Catalina State Park, Tucson

Loved the hike, surprized to find the waterfall. That was wonderful. Next time I will start in the morning then mid afternoon. Not a walk in the park, you need plenty of water and sturdy footwear. Well worth your time although.

Looking for a place to explore nature--- sketchbook in hand? Catalina State Park is an ideal place to do so. We set out early morn in order to beat the heat. The intent, to and document sweeping vistas and small up-close details of the areas flora and fauna. Saguaro catus, ocotillo, cholla, and prickly pear. Squirrels, cottontails, scampering lizards. Birds sang from still bare branches of desert willow, ash, sycamore, mesquite, and walnut. The hikes were easy to moderate and there were places along the way to sit and rest. We spent several hours sketching and painting and then headed back down to the car. Mountain lions, bighorn sheep and black bear have also been spotted in the area. Thankfully, our sketchbooks nor the morn revealed any of them! C Padilla, Botanical Artist/Nature Illustrator