Always a gorgeous hike! Length: 6.5 miles to the pools and back. Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Hard 4.6 (2919) Catalina State Park Photos (3,289) Directions Print/PDF map Length 8.9 kmElevation gain 403 mRoute type Out & Back Explore this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. This is challenging hike. Follow along for practical tips and inspiring advice. "The next 1.7 miles is a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. The vast majority of fires that get out of hand, here in AZ and elsewhere, are human-caused. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. The mountains are also powerful and awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks that reach up from the desert to heights that make forests possible. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. But otherwise great trail! We didn't use poles and didn't miss them either. There was snow over night but the trail was in Great shape. It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. Take a dip. Youll stretch your legs up and over steep steps, hop from rock to rock and carefully balance close to the trails edge. There is a water crossing at the beginning that youre probably going to get your socks and shoes wet. The views were pretty but the pools were not impressive enough to endure the long, rocky hike. Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers. 1,732 Tucson AZ Homes for Sale. Wear ankle hiking boots and bring plenty of water. This article covers the 15. Required fields are marked *. The Canyon Loop trail is an easy hike through the foothills that begins and ends at the Trailhead parking lot. You have the option to either hop on a tram that will take you to the 7 Falls trailhead for $4 a person, or walk the 2 miles yourself. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-right-outer { --> A friendly chipmunk, which we spotted far from that guy <, 9 Unexpected Things You Should Pack for a Long Vacation Arizona Travels, Head lamp: good for dusk and dawn hikes. Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. First 1.1 miles is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail to the Montrose pools. Fire rules are meant to help prevent fires, so please respect them. Water was flowing great at the end. Let them know when you are leaving, when you expect to get home, and that you will check in when you are done. Help hold major polluting companies accountable for their impacts so that they will innovate on solutions. Everyone needs to be aware of this huge impact, how to help mitigation the impacts of these natural disasters, and what it means for us here on the West Coast. It's one of the few Tucson hikes with water year-round; and there are plenty of trees that provide greenery in spring/summer and pretty foliage through the fall (and most of the winter). Up to Romero pools in about 2 hrs, down and back to trailhead in about 1 1/2 hours for this senior citizen of 71 years. 4. Was in and out in four hours. We paid $7 for a day pass (check the calendar to time your visit with an event and get the most bang for your buck) and followed the road to the trail head. For us, it was a bit of a slug fest. SC Blackett's Ridge Trail 19. Vistas, waterfalls, lots of varied terrain. April 2018 is a dry year. Any car can access this trail-headeasily. Romero Pools. In the past, lightning could light fires in the desert, but the pre-colonial Sonoran Desert was patchy. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. A scenic hike with lots of rocky areas. This isnt an easy trail. The trail climbs up an exposed ridge and only drops into the valley at the very end. It really is- hope the fire didnt destroy it all. } 91 votes, 17 comments. About this time, they are taking in enough water to have choked out their host plant. So kick-off your shoes. The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). This moderate trail out of Catalina State Park will give you sweeping views of Oro Valley and cool pools you can dip your toes in at the end. It took us two and a half hours for the out and back to the Romero pools. It is not a dangerous flow. } Enough water at the start we had to take off our boots! Shape your expectations based on this, and please, help us protect our mountains from further destruction. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. Hikers should leave ample time for a return trip from Romero Pass, which is about a five-hour one-way hike. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Hiking in Arizona is really amazing. Dogs are allowed for the first mile or so, after which the trail runs through Bighorn Sheep wilderness, which is strictly protected and dogs are strictly forbidden. When you pause, youll hear the rustling of wildlife among tall, dry grass; calls to each other with buzzes, tweets and chirps. The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which makes for a great warm-up for the hills. The Romero Pools section is an extremely popular portion of this scenic trail, but there's so much more after the pools! Stunning trail and the cool pools were a gift. } We know our state well and we love it. Bear Mountain is one of the best hikes in Arizona, . The trail then slowly climbs up-canyon 4.4 miles to Romero Pass at 6,000 feet elevation. (LogOut/ Romero Canyon Trail ends at Romero Pass, where it intersects Mt. The enigma of Saguaros having thorns and housing birds at the same time made me respect the strength of and forgiveness of the powerful people in my life. Hiking and Inspiration from Arizonas great outdoors, $7 Day use (or Arizona State Parks Annual Pass). And make whatever changes you can in your own life to help- donate, volunteer, plant trees, and save energy. A hike in from Merrill Canyon to Romero pools in Catalina State Park. Your email address will not be published. Tucson, AZ. We had to ford the stream at the start of the hike. Mature saguaros 120 root span sucks a lot of valuable water out of the ground, which keeps other plants from growing, but it also stabilizes a considerable amount of soil from washing away in the monsoon floods. