Just to the north of Tucson is found the unincorporated town of Catalina, which lies in the shadow of Mt Lemmon. Despite the fact that this is one of the fastest growing areas of Tucson, residents there enjoy spectacular mountain views, wide open spaces and cooler summer temperatures; yet just minutes from Tucson, shopping and the I-10 freeway.

Catalina State Park is a scenic desert oasis at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains and is located 10 north of Tucson's city limits off State Route 77, known as Oracle Rd. A vast array of desert plants, wildlife and archeological sites are located in the foothills and canyons of this 5,500 acre, high desert park north of Tucson. The environmment at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains offers great camping, picnicking and bird watching, in fact more than 150 species of birds call the park home. An equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders and plenty of trailer parking is also available. Miles of equestrian, birding and hiking trails wind through the park and the adjoining Coronado National Forest, as well as an interpretive trail to a prehistoric Hohokam village.

Black Horse Ranch, a suburban development of paved streets and sidewalks lined with 400 tidy homes, many of which have been recently constructed, was an anomaly to long time Catalina residents accustomed to open land, country roads, widely spaced horse properties and trailer parks. But Catalina still has vast open areas of land.

One of the most unique resorts in Arizona is Miraval, located off Lago del Oro in Catalina. "Miraval Life in Balance", is where each activity provides an opportunity to bring life more fully into balance. Ranked as the #1 spa by readers of Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure, Miraval opens the door to self-awareness and self-acceptance. It's a destination resort where "mindfulness" is a way of life, a powerful way of approaching our lives to promote health and enjoy life. Thankfully, the benefits of "Life in Balance" are certain to last well beyond your stay.

Catalina is served by the Golder Ranch Fire District, with it's new headquarters on Golder Ranch Rd constructed in 2006.

Police protection is by the Pima County Sherriff's Dept.

The Northwest Medical Center, built in 2005 is just to the south on Tangerine Rd.

Coronado Elementry School is located on Wilds Rd just east of Oracle Rd.