Be sure to enjoy the views as you climb. Keep your eyes peeled, as they sometimes show up alongside the trail. This is challenging hike. Flora here is pure Arizonayoull see prickly pear cactus, ridiculously spiny cholla cactus, saguaros with arms reaching up to the sky and tall yucca plants. But there is so much to see in AZ. Camping is limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. Tucson has SO many amazing hikes! Takes about 2 hours there and back. after 1.1 miles, we reached the foothills. 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. We ran out of water on a hot day, so make sure to bring lots. #layout { Here, the trail will bring you across cliffs that stretch over narrow valleys. Required fields are marked *. azutopia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The signed entrance to the park is at Milepost 81. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. Im sure there are things to be cautious of, but especially if its hot and closer to the summer. Emerald Pools. Stunning trail and the cool pools were a gift. Views were beautiful as you got farther into the mountains. Views of the mountains during the hike is exceptional. The Romero Trailhead is located within the park- follow the signs. They need their host plant when they are young, which they eventually kill as they grow. They are old and slow growing. } The water at the pools is usually very cold, which can be really nice on a hot day. If you have a trailer, ensure that your chain isnt able to touch the ground. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. Continue along the Romero Canyon trail as the trail switchbacks higher and higher. There is also the potential for horrific consequences from irresponsible travel. The Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top. Join a community with a zest for living life to its fullest. Hike Description: This hike is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trail to some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains. There's also a shuttle that will take you to the top and back for a small fee. 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. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. To reach Romero Pools, hike the Romero Canyon Trail within Catalina State Park. AZ Utopia makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the trail. width: 0; The first arms come when they are over 100 years. The next 1.7 miles are a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. Making sure there were cold beers in our fridge to celebrate with when we got home. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your invasive plants), is a dangerous cycle. if (typeof adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds === 'undefined') { Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water at the top was very refreshing! 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 Length: Hike as much as you would like to. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The views along the trail to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that is. I loved it! Romero Pools offers hikers the chance to cool off on a hot day with a refreshing swim in a gorgeous canyon. A little ice on the trail and snow on the peaks made This is typical sonoran desert hiking as you'll see plenty of your favorite cacti. Our much older blog posts can still be found here. Bring lots of water and be careful on the rocks in the pools, as they are quite slippery! 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. From the Trailhead to Romero Pass is 7.2 miles with an elevation gain of 3,300 feet, about a five-hour hike one way. If you are camping, never leave your fire unattended, clear a safe area around your flames, and make sure that your fire is completely out before leaving camp. } After 0.3 miles, Main Avenue turns into Oracle Road or SR 77. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. Grub: none of that M&M-filled stuff. This means at the very start (and end) you will have to wade through about 30 yards of water. The desert isnt for the meek. Such a pity about the fires and worse yet that they are because of humans. First aid supplies can be helpful in dire situations or in the case of an accident, however, they come in handy quite often even on hikes that go basically without a hitch. How long is Romero Pools hike? They are fully grown at 200, reaching a height of 45 with roots growing more than 60 around in all directions. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person. An experienced Tucson hiker would dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves. 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. Don't expect much solitude here. First, as you traverse the hills on your way towards the mountains, you will notice some of the charismatic plants that everyone envisions of when they think about the Sonoran Desert- like the saguaro. Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. I love finding water in these remote areas. During the summer time be sure to watch out for rattle snakes! This article covers the 15. Continue for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park. 