Description:​

Catalina State Park (CSP) is a recreation area along the Sutherland Wash at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson.  There are dozens of trails, ranging from easy streamside strolls to challenging climbs up to mountain passes.  Paved roads lead to all the trailheads, accessible parking and restrooms are available, and dogs are allowed on leash.  A Visitor Center at the park entrance provides hiking information, books, maps, and helpful rangers to answer specific questions.  

The CSP Nature Trail is a short loop along the foothills that provides breathtaking vistas for those who can overcome some difficult obstacles.  The trail starts with a 0.2-mile steep steady rise from the parking lot to a ridgetop, with inclines starting at 8° and declining to 2° as the hiker reaches the ridge.  From there, the trail continues for a one-mile loop along a relatively level, firm, packed-earth surface that is generally 5-7’ wide for easy navigation.

The loop can be divided into the “east half” and “west half” by difficulty.  The east half is moderately difficult to navigate using a wheelchair due to shallow ruts, some avoidable rocks, and a bumpy trail surface.  The west half is probably inaccessible by wheelchair due to trail obstacles such as deep erosion, large boulders, and narrow sections.

Given that, some hikers may choose to do an in-and-out hike on the east half and others may make the entire loop, with both routes returning to the 0.2-mile steep descent to the parking lot.  The ridgetop loop has numerous benches, interpretive signs, and viewpoints that are the essence of the Catalina State Park.

The trailhead itself offers many interesting amenities that will make the trip even more memorable.  There are some short easy hikes along packed-earth trails to view the Sutherland Wash where families play in the cool shallow pools.  On any weekend, there could be an art sale, guided bird walks, a nature program, an afternoon concert in an open amphitheater, or stargazing at night. A Trail Store is open 8am-5pm daily providing snacks, T-shirts and drinks, and a large shady picnic area is a great place for lunch.  Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for this desert excursion.