This use to be one of our favorite parks in the area. We didn’t mind the$7 admission fee. This year they raised the fee to $20, and provided nothing for the xtra $13!. There are numerous other places to hike in the area that are less crowded, just as scenic and free.

Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains this state park covers 5,500 acres and has a number of interesting trails, camping areas and picnic spots. There are some excellent saguaro viewing spots and majestic scenery. There was limited parking and it was busy. Well worth a visit.

February 24, 2026, on my third trip to bike the 50 Year trail, there was an unfortunate experience I had as a day user with a small camper. According to the rules which aren't posted on the flyer, day users are permitted only one non-bathroom place to secure water and you have to know where. I was told to leave a reserved area (there were no guests present) even though I was just getting water. I asked the entrance office how a cyclist could obtain water, without using the bathroom areas. I was told by a shift change person that I could go up to the office and they would refill my bottle.As a cyclist, available water is a must especially as the temperatures rise. I guess that my $10 entrance fee covers only supervised water distribution and yet all other campers, I would hope, aren't subject to the same treatment. The ambiguous nature and non-posting of rules for the solo traveler seems to be aimed at guiding visitors elsewhere, which is exactly what I did after that.

Lots of really great trails available for all levels. I did find the Alamo Loop to not be well marked midway through and as a solo hiker decided to turn back rather than possibly get lost. Crowded on weekends, but once you find parking plenty of room for everyone!

I had the awesome experience to ride a mountain bike through part of Catalina State Park on their bike trials, and I also had the amazing experience of hiking through several trails in this State Park as well. I was here two separate days and was not able to see everything that this park has to offer. I need much more time for sure. The up close views of the Catalina Mountains, and the incredible presence of the majestic gigantic saguaro cactus were breath taking to me! I stood there in AWE many times to appreciate nature's wonders. Waterfalls! I was surprised to see waterfalls in this park! Even finding lush green grass in this park was fascinating to me! I understand that photos don't fully give you the compete picture of the beauty here. The sunlight, the temperature, the time of day, the smells in the air... all of this and more help to make time in Catalina State Park a wonderful experience. I know this for certain, this northern Midwestern guy will be back again someday. I'll start my hiking earlier, and I will bring more water and food to get me through the day. There is so much here to see, that I need to return. The walking stick I was given helped out a lot! I have to remember to bring my own walking stick next time.Mountain biking... I highly recommend wearing a helmet and gloves. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. Stay hydrated. The mountain bike trails can be very narrow. My hands caught a few cactus needles during my ride. OUCH! I was surprised by the day pass fee being $20. I was told that it was $7 last year. Be ready to open up your wallet. That seems like a heck of a price increase. Wow!