This isnt an easy trail. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. These giants are the old growth forest of the American Southwest. 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. Here are other trails in Catalina State Park to explore while youre hiking Romero Pools. Also, thanks to the Good Samaritans who gave my wife some items to hold her shoes together when they both broke about 2 miles in. Trail in great shape. Creek crossing in 1st 50 yards. I loved it! This means at the very start (and end) you will have to wade through about 30 yards of water. 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. 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 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. 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. Its anything but nice to walk on because its often rough and jagged. This home has fresh interior paint and new appliances. width: 360px; Even though Mt Lemmon is 100 miles away, they have their own flavors of squirrels living at Summerhaven. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. This hike begins in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon, Tuscon AZ. The trail continues across the wash, deeper into the Coronado national forest, but these pools are a good turn around point. Started about 2pm. parseInt("360px") + 'px'); Most people stop as soon as they get to the water. Catalina state park is very popular. The first plant we noticed was the famous Saguaro cactus. 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. Finally, please help us find solutions to climate change. I imagine theyre most full during monsoon season, but its brutally hot then. I was there two weeks ago and went to the upper pools. min-width: 0; Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. padding-left: 0; The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. 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. 5mi 4h 30m Show 3 More Check-Ins Nearby Recommended Routes Canyon Loop via Horse Trail 3.1 mi 285' Up 286' Down Honeybee Canyon Short Loop 12.3 mi 456' Up 457' Down Catalina, AZ SC Blackett's Ridge Trail 19. Rock Springs Spur Trail to Aqua Fria River Crossing. Romero Pools. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . Experience the brilliance of poppies in the springtime on the Sutherland Trail. Petrified Forest National Part and North Eastern AZ, Granite Mountain (McDowell Sonoran Preserve), Box Canyon (Christopher Creek- *Technical), San Tan Regional Park - San Tan trail loops, Petrified Forest National Park and North Eastern AZ. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, then turn right / south onto Oracle Road. When we took this hike, it was after a few days of healthy rains, so the wash crossing was more interesting than usual. We hiked for another 1.7 miles to reach the pools. If you're needing overnight lodging, then Tucson would be your best place to look. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. Hiking in Arizona is really amazing. Ive done a lot more hiking this year but not really in a desert like place such as Arizona. The hike begins at Romero Canyon Trailhead. Such a pity about the fires and worse yet that they are because of humans. 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 is always something going on (bird tours, music nights) and many trails to travel. --> 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. Leave a comment (up top, to the left) and let me know! Lost trail there. Wasson Peak. We rested for about 20 minutes before heading back to the car. ML Butterfly Trail 14. We took our boots off and waded across the steadily flowing wash. Once on the other side of the wash, you'll reach a trailhead junction. An experienced Tucson hiker would dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves. The next couple miles are steep and the rocky trail climbs to the Romero Pools. . Otherwise, you will find yourself chugging up the switchbacks in mid day sun. Likewise, but more surprisingly, if you park your vehicle in grassy areas, even starting your car could spark a fire- to please be sure to avoid parking in or near grasses. Some water and a water crossing at the beginning. The Catalina State Park is a popular destination and it's easy to see why. Ample parking is available as are bathrooms. Really, people underestimate the desert. The pools are formed along a stream bed and water flows seasonally. This is a moderate hike due to the 1000 ft steady climb. The Romero Hiking Trail continues another 4.4 miles, beyond the pools, to Romero Pass (miles not included above) for those who want to hike further. 2 Baths. About 0.5 miles from the previous trail junction, you'll reach a signed spur trail for the Montrose Pools. Required fields are marked *. Our much older blog posts can still be found here. We got up early the first morning and hit the canyon loop trail and part of the Romero Pools hike. 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. People frequently have to get rescued from this canyon. It seems like every plant on the trail wants to hurt us, from cactus thorns to agave points to spikes branches of the mesquite and palo verde. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. 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. } August 29, 2017Updated: December 31, 2020by Max Karren. 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). The desert is far more full of life than many people expect! /* IE6 does not respect left and right together */ There was snow over night but the trail was in Great shape. Their prickly thorns look like tough and impregnable but they really are following a narrow life path of conditions that give the life. No problem crossing the creek in hiking boots. Bring plenty of water. Making sure there were cold beers in our fridge to celebrate with when we got home. "All county trails and parks that allow dogs require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Dont show up underprepared for this one. I loved how the Sonoran Desert shifted in each season, responding to the increases of heat and water. The Canyon Loop trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel. Youve paid your seven bucks to get in. 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). Was a little cold to get started. ML Marshall Gulch Loop 16.ML Meadow Trail 17. Felt more like a medium trail. There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). From there, we walked a little more than 3 miles. 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. Your email address will not be published. They are a juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability, taking and giving that forms this world in balance. Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. We didn't use poles and didn't miss them either. Crossed it by taking off our shoes (not waterproof). 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. The Romero Canyon Trail continues past the Romero Pools, but it seems like most of the cool rocks stop here. .main-inner .column-left-outer { It also burns extremely hot, making the impacts of fires that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating. Hi! Brown Mountain There is a water crossing at the beginning that youre probably going to get your socks and shoes wet. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. If It doesnt load the first time, hit your reset button . Mount Kimball. There is also the potential for horrific consequences from irresponsible travel. adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []; Make sure to check in when you return to your car! The trail heads down one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning its final descent to Romero Pools. margin-right: -360px; (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required)
