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!

 

Trails

Sutherland Wash flowing, with three people and a leashed dog crossing at Catalina State ParkSutherland Wash - Catalina State Park

Explore mesquite forests and saguaro-studded canyons, and enjoy amazing views of the Catalina Mountains from miles of trails at Catalina State Park. All eleven trails offer awesome opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, birding, trail running, and more! Several trails feature interpretive signs to help you learn about the fascinating ecology and archaeology of the park. Connect to trails in the Coronado National Forest to get to challenging destinations like the Romero Pools and Mt. Lemmon. We are a pet-friendly park! Dogs are welcome on all park trails and must be on a leash with a maximum length of 6 ft/1.8 m at all times. Restrictions apply for horses, bicycles, and dogs on certain sections of the park trails, see descriptions below for details.

Before your trip, learn about the various desert plants and wildlife that you may encounter in the park, then pick up a copy of our free trail guide at the Visitor Center. All that's left to do is get out there and enjoy the adventure!

Start Your Adventure From One of Three Trailheads:

Main Trailhead: 1.5 mi/2.4 km north from the Ranger Station at the end of the main entry road.

  • GPS Coordinate: 32.425644, -110.908155
  • Amenities: Restrooms, water spigots, picnic tables, trash cans, recycling, stage, vending machine, information kiosk, bicycle parking rack, and a seasonal gift shop.
  • The main trailhead is graced with a vibrant mosaic tile mural. The Friends of Catalina State Park installed this mural to raise funds for park improvements. It features whimsical depictions of Sonoran Desert plants and animals as well as personalized messages from donors. The Friends group is currently completing phase 3 of this mural. To learn more about how you can support this project by donating a tile, visit FriendsCSP.org.

Equestrian Center: 1.0 mi/1.6 km northeast from the Ranger Station at the end of the road to the campgrounds.

  • GPS Coordinate: 32.429402, -110.927495
  • Amenities: Restroom, water spigots, picnic tables, trash cans, recycling, fire rings, grills, horse stable with 16 stalls, and overnight parking for equestrian trailers (overnight fees apply). Catalina State Park offers horseback riding activities through our concessionaire, Rancho De Los Cerros. Learn how to book a ride on their website.

Romero Ruins Ramada Parking Lot: 0.8 mi/1.3 km north from the Ranger Station on the west side of the road.

  • GPS Coordinate: 32.423322, -110.919086
  • Amenities: reservable shaded ramada, picnic tables, trash cans, recycling, and grills.
 

To continue to Romero Pass, the trail climbs up another 4.4 mi/7.1 km to Romero Pass at an elevation of 6,000 ft/1,829 m. The Romero Canyon Trail ends at Romero Pass, where it intersects with the Mt. Lemmon Trail (additional 5.9 mi/9.5 km to Mt. Lemmon summit) and West Fork Sabino Trail (additional 13.3 mi/21.4 km to Sabino Canyon parking lot). From the Trailhead to Romero Pass is 7.2 mi/11.6 km with an elevation gain of 3,300 ft/1,000 m and about 10 hours round-trip. The trail is normally unmaintained beyond Romero Pools. Please bring a map, compass, or GPS device to go to Romero Pass to avoid getting lost. Winter (Dec. - Mar.) and summer monsoon rains (Jun. - Sep.) may create seasonal water crossings on the trail.
Restrictions: Dogs and bicycles are not allowed in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area/Pusch Ridge Wilderness (includes Romero Pools and Montrose Pools) which begins at the Forest Service gate about 1.0 mi/1.6 km east on the Romero Canyon Trail from the Trailhead. From January 1st to April 30th, traveling more than 400 ft/122 m off Forest Service system trails is prohibited due to the bighorn sheep lambing season. Horses are not recommended past the Montrose Pools overlook due to narrowly laid stairs and tight passages between rocks. More Information on Pusch Ridge Wilderness

trasil courtesy triangle with yield information. Trail Etiquette and Rules

Please practice trail etiquette while exploring the park’s trails and make way for visitors with the right-of-way.

  • Horses always have the right-of-way above all other trail users.
  • Hikers traveling uphill have the right-of-way.
  • Mountain bikers must yield to horses and hikers at all times.

Pets

Dogs are welcome on all park trails and in the washes but must be kept on a leash with a maximum length of 6 ft/1.8 m at all times. 

Restrictions apply for dogs on the Romero Canyon and Sutherland Trails. 

Pick up any pet waste and dispose of it in park trash cans. Do not litter by leaving doggie bags on the side of the trail.

Recreate Responsibly!Recreate responsibly while hiking. Hike it in, hike it out!

Keep AZ Beautiful and learn how to Recreate Responsibly in the park! 

Drones are not allowed to fly in the park without a Filming Permit from Arizona State Parks and Trails for news, publicity, or promotional purposes. 

Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds within the park. Backpackers must pay overnight vehicle parking fees.

Motorized vehicles and electric bicycles are only allowed on designated park roads.

Additional Arizona State Parks and Trails Laws, Rules and Policies


Hiking Safety Tips


Arizona hiking trails can be found throughout the State Park system, and many of them are pet friendly! With trail options available statewide, you can always find an adventure! 

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