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). _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - Steep ascents remind you how out of shape you are, while flat spaces between climbs provide a welcome respite (and also keep this hike ranked a 3 on trailvoyant.com, a local Tucson hiking resource). We didn't use poles and didn't miss them either. We hiked out wilderness of rocks to marshall gulch. This is a very popular area for hiking, horse riding, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Below, Ive listed the five things I always keep in my Camelback (other than water, duh). That being said go for it - its beautiful and worth it. It's 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. adventures and follow local regulations. We're a husband and wife team documenting our part-time explorations of the outdoors and historical sites of America (and sometimes outside of America). Trail is very well maintained and easy to follow to the water pools. Climb is tough, but the water at the end is great. Box 245067 | Tucson, Arizona 85724 (520)-626-1069 | Admin Login Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers. The lower reaches of the Catalina Mountains, as well as many other places throughout Arizona, were once used as ranching land and during these times, people encouraged the growth of grasses. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. Your email address will not be published. A scenic hike through a desert landscape with a refreshing waterfall reward at the end. If you are coming from Phoenix, you can take the I-10 down into the city and then head east to the 77, or the 79 south to the 77. 2 Beds. place Pima County, Arizona . Do not enter any private driveways please! Most people stop too soon. Tucson, AZ. The pools were great! Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which makes for a great warm-up for the hills. Its been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means weve been long overdue for another hike there. Like blood flowing through a body, the water brings life, warmth, and nourishment to a variety of desert plants and animals. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. Pack ALL of your trash out (including toilet paper), and stay on the trail at all times (except in cases when remaining on the trail would be dangerous). Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. We had to ford the stream at the start of the hike. The difficulty increases with the length of the hike. min-width: 0; Take it easygo slow, take breaks. Daylight and weather are also key- do not hike during monsoons and avoid hiking this trail at night. This fire destroyed many of the landscapes that we locals have loved and enjoyed for decades, and this means that our familiar trails are no longer familiar. Google Maps should be able to direct you to the park, and you can ask the rangers for directions to the trail when you arrive. Even if you cant physically explore the world, we hope that you enjoy the escape our site provides. The nature there is beautiful! This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. } Want to hike Tucsons best trails? 2nd pool has a nice waterfall. However, at the end, you'll see the gorgeous pools and have views of Mt. *Note: Always check for trail closures and weather information when planning your trip, beforehand or the day of. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. We didnt feel like the incline was all that difficult. Saguaros are the perfect example of life in the desert. (LogOut/ About this time, they are taking in enough water to have choked out their host plant. You might even run into a ressssident. There was some water on the trails. I wondered as I wandered off of the Romero Pools trail just what it was about the Sonoran Desert that ignited my hiking spirit twenty years earlier. Catalina State Park: Romero pools hike - See 801 traveler reviews, 541 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. parseInt("360px") + 'px'); Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. The views along the trail to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that is. 72K subscribers in the Tucson community. The hike starts at Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a sandy wash and continues on a wide footpath. Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee. Bring a map of where you are going. A scenic hike with lots of rocky areas. If you are out of shape, this could be gut wrenching but perseverance is well-rewarded. Great hike to Romero Pools today. 6.8 total Rocky but very doable. width: 360px; Ready for a hike? Its anything but nice to walk on because its often rough and jagged. Up from the wash is an alluvial plain of slowly shifting soil eroding from the mountains above. .main-inner .column-left-outer { Edit Sights to See Sutherland Trailhead Montrose Pools Add a Report donnasitesrealtor 1 week, 6 days ago dudic.gary 1 year, 10 months ago In each of these zones, an entirely new set of plants animals live. This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. 4 hrs This rocky trail follows yet another of the many gorgeous canyons climbing into the Catalinas. Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. Experience the brilliance of poppies in the springtime on the Sutherland Trail. As a result, so is this trail. One of the most accessible major peaks in the Catalinas. People underestimate how diverse and living the desert is. body { This means that buffelgrass thrives after wildfires; it grows back quickly, its seeds benefit from the fire, and in Arizona, fires also wipe out competitive species, making more room for buffelgrass. Please read our disclaimer. Length: 5.5 miles (round trip) Elevation change: 1,300 feet; Time (including travel): 4 to . Rock Springs Spur Trail to Aqua Fria River Crossing. A night hike to Romero Pools - sunset, centipede, sounds of water, red spotted toad, the pools by headlamp, stars, great company - 5.9 miles, +/- 1300 of elevation gain/loss. