Arizona’s thirty-one state parks offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation. Whether spending a day on the lake, exploring a cave, or enjoying a perfectly picturesque view of the surrounding mountains, a day at the park provides ample opportunity to get outside and play.
The second largest state park in the system is located in southern Arizona and preserves a diverse desert landscape perfect for discovering Arizona at its best.
Catalina State Park was established in 1974 near the town of Oro Valley. The lush desert landscape doles out a variety of desert flora that is so perfectly Arizona you're to sure to love it. Whether you spot spring wildflowers or summer blooming saguaros, a visit here is rewarding on any day and in any season.
Among the hiking options, you'll find trails for climbing (Like the Canyon Loop Trail) and trails for simply exploring the canyons. At 5,493 acres, Catalina State Park has plenty of room to spread your wings and enjoy the very best of Arizona's southern desert terrain.
Seasonal pools allow for a bit of cooling off. The water flowing from the runoff of melting snow to the north actually keeps the climate in this southern state park a bit cooler longer into the spring.
Other awesome features of Catalina State Park include a campground that has 120 sites with electric hookups. Whether you have a trailer, an RV or just want to go more rustic and sleep in a tent, this campground can accommodate your interests.
Don't miss exploring the Romero ruins. The Romero Ruins Interpretive Trail is less than a mile round trip, but you should note that it crosses a seasonal wash (your feet may get wet) and has nearly 100 steps to reach the area of the ruins. Bring plenty of water, and then ice those knees when you get back to camp!
Catalina State Park isn't the most visited park in the Arizona state park system, but it's one of the most diverse. It's also home to nearly 5,000 saguaros! That's just so perfectly Arizona!
Catalina State Park is located at 11570 N Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ 85737. The park is open year-round from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Visitor Center and park store are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost to enter is $7.00 per vehicle (max four adults), $3.00 per bicycle. Hiking? Waterless restrooms are available at the trailhead and equestrian center. Camping? The campground has full restroom facilities, plus a dumping station if you have an RV or a trailer. Learn more and make reservations on this link of the official website for Catalina State Park.
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