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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!

 

About Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.

Explore Catalina State Park

Camping & RVs

Take a break from city life by staying at one of our 120 campsites, with electric and water hookups. A quiet place to listen to nature right on the edge of Tucson.

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Trails

Whether it's hiking, biking, horseback riding, or history, Catalina State Park's trails have something for everyone.

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Programs & Events

Sunday Geology Walk at Catalina

Sundays - check dates in description Times vary

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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Guided Bird Walks at Catalina

Sundays and Wednesdays Times vary

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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Romero Site Interpretive Hike

Second and fourth Mondays, through May Times vary

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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Monday Guided Bird Walks at Catalina

January 26 | February 9 and 23 | March 9 and 23 | April 6 and 20 | May 4 and 18 Time varies

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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Catalina Nights

First and Third Friday of the Month Varies by Date

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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Saturday Nature Program

Saturdays until April - canceled 1/24 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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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Catalina State Park - Past, Present, Future

First and third Mondays, through April 10 a.m.

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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Star Party at Catalina State Park

October - April Varies by Date

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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Buffel Slayers

Saturdays, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, 2026 8 a.m. - noon

Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!

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VIEW ALL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Park and Facility Hours

The park is open year-round

Day Use

5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily

Visitor Center/Park Store

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily

(Summer hours may vary)

Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: closed

Park Entrance Fee

Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00