Catalina State Park, Tucson

About Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park spans 5,500 acres at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. Visitors hike, bike, and ride horses on miles of trails winding through foothills and canyons at elevations near 3,000 feet, with connections into the Coronado National Forest. The park is home to nearly 5,000 saguaros and more than 150 bird species, making it a destination for wildlife observation and nature study. An equestrian center provides trailer parking and staging areas for trail riders. The park offers 120 campsites with electric and water hookups for those staying overnight. Seasonal programs include Monsoon Magic, an interactive exhibit on desert meteorology and wildlife; Introduction to Birding by Ear classes; guided night hikes called Catalina Nights; family-friendly Saturday nature programs featuring live reptiles; and the Music in the Mountains concert series. Picnicking and bird watching round out the activities available throughout the year.