The Santa Catalina Mountains, commonly referred to as the Catalina Mountains or the Catalinas, are north and northeast of Tucson, Arizona, United States, on Tucson's north perimeter. The mountain range is the most prominent in the Tucson area, near Catalina Foothills, an unincorporated community, with the highest average elevation. The highest point in the Catalinas is Mount Lemmon at an elevation of 9,157 feet (2,791 m) above sea level and receives 18 inches (460 mm) of precipitation annually.
A spectacular desert canyon cut into the south side of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this area is justifiably popular with both locals and visitors and is the starting point for a number of hiking trails.
The Tortolita Mountains are a modest mountain range northwest of Tucson, Arizona, USA, at the northern boundaries of Oro Valley and Marana, two suburbs of Tucson. Peak elevation is 4,696 feet (1,431 m). Much of the mountain range is protected within the Tortolita Mountain Park, established in 1986 by Pima County, which plans to expand its territory.
Mount Bigelow is a mountain in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona, United States. It is home to the astronomical observing facility Catalina Station which operates the 61" Kuiper Telescope owned by the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. It is one of the telescopes used by students at Astronomy Camp.
This is a good area for wildlife viewing. A number of scenic and challenging trails can be accessed here from the north side of Tucson, as well as from Catalina Highway and Catalina State Park near Oracle. No mountain bikes, horses, or dogs permitted.
About this list
Attractions are associated with the nearest recognisable destination rather than by municipal boundary, so a place just outside Santa Catalina Mountains still appears here if that is how visitors reach it. None of these publish an official visitor count, so they are ranked on public interest and tourism significance. Each page says so.
Near Santa Catalina Mountains
The closest attractions outside Santa Catalina Mountains, measured from the places listed above rather than from a town centre nothing occupies.
