Catalina State Park

New: Saturday Casual Guided Interpretive Hike

9 am start time. Meet at Trail Head parking lot at 9 am. Easier trails and frequent stops for discussion and rest. 1 – 1.5 hours. Download Saturday Casual Guided Interpretive Hike Information ( 3.2 MB PDF)

Join us for a casual guided hike on one of Catalina State Park's easier trails. On these hikes you'll enjoy the scenery while discovering the rich cultural history of this area, including: geology of the park; early inhabitants; local plants and their uses; critters that live in the park, what they eat, where they live, and their special adaptability for life in the desert; plus information on other park trails, and what you will see on them. We depart at 9 am, meet in the Trail Head parking lot. Hikes are subject to change depending on trail conditions and weather. A minimum of 4 hikers is required.

We'll depart on ONE of the following trails: Nature Trail (March 6, 20, April 3, 17, 2010) an easy 1-mile hike, mostly flat with a little climbing at the beginning. or Canyon Loop Trail (March 13, 27, April 10, 24, 2010) an easy to moderate hike approximately 2.5 miles with moderate climbs and descents through a variety of desert terrain. Remember to bring: Hiking boots, drinking water, camera, hat, and other season-appropriate clothing.

Giant Saguaro Cacti along the Canyon Loop Trail

The park is home to thousands of giant Saguaro cacti. This stunning view is along the Canyon Loop Trail.

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.

Park facilities include a campground, picnic tables, grills, trails, an equestrian center, a group use area for day or overnight use (available by reservation), restrooms, showers, and a gift shop. All restroom and shower facilities are accessible. The park also offers an equestrian center which provides a staging area for trail riders with ample trailer parking.

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 that call this area home.

Catalina State Park is located within Coronado National Forest, and is managed by Arizona State Parks in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.

Upcoming Events

Bird Walk

Hiking Trails Every Friday morning. Start time depends on season. Contact Park for more information and for start time. Hikes last approximately two hours. (520) 628-5798.

Come enjoy the beauty of Catalina State Park and watch some of the over 150 species of birds that occupy this wonderfully diverse habitat. Please bring water, a bird book, binoculars, and sturdy shoes.

Reptile/Wildlife Exhibit

Every Saturday morning from 10 am - 1 pm. Weather permitting. Contact Park for more information. (520) 628-5798.

Come see and learn about a menagerie of reptiles, arachnids, and animals who inhabit the Sonoran Desert. Some animals that may be on exhibit include rattlesnakes, Gopher snakes, Gila Monsters, desert tortoise, tarantula, and scorpions. Read Feature Story about the Exhibit.

Location: Main Trailhead parking area at Catalina State Park

Guided Hikes

New: Saturday Casual Guided Interpretive Hike. Meet at Trail Head parking lot at 9 am. Easier trails and frequent stops for discussion and rest. 1 – 1.5 hours. Download Saturday Casual Guided Interpretive Hike Information ( 3.2 MB PDF)

All hikes leave from the main trailhead, unless otherwise specified. Occasional, light bushwhacks and exploratory tangents may occur. Entrance fee required.

For all hikes, please bring water, hat, hiking boots, and snacks. Moderate pace. Round-trip mileage, duration, and elevation changes are approximate. Hikes are subject to change due to trail conditions and weather. A four-hiker minimum is required, and please no pets.

Registration is required no later than 3 pm the day before the hike. Call Gaston (520) 638-5404 to register for hikes. Please call if you have to cancel a registration.

Sunday, March 14, 2010: 6-8 mile hike with 1300’ elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: Walter’s Cascade & beyond.

Sunday, March 21, 2010: 6-8 mile hike with 400’ elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: “Baby Jesus” Trail.

Sunday, March 28, 2010: 6-8mile hike with 300’ elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination, from Equestrian Center: “Catalina’s Medium Loop”.

Sunday, April 4, 2010: 6-8 mile hike with 400’ elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: “Stock tank Long loop”.

Thursday, April 8, 2010: 10 mile hike with 600’ elevation gain. 7:30 am start time. Destination: Canyon Loop/Sutherland/Link/50th Year/Bridle trails “Big Loop”.

Sunday, April 11, 2010: 6-8 mile hike with 300’ elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination, from Equestrian Center: “Bluffs & 50th Year”.

Thursday, April 15, 2010: 7 mile hike with 1600’ elevation gain. 7:30 start time. Destination: Romero Pools (upper).

Sunday, April 18, 2010: 6-8 mile hike with 400’ elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: Alamo Canyon & West Ridges.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010: 6-8mile hike with 300’ elevation gain. 7:30 am start time. Destination, from Equestrian Center: “Catalina’s Medium Loop”.

Sunday, April 25, 2010: 6-8 mile hike with 300’ elevation gain. 8 am start time. Destination: “CSP’s Best Short Trails”.

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