Across the street from the new Walmart at 11500 N. Oracle Road (Highway 77) in Oro Valley, near Tucson, Arizona, is the entrance to the historic Catalina State Park, a popular hiking and camping spot for generations.
That's right- across the street from Walmart.
Commercial and housing development has crawled all the way up Oracle Road to the Catalina State Park entrance in Tucson, AZ. where the recent Oro Valley Marketplace opened.
But, beyond the gates to the Arizona State Park, the area is as near pristine as it was decades ago.
The Catalina State Park is located in the Coronado National Forest along the west side of the Catalina Mountains.
There are several well marked hiking trails for a short or long hike.
Camping is allowed in designated areas. There are handicap accessible trails and picnic areas.
Pick up a copy of the Catalina State Park trail map at the Ranger Station.
There is a $6 per vehicle fee to park, which includes a map of trails for hiking and camping and a Catalina State Park Trail Guide.
Annual passes are available for frequent hikers and campers.
Use the video controls to play the video looking southwest to northwest towards Tucson.
Common Sense Hiking Tips
Follow the Trails: Stay on the designated trails to protect surrounding wildlife. If there is no designated trail, try using animal paths so not to disturb the environment any further.
Don't make short cuts or "switchbacks." This will damage the area and contribute to erosion.
Sanitation: Go before you go. There are public rest rooms in the parking area. If you must leave a deposit, cover it.
Pets: All pets must be leashed. Remove pet waste in disposal bags or bury away from the trail.
Water: Bring at least one gallon of water per person per day of your trip. Drink often and take frequent breaks.
Rest: Take a brief ten minute rest for every hour of hiking. If not physically active, rest longer.
Hot Weather: Do not hike in the afternoons in the summer. Early mornings are best for hiking.
Cell Phone: take a cell phone on your hike. If using GPS, set your location. Some cell phone services will work in parts of the Park. To get the best reception, don't be in a valley.
So now, when someone asks one of the best places to hike or camp on the northside- just tell them to go across the street from Walmart.
Romero Ruin Interpretive Trail: 3/4 mile, loop. This popular trail leads to an the Romero Ruin archeological site with the remains of a Hohokam village dating back to 500 A.D. The hiking trail is located from the parking lot on the main road near the picnic area.
Sutherland Trail: 10.8 miles one way
(Above) Entrance to the Catalina State Park trail head where most of the trails separate.
The city of Tucson and Oro Valley are blocked out by Mother Nature once you cross the nearly dried creek bed and take a short hike along one of the many available trails and trail loops.