The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. The desert isnt for the meek. Bring enough water. Was in and out in four hours. Beautiful canyon. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Same on the way back. Im sure there are things to be cautious of, but especially if its hot and closer to the summer. Beautiful hike. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Lemmon. Thanks for sharing your tips! It's roughly 80 feet in length. Catalina State Park: Return visit after many yeard - See 809 traveler reviews, 543 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. Every view is amazing on this trail, and for any hiker, local or visiting, this should be on your bucketlist. We also put in points of interest to get you around Catalina State Park. A hike in from Merrill Canyon to Romero pools in Catalina State Park. It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. 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). And make whatever changes you can in your own life to help- donate, volunteer, plant trees, and save energy. Our first time visiting the pools was in March 2010 and second time in February of [] Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. This is a hike with a very beautiful view and definitely worth doing. 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. (LogOut/ There's also a shuttle that will take you to the top and back for a small fee. We had to ford the stream at the start of the hike. When native species die, buffelgrass has more space to grow, and thus, provide more fuel for fires. And more people using the land, especially people who arent responsible, increase incidences of human-caused fire. The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). Type: Out and back Length: 8.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate One of the best hikes near Tucson is the trek from Bear Canyon along the Seven Falls Trail. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. Edit Sights to See Sutherland Trailhead Montrose Pools Add a Report donnasitesrealtor 1 week, 6 days ago dudic.gary 1 year, 10 months ago The hike to Romero Pools is Catalina State Park's most popular trail. This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Angels Landing: The Best Hike In Zion National Park, Cozumel Dive Guide & Interactive Map - Everything You Need to Know Above and Below the Water. It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. Please explore responsibly! ML Babad Do'ag Trail 13. . Your safety is your responsibility. Windows create a light filled interior with well placed neutral accents. The trailhead is located at the end of Catalina State Park road, 0.87 miles further along. The Nala shoes are great for cold, wet weather but also perform well on the trail. Bring lots of water and be careful on the rocks in the pools, as they are quite slippery! AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! min-width: 930px; 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. In 2020, we here in Arizona suffered from many devastating wildfires, including the Bighorn Fire, which burned throughout the Catalina Mountains. Once you reach the water, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert brings. width: 0; This is the location of the Romero Pools and the turn around point for this hike. Don't worry about how busy it seems - most of the people you see are probably only going as far as the dam or picnic areas. Grub: none of that M&M-filled stuff. The trail then slowly climbs up-canyon 4.4 miles to Romero Pass at 6,000 feet elevation. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. The water at the pools is usually very cold, which can be really nice on a hot day. This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. Camping is limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period. Remember that grass I mentioned earlier, buffelgrass? There is a fee to enter the park: $7/veh. Then, I used Tucson hiking as training for places like Havasu Falls or Angels Landing. Activities Hiking 3.3 mi Distance 1 hrs 59 min Time terrain 187 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a easy loop trail in Catalina State Park. padding-right: 360px; Romero Pools, Tucson. 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. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. These larger fires then burn and kill more native species. Cheers! Not hard but moderate difficulty. I lived in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to the Tucson area much. The park is open year round from5:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. daily. You'll peak out after climbing 1000 feet. You can hike the entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or turn around whenever you've had enough. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. 2 Beds. width: 0; Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. Here the pathbecomes rocky and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews. 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. As a result, so is this trail. The Romero Pools section is an extremely popular portion of this scenic trail, but there's so much more after the pools! 2nd pool has a nice waterfall. But otherwise great trail! right: 360px; Busy area even on Wednesday. What are your favorite Tucson hikes? Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. SunCloud Patrol Polarized Womens Sunglasses. 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. Its not only the changes in altitude, but also where you are on the hillside that creates different life zone. It took us two and a half hours for the out and back to the Romero pools. Your email address will not be published. Numerous small falls and distinctly gold toned pools splash downthe canyon, every one of them worth exploring. Trail Length: 5.60 miles: Trail Type: Out & Back: Hike Difficulty: Intermediate: Elevation Gain: 1046 feet: Trails/Routes: 2.8-3.5 mi However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work. Any car can access this trail-headeasily. You should also insure that you limit your impact on the trail and the environment. Nice refreshing hike when theres water. CF Canyon Loop Trail 6. Nature, Catalina, 50-Year and Bridle Trail Loop, Sutherland, Trail Link, and Nature Trail Loop, Golder Ranch, 50 Year Trail, and Middlegate Loop, Dripping Springs Loop from Catalina State Park Back Entrance. Just like becoming one with the heat, we became one with the desert landscape. 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. The first arms come when they are over 100 years. //
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