(LogOut/ Started about 2pm. I loved how fiercely independent yet interdependent each plant and animal was with each other. The first part of the trail is pretty easy, but it increases in difficulty after that. 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. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. After a while, I realized that I just liked watching the diversity of life and land. Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. Required fields are marked *. The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. Trail in great shape. Your email address will not be published. In 2020, we here in Arizona suffered from many devastating wildfires, including the Bighorn Fire, which burned throughout the Catalina Mountains. However, best just to not be out there if a fire is out of hand, and part of the work is teaching people to stop starting the fires on accident or otherwise. Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trail. I use. 2 Baths. .main-inner .columns { You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. These pools look so pretty in the middle of the rugged landscape. We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. People underestimate how diverse and living the desert is. 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. Medium Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools. Be advised that the Rio Canada del Oro is currently flowing (it is normally a dry wash). Up and up you will travel, until you find the trail arching down into one of those narrow, mountain valleys. Most people stop too soon. The water was deep enough to cut off the trail right at the start. Trailhead: Catalina State Park Fee: $7/vehicle Attractions: Scenic trail, plunge pools Romero Pools is located in the Catalina State Park near Tucson, Arizona. Its 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. If you're needing overnight lodging, then Tucson would be your best place to look. You can hike the entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or turn around whenever you've had enough. Length: 6.5 miles to the pools and back The views along the trail to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that is. Share this trail: Previous Next. At this point, the trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge. Romero Pools via Romero Canyon Tucson, Arizona 4.8/5 based on 4 reviews Save View all 6 photos Review Directions Add Photo Details Distance 5.52 miles Elevation Gain 1155 ft Route Type Out-and-Back Description Added by Dofo Salazar This is a very beautiful hike that leads to a really nice set of falls and pools. We had lunch at some pools and had spectacular views along the way. adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. I love finding water in these remote areas. This cycle will change the landscape of the Sonoran Desert forever, unless we do something. The scars of Bighorn will be apparent when you hike Romero Pools Trail now, and it may be quite depressing for a very long time. The Romero Canyon Trail continues past the Romero Pools, but it seems like most of the cool rocks stop here. From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. 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. Its important that you are honest with yourself if you are feeling too tired or run out of key supplies like food or water. There was snow over night but the trail was in Great shape. } I loved it! 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). Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. Youve paid your seven bucks to get in. Takes months to expire, is durable in packs that might see some abuse and doesnt melt all over your hands. Enough water at the start we had to take off our boots! Views of the mountains during the hike is exceptional. 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. Also, follow all fire rules while camping and ensure that you know what land managers are allowing at any time. There was some water on the trails. They are a juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability, taking and giving that forms this world in balance. From there, we walked a little more than 3 miles. No matter what your level of physical fitness is, you are sure to break a sweat on this climb. We kept saying that the trails were much rougher than we remembered as we slugged along. 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. Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. Took just under 3 hours with lots of pics and a brief stop at the top. 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. After 1.7 miles from the Montrose pools, the trail will drop into a canyon and cross the wash again. Hike Description: This hike is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trail to some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains. We also put in points of interest to get you around Catalina State Park. You might as well explore a little. Beautiful looking hike. To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. I knew there was some serious fault activity in this region at some point in the past. Experience the brilliance of poppies in the springtime on the Sutherland Trail. The rugged trail climbs through craggy rock outcroppings as it heads deep into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Today, however, things are different. Creek crossing in 1st 50 yards. Hiking poles HIGHLY recommended except those who have strong legs, great knees. width: 0; This part of the trail is not as steep as what you will need to tackle further on, and it also features two different ecosystems. What we have on our hands, with buffelgrass and other exotic plant species that are spreading rapidly and hurting our native species (e.g. Continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, then turn right / south onto Oracle Road. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-right-outer { You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. Vistas, waterfalls, lots of varied terrain. Search, find, map and plan hikes for AZ & beyond! Takes about 2 hours there and back. There's also a shuttle that will take you to the top and back for a small fee. Cheers! Any car can access this trail-headeasily. Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. This is the location of the Romero Pools and the turn around point for this hike. .main-inner .column-left-outer { Visitors entering on foot or bicycle are $3. Dont show up underprepared for this one. So kick-off your shoes. Follow along for practical tips and inspiring advice. I wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert. Suggest ankle support. 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. 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. Shape your expectations based on this, and please, help us protect our mountains from further destruction. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. 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. Thus, for your sake and the sake of the local community, go prepared. The Catalina State Park is a popular destination and it's easy to see why. This isnt an easy trail. Beautiful hike. Not hard but moderate difficulty. The signed entrance to the park is at Milepost 81. First 1.1 miles is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail to the Montrose pools. I did spot a Gila Monster, which was the highlight of my day. 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. Views were beautiful as you got farther into the mountains. This is a 5.9 mile out-and-back hike with 1300 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 3-5 hours to complete. The best times to visit this trail are September through May. This is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, always opting to do it in the early part of the year. SunCloud Patrol Polarized Womens Sunglasses. . 4. --> $175,000 Open Wed 9AM - 7PM. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a travel couple dedicated to choosing a life full of fun and finding adventures worth sharing. There is also the potential for horrific consequences from irresponsible travel. The Romero Pools Trail is not appropriate for people that are not prepared via supplies and physical ability. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Catalina State Park: Romero pools hike - See 801 traveler reviews, 541 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. }. After passing through the desert, you will begin your true climb into the mountains. Trail, improvements } I could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail with the bedding plane shifted 90 degrees.