catalina state park

I booked us at Catalina State Park because we needed to be close to Tucson International Airport. Being so close to the city, my expectations were low, but when I arrived I was delighted to see the beautiful mountains within walking distance, and the miles of hiking trails. Our site was spacious and pretty, and the facilities were excellent, with big, clean showers and plenty of hot water. Anyone who enjoys hiking will be very pleasantly surprised by the miles of beautiful trails that lead up the mountains to various fresh water pools via interesting trails full of switchbacks. The geology as you go to the higher elevations is very interesting, and the views are lovely. The campsites are full of Round Tailed Ground Squirrels that don't seem to cause any trouble (except holes) and are extremely cute. There is also excellent birding.From Catalina you are 15 miles from the airport, but allow plenty of time to navigate the many traffic lights on Oracle Blvd. The city of Tucson is also very convenient and well worth a day trip.

The campground has a lot of partial hookup sites and there are trees between most of them, but when we there in March they didn't have leaves so there wasn't much privacy. In the summer when the trees have leaves it would be very pleasant. A lot of birds around if you're a birder. Be sure to reserve a campsite early for the spring! They were full every day and we could only reserve a site for two nights and then move to another site when it popped up at the last minute. Very nice trails: Canyon Loop Trail was our favorite. There is a new shopping center across the higway with a great walmart. Only a 30 minute drive into Tucson. The "visitor center" is nothing special; very small entry station with some trinkets and books for sale. Staff was friendly and accomodating.

Toured by tram - really worth the small price. Views were pure delight and made you appreciate the desert even more.

very nice trails and signs explaining different vegetationwasnt real busy so could just wander around at your own paceI would go back again

I like the loop trail here - just around 3 miles. Perfect when you want to get out in the desert but don't have much time. There are longer trails here too, but they are up, up, up. In spring you'll be crossing over a shallow stream several times, so be prepared

This was the most enjoyable visit on our recent trip. Not overcrowded, beautiful views and wide variety of trails for all likings... Not to miss.

I have been visiting Catalina State Park for 15 years. Lots of various opportunities to hike, picnic, horseback ride, buy souvenirs, park your RV and participate in the many planned outdoor activities. The RV facilities are extensive and very reasonable. The many activities include guided tours, runs, community breakfasts etc. This is also a great location for large group celebrations. There are many volunteers that can help you with whatever you choose to do!

On a visit to Tucson, looked for a local place for morning hikes before predicted afternoon rain. We found a choice of well-maintained trails of various lengths. Very scenic. We'd visit again.

We visited this park while traveling throughout Arizona in our travel trailer. As expected, the park is very busy during the winter months. The campgrounds that offered electric and water hookups were all full during our visit, but the park is very accommodating by utilizing their overflow group area with dry camping. We camped for three nights in the overflow area and enjoyed the scenery and hiking trails in the park. Beautiful vistas and pools to explore. Sites in the overflow area were close as can be expected when trying to accommodate as many campers as they can. Sites in the camping loops were nice and not as close together. Bathroom facilities were immaculate with very large showers that were like small rooms. We would definitely stay here again!

I have a year pass which I use mostly to clear my head with different scenery and to give my two dogs a different walk. I have yet to have a bad hike. Sometimes the water is flowing and you will get wet feet so consider shoes that can handle it and still be comfortable for some distance. Favorites with dogs, Birding trail, Canyon Loop (my favorite overall) and Nature Trail. Pure hike without dogs -Sutherland Trail to the end, vistas are unbelievable! and Romero Pool. I also went on a horseback ride from Pusch Ridge Stables (futher north on Oracle) and rode into the Park from a different vantage point. Poppies are blooming as is the lupine.

This is a great park for families and folks who are looking for a desert hiking experience that is not too heavy and who want a diverse landscape with great views. We regularly come to the park. Parking is plentiful and there are several hiking trails that are well marked and easy to access. Once on the trails there are not restrooms; however, there are restrooms at the parking lot. Most trails are easy for hikers, with some mostly flat. It's a great place for a day hike.

If you are in Tuscon and want to go hiking, take the scenic trail here! it seems like no one takes this trail and it is so amazing! Everyone wants to travel up the mountain but you are missing the small things on this trail!

Catalina State Park is on the north side of Tucson, reached via Route 77 (Oracle Road), which is a commercial strip until the north side of town. If you need water and snacks for the hike, there are plenty of options, as there is only small snack shop at the trailhead. We hiked to the Romero pools during the afternoon, with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s, with clear skies. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and lots of water. You cross a tributary of Sutherland Wash near the trailhead, which can be waded or avoided along the sand bars.We clocked the mileage at just about two miles one way, with much up and down over clear but rough trails. The elevation gain was about 800 feet. My water use was two liters there and back with no dehydration problems. There are no amenities along the trail.Before reaching the pools, the hike takes you to a summit with a great view to the opposite side of Romero Canyon, where there was a waterfall at this time of year - second week of February. I don't believe there was a trail to the falls, which in any case would be a strenuous hike down and back. The hike takes you through several cactus forests. There were a few wildflowers blooming, mainly poppies, but still too early for the best of the spring blooms. There were songbirds along the way, but were skittish and best seen with binoculars. Some of the sheltered, north-facing cliffs have their own micro-climates, and are covered with ferns. Bring a fern book if you're interested.The Romero Pools were full and the stream about half full when we visited. This is a very scenic stop to soak your feet and have a picnic before turning around. The surrounding mountain views are great.

This is a great area for hiking and mountain views! Also a nice area to drive through or to have a picnic at! Not much else to do there and it is great in the spring and fall, sometimes you see wildlife especially towards sunsset.

Great place for Spring hikes. Mountain views are great. Camping facilities are not quite so good but OK if you want to be near Tucson. No fires, no shade, OK facilities.