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. Hi! I know I did the first 2 times I went here. No problem crossing the creek in hiking boots. Do not enter any private driveways please! This trail goes by Montrose Pools and Sutherland Trailhead. Copyright 2019 American Expeditioners | All Rights Reserved | Photo Usage | Sitemap, 5 Free Scenic Attractions Along the Columbia River, A Day Trip Guide to Visiting Lundy Island, Driving in Great Britain: Road Trip Tips From an American Perspective, Revolutionary War Weekend, A Reenactment at George Washingtons Mount Vernon, Offroad Through Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park West, 10 Ghost Towns In Arizona That Are Actually Worth Visiting, The Ultimate Washington State Bucket List: 201 Historical & Outdoorsy Things To Do. To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. (LogOut/ Our work will help you visit bucketlist destinations that everyone sees, but more importantly, to find mind-blowing destinations that most might not be aware of. One of the most accessible major peaks in the Catalinas. Tell a friend or family member what trail you are planning on hiking. As for jumping in the water, you actually have to be careful because if the water isnt deep enough you might not be safe there. This is a very popular area for hiking, horse riding, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. As the morning progressed it got a bit warmer so appreciate the angle that Mr. Misadventures chose for this post as my face was a big sweaty mess, but boy did my . _width: 930px; We didnt feel like the incline was all that difficult. invasive plants), is a dangerous cycle. $175,000 Open Wed 9AM - 7PM. Our much older blog posts can still be found here. Gave 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls. An experienced Tucson hiker would dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves. This section of the hike gains a little elevation, but is mostly flat for about 0.6 miles until you reach the next signed trail junction (JCT_1R on the map) with the Canyon Loop trail. Once we realize that we are only an observer, we could see the true beauty and diversity of life here. Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. He's now a full-time nomad and travels the American West in an RV with his wife Kim and daughter Maia, doing hikes along the way. A handkerchief: use it to soak up sweat, pour some water over it and tie it around your neck to cool you down, tie it around an unfortunate injury as a bandagethe possibilities are endless. From Tucson, follow Speedway Boulevard east. A scenic hike through a desert landscape with a refreshing waterfall reward at the end. Beautiful canyon. Vote for leaders that are committed to making positive changes that help us successfully transition our economy away from dirty energy. From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. Starting from Catalina State Park, you wind your way up the rocky slopes of the Catalina Mountains for about 3-miles until you reach Romero Pools. Our hike started in the Sutherland Wash, a dry waterway filled with wispy mesquite trees that send tap roots down to the water table below. Overtourism can lead to overcrowding, environmental damage, and cultural disruption. People frequently have to get rescued from this canyon. Don't expect much solitude here. However, at the end, you'll see the gorgeous pools and have views of Mt. } // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers } The golden hue comes from the roots of the Mexican Oaktrees which leak color into the stream. Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. However, Romero Pools has recently been impacted by a massive wildfire that happened in 2020- so besides being an attraction for its beauty and work out status, this trail is also a showcase of what fire can and does do in Arizona. Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trail. This is a very beautiful hike that leads to a really nice set of falls and pools. The creek itself is pretty dry most of the year, but after a rain it's a wonderful place to cool off and escape from the merciless desert heat. Hike and Swim at Romero Pools near Tucson, Arizona. Brown Mountain I would love to go hiking around here. Park at the end of the road. Nice refreshing hike when theres water. There is a fee to enter the park: $7/veh. after 1.1 miles, we reached the foothills. One of Tucsons favorite hikes, I write up my experience on a trek to the Romero Pools. Windows create a light filled interior with well placed neutral accents. Lizards of every description dart across the trail. There is always something going on (bird tours, music nights) and many trails to travel. Box 245067 | Tucson, Arizona 85724 (520)-626-1069 | Admin Login I was there two weeks ago and went to the upper pools. ML Butterfly Trail 14. ML Wilderness of Rock 18. Quick Facts These larger fires then burn and kill more native species. From Romero Pools cross Romero Pass at 6,080 feet before descending on the West Fork Trail #24 before turning south on Sabino Canyon Trail #23. HAZ uses cookies . Making the final descent, acascade of small waterfalls and shallow poolsbegin to spread out below the trail, while the high peaks ofthe Santa Catalinas peerdown from above. The difficulty increases with the length of the hike. Day-use fees are $7 per car (1-4 adults) or $3 per person for walkers or bicyclists. Lots of water everywhere including parts of the trail which makes some parts slippery. Otherwise, you will find yourself chugging up the switchbacks in mid day sun. These invasive plants cover ground previously open, allowing fires to spread further, faster, and hotter. I imagine theyre most full during monsoon season, but its brutally hot then. The hiking trail is an easy one and is quite scenic complete with pretty yellow wildflowers. Your safety is your responsibility. Its for the strong, and spiky who give their own brand of love. If you are in Tucson, take the 77 north to the state park. I like the Sweet & Spicy Pecan mix from Trader Joes. Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee of $7/vehicle. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The first plant we noticed was the famous Saguaro cactus. Same on the way back. D riving along busy Oracle Road, with its plethora of housing developments and shopping malls, one does not expect the grand and wild beauty that awaits just inside the entrance to Catalina State Park. Login and be the first to review! Invasive fountain grass in the Catalinas (c) ABR 2019, Bathroom Facilities: Yes, at the trailhead, Entrance Fee: $7.00 per vehicle (4 people) via Catalina State Park. The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which. CF Ventana Canyon 12. Long Hike: to Romero Spring 10 miles - B+ Short Hike: To Romero Pools 6 miles - B Alltrails description and map of the hike Directions: Take 1-10 south and take Exit 240. What are your favorite Tucson hikes? Smartest decision we made? We hiked out wilderness of rocks to marshall gulch. Still, this looks amazing and something I would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona. Ready for a hike? Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. We kept saying that the trails were much rougher than we remembered as we slugged along. They are fully grown at 200, reaching a height of 45 with roots growing more than 60 around in all directions. An observant hiker can see millions of years of geologic history in the rocks at their feet. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. And it is here, that you will begin to see the pools for which this trail is named. It's true it's hard but it's a beautiful challenge. . Romero Canyon Pools. You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. Busy area even on Wednesday. Making sure there were cold beers in our fridge to celebrate with when we got home. Share this trail: Previous Next. The Canyon Loop trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel. March 2015. But there is so much to see in AZ. Be sure to enjoy the views as you climb. The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. width: auto; adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). The Nala shoes are great for cold, wet weather but also perform well on the trail. After enjoying the pools, return the way you came. #layout { #layout .region-inner { You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. The trailhead is located at the end of Catalina State Park road, 0.87 miles further along. Here, you will find that the plants become more green, more lush. From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. Quite rugged uphill but clear path. Really, people underestimate the desert. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. }. Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 5.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,322 feet; Some of these were native and others, like buffelgrass, were introduced from other parts of the world. Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norn, (2) Always Let Someone Know Where You Are Hiking, Romero Pools Trail: A Hiking Guide from an Arizona Local, Two Classic Short Hikes in Tucson, AZ: Tanque Verde and Tumamoc Hill, Two Challenging Grand Canyon South Rim Day Hikes. You may think that wildfires are natural to the Sonoran Desert, and in a way, you are right. Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . The trail now starts to gain elevation more aggressively and steadily for the remainder of the hike to the pools. Grub: none of that M&M-filled stuff. We weren't allowed to interact with sea lions at t, You know how the saying goes - when life gives you, This was my first sunset of my first @UnCruise in, Rickwood caverns might be Alabama's most adventuro, It's finally time for me to start my first UnCruis, We're excited to try UnCruise, because, at Coleman, 15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Petra Jordan, Understanding Overtourism And How To Travel Responsibly, Comprehensive Luxury Jordan Itinerary - Experience the Best of Jordan, the latest CDC recommendations for travelers, Trailhead: Catalina State Park. There are lots of spots to sit and watch the more adventurous flip and jump into the water. Great hike to Romero Pools today. I advise you start this hike as early as possible. If you cross the stream and continue on about a half mile or so maybe a little less you get to see some more pools and water falls, A beautiful short day hike ending at beautiful cool pools of water and several small waterfalls. The Romero Trailhead is located within the park- follow the signs. .content-outer, .content-fauxcolumn-outer, .region-inner { Join me now for this guide of the Romero Pools Trail- if you are visiting Tucson post-2020, this is a must-add for any hikers bucketlist. Started about 2pm. Be prepared to get wet lots of people on the trails today. Emerald Pools. Oh shoot! Rugged Ocotillo, with their branches covered in thorns, claim the sun and the rocks while the majestic Saguaros dominate the north and east slopes that provide just a little relief from the blazing sun. Once you reach the first junction, bear right to stay on course for the pools. Rock Springs Spur Trail to Aqua Fria River Crossing. For the non-geologists reading Gneiss ( /nas/) is a common distributed type of rock formed by high-grade regional metamorphic processes from pre-existing formations that were originally either igneous or sedimentary rock. I fully admit that this hike kicked my butt, and there were several pauses where I found myself asking, Can I do this? All I can say is KEEP.GOING. . Want to hike Tucsons best trails? Crossed it by taking off our shoes (not waterproof). width: 0; Theres little respite from the sun on the most difficult part of the trail, so wear a hat and sunscreen and DRINK WATER (I drank my Camelback dry).