Catalina State Park, near Tucson, Arizona

We made this park our base for five days, taking side trips around the area, but also hiking a couple times in the park. The park is at the base of the Catalina Mountains. While camping here, it snowed twice up on the peaks.  We hear it is a rare event to have snowy mountains, for a woman who has lived here all her life was all excited by the sight.


Snow on the Catalinas.

 One morning we hiked the Canyon Loop Trail.  In one of the canyons there was water.  Water in the desert is thrilling!

Water in Sutherland Canyon

Along a south facing ridge grew the tallest Saguaros we've seen.


The tall saguaros.



A brilliant Vermilion Flycatcher welcomed us at our campsite.
Helen