Catalina
Location:
Catalina is in Southern Arizona . It is in Pima County. The town is located in the foothills on the north side of the mile-high Santa Catalina Mountains and sits in a valley formed by the Canada del Oro Wash. The Coronado National ForestttCatalina State Park border the community. >Tucson is about 12 miles to the south.
Overview:
Catalina is a community built for retirees and tourists. There are several resorts located near town that offer wonderful accommodations. Today, Catalina's population is 6,000. The town sits at an elevation of 3,100 feet. The warm desert climate has a winter low Temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high Temperature of 95 degrees. Catalina is known for it cooler climate. Rainfall is approximately 50 percent more plentiful than nearby Tucson and the Temperature is 5 to 10 degrees cooler. Many come to experience the clean air, clear skies and no city lights, all of which allow for spectacular starry nights.
History:
Catalina is a residential community developed in the 1950's. Many acres of State Trust Land provide open areas and promote rural lifestyles. Both the National Forest and the State Park edge the town and make it a great place for recreational activities. The town is unincorporated, yet it is experiencing a growing population.
Community Features:
Catalina has several outdoor activities. Catalina State Park is to the east of town. When the early Spaniards passed through the area, they thought the mountains took on a cathedral-like appearance. They named them La Iglesia, meaning, "church." Today, the mountain range is called the Santa Catalina Mountains. The park offers camping, picnicking and bird watching. There is also an equestrian center that is a staging place for trail riders and trailer parking. The Pinal Pioneer Highway begins north of town on State Highway 79. The highway heads to the town of Florence passing by all kinds of desert fauna. There are plaques along the road with information on the various plants. It is a gorgeous desert drive. Biosphere 2 is located nearby and is world famous. It is a three-acre model of the earth's ecosystem. The mission of Biosphere is to serve as a center of teaching, learning and research about the earth and its systems. There are tours offered daily.