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Leave a comment (up top, to the left) and let me know! Your safety is your responsibility. Bring appropriate clothes (it can get cold in the higher reaches of the mountains in the mornings and in the fall/winter/spring). parseInt("0") - Once you reach the first junction, bear right to stay on course for the pools. You should also insure that you limit your impact on the trail and the environment. March 2015. } What are your favorite Tucson hikes? Bring snacks. Vistas, waterfalls, lots of varied terrain. The Romero Pools section is an extremely popular portion of this scenic trail, but there's so much more after the pools! 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. adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. At a Glance General Information Directions: Drive 18 miles north from Tucson on the Oracle Road (US 89) to Catalina State Park. Romero Canyon is a significant drainage and has the potential for flash flooding, so be cautious and look up the forecast before you go. Hiking and Inspiration from Arizonas great outdoors, $7 Day use (or Arizona State Parks Annual Pass). Continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, then turn right / south onto Oracle Road. Kicking off fromthe trailhead, the Romero Hiking Trailcrosses Sutherland wash a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally. Ive done a lot more hiking this year but not really in a desert like place such as Arizona. The Nala shoes are great for cold, wet weather but also perform well on the trail. 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. So kick-off your shoes. I lived in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to the Tucson area much. If you hike another 0.3 miles, you will encounter another set of pools. The water was deep enough to cut off the trail right at the start. A must do hike if you are visiting. ML Incinerator Ridge Trail 15. Well maintained trail. Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. Wear ankle hiking boots and bring plenty of water. You'll peak out after climbing 1000 feet. This means that there were many areas of open space between plants. It really is! One of Tucsons favorite hikes, I write up my experience on a trek to the Romero Pools. . . Romero Pools sits at about 4000, which is just the start of the pinon oak forest. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Right from the start, the Romero Hiking Trail hints at therefreshing oasisof pools and cascades that await, less than 3-milesin. Never cut switchbacks as this causes major erosion that destroys the trail and the mountain. // See https://www.blogger.com/go/adspersonalization . The first part of the trail is pretty easy, but it increases in difficulty after that. I wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert. This is a very beautiful hike that leads to a really nice set of falls and pools. We know our state well and we love it. Romero Pools. Ive lived here my whole life and I still learn about new trails every day. 91 votes, 17 comments. Quite rugged uphill but clear path. Only saw a few people on the way up. Today, however, things are different. Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. Crossed it by taking off our shoes (not waterproof). Creek crossing in 1st 50 yards. There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. Remember that grass I mentioned earlier, buffelgrass? Just like becoming one with the heat, we became one with the desert landscape. Oh darn! Smartest decision we made? Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Both should only be done with organizations that know how to safely carry out these activities. The trail climbs up an exposed ridge and only drops into the valley at the very end. Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. Beautiful weather and the water was running. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. There are lots of spots to sit and watch the more adventurous flip and jump into the water. Steep ascents remind you how out of shape you are, while flat spaces between climbs provide a welcome respite (and also keep this hike ranked a 3 on trailvoyant.com, a local Tucson hiking . But one of the trails that I did explore (and have since revisited) is Romero Pools Trail. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer { It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. This is a popular swimming hole in warmer months, water levels depending. At this point, the trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. Dogs are not allowed. Started about 2pm. Cheers! Felt more like a medium trail. Please explore responsibly! I imagine theyre most full during monsoon season, but its brutally hot then. It is not a dangerous flow. He completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park and was backpacking by age 11. CF Pima Canyon Trail 9. Not hard but moderate difficulty. Bring plenty of water. We kept saying that the trails were much rougher than we remembered as we slugged along. Bear Mountain is one of the best hikes in Arizona, . It can be very breezy and cold at times. The subreddit for Tucson, Arizona; Tucson is a city in Arizona's Sonoran Desert The vast majority of fires that get out of hand, here in AZ and elsewhere, are human-caused. Their prickly thorns look like tough and impregnable but they really are following a narrow life path of conditions that give the life. --> We hiked for another 1.7 miles to reach the pools. Fire rules are meant to help prevent fires, so please respect them. When native species die, buffelgrass has more space to grow, and thus, provide more fuel for fires.

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