Bring your horse, bicycle, or just your hiking boots and you’re bound to have a good time at Catalina State Park. Located less than 20 miles north of Tucson, this place is loaded with great trails ranging from easy loops to unmaintained advanced paths.
You’ll find a self-guided, signed trail that leads through Romero Ruin including a prehistoric Hohokam village featuring a ball court, and the historic Romero Ranch. Nature lovers will be inspired by the views, and delighted with the distinct desert flora and fauna. Catalina State Park, sprawling more than 5,500 acres, is home to hundreds of bird species and more than 5,000 saguaro cacti.
View A Guide to the Geology of Catalina State Park and the Western Santa Catalina Mountains.
This is the park to visit for a great hike that challenges you, but doesn’t have to take all day. On the other hand, if you want to spend more quality time exploring the area, there’s RV and tent camping so you can enjoy the park at your leisure. Horses and bikes are also welcome along the trails, and if you don’t have a horse of your own, there are stables nearby that offer trail rides.
If you decide camping in the park isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotels, resorts and other lodging available in the nearby Tucson area.
Day Use: Open daily, 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Visitor Center: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Park Entrance Fees:
· Per Vehicle (1 – 4 Adults): $7/day
· Individual/Bicycle: $3/day
Camping Fees:
· Non-Electric site: $15 – 25/night
· Electric site: $30/night
11570 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 628-5798