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
Did you know Arizona actually has five seasons? Monsoon Magic is an interactive nature exhibit where you’ll learn about the wildlife and meteorology of the southwest’s rainy season.
READ MOREListen for birds, learn their common sounds, and grow familiar with your local birdlife. All skill levels are welcome!
READ MOREExperience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required.
READ MORELearn about the fascinating Sonoran Desert at this family-friendly program featuring live reptiles!
READ MORECelebrate Arizona’s vibrant music scene with a breathtaking view of the mountains! Please bring a chair, and feel free to bring food, drinks, and your best dance moves.
READ MOREChallenge yourself to a trail race at your own pace! Multiple race options and packages are available.
READ MOREJoin 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.
READ MORELearn the practices of Nature Journaling through focused observations of the flora, fauna and geology while connecting to the beauty of Catalina State Park.
READ MOREImagine 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!
READ MORELocated 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.
READ MOREHow 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.
READ MOREHelp eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
READ MOREJoin local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. The Romero Ruins Trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. There are no restrooms on-site. There is no shade on the trail so please bring plenty of water and sun protection like a hat and an umbrella. Limited to 20 people: first come, first served. Meet at the Romero Ruins Ramada. This is an Outdors250 event.
READ MOREThe 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)
Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: closed
Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00
Self-pay station is available for entrance after hours. Cash only and requires exact change.
