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Catalina State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,893 Google reviews · Running trail in Tucson, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Catalina State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains with 5,500 acres for hiking, camping & more.
What runners say about Catalina State Park
“They also did a great job keeping the campground clean and sites ready for the next camper.”
“Lots of hikes to do, I did not have much time in the park so I stuck to the shorter nature and birding trails but the views were still stunning!”
We came on a whim the day before heading home. My husband and I had been dying to hike. Catalina State park was close so we headed over to check out the Alamo Canyon Loop Trail. I was a bit taken aback at the $20 entrance fee for the two of us in the car, but we decided to pay and check out what the area had to offer.
One of the nicer parks in AZ. Has nice big spots, plenty of privacy if you like to cut loose a little. It’s close to food and shopping. Beautiful trails to hike. Plenty of open space for your pets. Biking or walking your choice. Bathrooms are nice and clean. And wildlife walking through your campsite.
This was the second time we stayed at the park. We stayed 3 nights, although had to make reservations for three different sites and switch to the new site each day. The camp hosts were able to update our "vehicle tag," which was easier than going back to the camp entrance.
This is a beautiful state park! The trails are nice and you can climb up for great scenic views! it is definitely more comfortable to hike in the winter. Hiking at 6 AM in the summer works too! As with any Arizona hike, bring plenty of water.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of hikes to do, I did not have much time in the park so I stuck to the shorter nature and birding trails but the views were still stunning!”
“The main lot is toward the back and that's where you have access to all the other trailheads.”
“It is pretty steep in some areas and a lot of lose rock so if you don’t handle that well it’s not recommended without walking sticks and boots.”
“Catalina State park was close so we headed over to check out the Alamo Canyon Loop Trail.”
“The park has a small venue with parking, a stage, picnic tables, and restroom.”
“There really was no accessible Trail although views of the mountain are accessible from the parking area.”
Plan your run at Catalina State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteazstateparks.com
- Phone(520) 628-5798
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
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