There is evidence that the park and surrounding area have been continuously occupied since about 5000 BCE by the Hohokam people.

The namesake of this ruin, Francisco Romero, built a ranch on the site in the 19th century, and most likely used stone from the previous Hohokam structure to build his house, and fortifications to protect him from the Apache.

Catalina State Park was established through a complex process initiated in the early 1970s, when a proposed housing development on Rancho Romero land met significant public opposition.

Through land exchanges, leases, and appropriations, the park was eventually dedicated by Governor Bruce Babbitt on May 25, 1983.

The Bighorn Fire burned parts of Catalina State Park and caused damage to trails and vegetation.