Hiking Hotspot: Beautiful Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona

I absolutely love hiking next to the tall cacti in Tucson. I moved to this gorgeous suburb called Oro Valley (about 20 minutes from the city) and had the opportunity to explore all these wonderful trails I would never have seen otherwise. There are several breathtaking mountain ranges in the area, including my favorite the Santa Catalinas. I lived in this amazing apartment complex called the Encantada at Steam Pump and Catalina State Park was right across the street.

I am so glad I moved here as this became one of my favorite places to hike, pretty much year round. If you love the amazing Saguaro cactus, then I really recommend hiking here as 5000+ of these fascinating desert plants can be found throughout the trails.

This park is located with the Coronado National Forest at an elevation of 3000 feet. It’s a beautiful place to birdwatch (according to the park, 150 species reside here). This park is lush and I love seeing the diverse species of cacti. And it’s never too overcrowded, so I can really enjoy the plants and explore more up close. The serene setting makes this park one of my favorite low-key hikes away from tourists. During wildflower season (March) colorful flowers take center stage, not to mention this is one of the best months weather-wise for a gorgeous morning hike.

Trails options: a bit of something for everything

Hiking is not the only option here – you can also horseback ride and mountain bike on some of the trails. It’s the most amazing place in the metro for any fitness activity. Trails range from super easy (under a mile) to extremely intense (8+ miles), so whether you are looking for an easy stroll in nature or an all day adventure in the desert, you will find it here. You can find a full list of the trails on the park’s website.

The summers are pretty brutal here with many days where temps exceed 100. If you must go out at this time, keep it short. The Catalina Loop Trail is a nice beginning trail for just about anyone as it is just 2.3 miles total and pretty easy in terms of intensity with just a few small hills. Along the way, you will enjoy endless views of the beautiful Saguaro. Lots of opportunities to take your picture next to a giant cactus!

If you are seeking a day out in nature away from the suburban commercialization, you really cannot get much better than a refreshing walk here. All trails found within the park are well maintained and well-marked. Unfortunately, I’ve come across many trails in this area that could be marked a little better. This park, on the other hand, does a pretty good job. Do yourself a favor and skip lounging around your resort pool or shopping in favor of getting out into nature, seeing some of the best scenery in the southwest.

This loop trail features some really nice mountain viewpoints. I even like the scenery better here than Saguaro – although the national park is still more than worthy of a look. Although most tourists will head over to the national park vs this hidden gem, the admission price here is much cheaper and the scenery nicer, so it’s a great budget friendly alternative. You’ll save about 20 bucks here and enjoy scenery that is even more fabulous.

Tips for a safe hike

Avoid visiting during the brutal summer season! Temps frequently hit the triple digit mark, and adding in the relentless sun, it is just too hot. I’ve read many newspaper articles about dehydration and heat stroke deaths. Save hiking for the milder fall and winter seasons. Fortunately, there are a lot of great indoor attractions and ways to cool down this time of year so it’s still a great vacation getaway anytime.

Bring more water than you think you need. A regular single bottle of water will not cut it in the desert climate. Dehydration is a major concern so prepare in advance. Wear a camelbak or stuff a backpack with multiple water bottles. I also bring a bottle of water for dumping over my head.

Wear sunglasses and a hat. Even if the temps are in the 70’s, the sun is absolutely brutal the entire year. It’s very hard to comfortably hike with that harsh sunlight beating down on your face, shoulders, and neck. Sunblock also comes in handy.

Do not get too close to the cacti. From personal experience, I can tell you that it is not a pleasant experience to remove cactus needles. The pain lasts for several hours afterwards! Note – this happened to me in the Phoenix area, not Tucson.

Keep the distance short. If you are not used to desert hiking condition, it is essential that you keep your hike short and simple. The dry air and intense sunshine make even the simplest hike seem that much harder.

Take advantage of the many picnicking areas. Save yourself some money and enjoy a nice little lunch in nature as opposed to a pricey restaurant.

Stop for your morning coffee at Savaya. This local roaster has a convenient cafe right across from the park. The coffee is delicious and the relaxed outdoor seating area features great views of the mountains and palo verde trees.

Location/admission fees

The park is located at 11570 N Oracle Rd. Entrance fees are $10 per car or $5 per individual/cyclist. Hours are 5am-10pm. The visitor center is open from 8-5pm.

Dogs are allowed on a leash no more than 6 feet long.

Check the park calendar for special events and updated pricing info.