with beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains.
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Sunday, Mar. 29
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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Saturday, April 4, 2026
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Eric Schaffer and The Other Troublemakers
Enjoy an afternoon of country western and folk music with recording artists Eric Schaffer and The Other Troublemakers.
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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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Saturday, April 18, 2026
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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Saturday, May 2, 2026
Music in the Mountains: Gray Skies Blue and Treehouse Fire
Enjoy a relaxing evening of listening to American Indie Folk music at the park.
