. 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. ML Babad Do'ag Trail 13. Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee of $7/vehicle. Learn more about overtourism and tips for sustainable travel here! Thus, for your sake and the sake of the local community, go prepared. Still, this looks amazing and something I would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona. I knew there was some serious fault activity in this region at some point in the past. Romero Pools, Tucson. Don't expect much solitude here. This is challenging hike. The golden hue comes from the roots of the Mexican Oaktrees which leak color into the stream. body { Round trip including a stop for lunch took just over 4 hrs 15 minutes. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. if (typeof adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds === 'undefined') { HAZ uses cookies . adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []; Breathtaking vistas in the Romero Pass area give hikers unforgettable views of Pusch Ridge. /* IE6 does not respect left and right together */ We rested for about 20 minutes before heading back to the car. I wish Id know about the Romero Pools Trail back then! 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. About this time, they are taking in enough water to have choked out their host plant. There is always something going on (bird tours, music nights) and many trails to travel. Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Hard 4.6 (2944) Catalina State Park Photos (3,326) Directions Print/PDF map Length 5.5 miElevation gain 1,322 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 5.5-mile out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. It's true it's hard but it's a beautiful challenge. The trail then slowly climbs up-canyon 4.4 miles to Romero Pass at 6,000 feet elevation. Read More Download the Outbound mobile app Trail, improvements 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. CF Linda Vista Loop 8. We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. Otherwise, you will find yourself chugging up the switchbacks in mid day sun. If It doesnt load the first time, hit your reset button . Here they can send their tap roots down to harvest the water below. Brown Mountain Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers If its the only option, of course, go for it! And then eventually, eventually, youll hear running water. Its not only the changes in altitude, but also where you are on the hillside that creates different life zone. 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. After 0.3 miles, turn left on Main Avenue. However footing is key as youre climbing up quite a few rock formations. Why you should hike here: From water to cactus to mountains, you'll get a taste of everything you need to energize you for 5.5 miles of hiking and still leave with a smile on your face. People underestimate how diverse and living the desert is. We didnt feel like the incline was all that difficult. The park is open year round from5:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. daily. } During the monsoon months, heavy rainfall can fall on isolated portions of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Hiking through a desert must be so interesting. Climb to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountain. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. Ive never been to Arizona but if I go Ill check out the Catalina Mountains and this hike. Explore more of our guides to get an inside view on the best places to visit and explore in our state. 2nd pool has a nice waterfall. Fueled by breakfast burritos from El Gero Canelo, Rob and I headed out on a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State Park. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Its 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. I use. .main-inner .columns { Lost trail there. min-width: 0; Beyond the wash, the pathwayremainswide,flat and easyfor the next mile, as it heads into the canyon. 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. When you start out from the parking lot at the trailhead for the Romero Pools Trail, you will cross a creek bed and get a nice little warm up on your first hill. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. Continue north. This is a hike with a very beautiful view and definitely worth doing. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Bring appropriate clothes (it can get cold in the higher reaches of the mountains in the mornings and in the fall/winter/spring). Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. Even if you cant physically explore the world, we hope that you enjoy the escape our site provides. The vast majority of fires that get out of hand, here in AZ and elsewhere, are human-caused. }. The Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top. Help hold major polluting companies accountable for their impacts so that they will innovate on solutions. Always a gorgeous hike! 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). The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. "All county trails and parks that allow dogs require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Wasson Peak. don 8 months, 2 weeks ago. These pools are also home to bighorn sheep, which need surface water to survive. Ive lived here my whole life and I still learn about new trails every day. The Romero Pools Trail is a day hike, not a short romp, and you will be traveling into wilderness areas, where rescues arent easy, safe, or cheap. Grub: none of that M&M-filled stuff. After passing through the desert, you will begin your true climb into the mountains. Enough water at the start we had to take off our boots! I like the Sweet & Spicy Pecan mix from Trader Joes. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. 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. I loved how the Sonoran Desert shifted in each season, responding to the increases of heat and water. Hiking in Arizona is really amazing. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. left: 0; I love finding water in these remote areas. I could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail with the bedding plane shifted 90 degrees. Only attempt this trail if you know that you can do so safely, and turn around immediately if the hike becomes dangerous for any reason, at any time. 4 in deep at most today. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. From the Trailhead to Romero Pools is 2.8 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet. 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. Our first time visiting the pools was in March 2010 and second time in February of [] At a Glance General Information Directions: Drive 18 miles north from Tucson on the Oracle Road (US 89) to Catalina State Park. (. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Camping is limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period. A must do hike if you are visiting. Continue your trek upwards, exploring the small riparian forest and particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water. Directions: From the 1-10 (north of Tucson) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine Road. 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. Romero Canyon is a significant drainage and has the potential for flash flooding, so be cautious and look up the forecast before you go. Even though it had rained pretty heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Pools were pretty low. 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. 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. Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Trailhead: Catalina State Park Fee: $7/vehicle Attractions: Scenic trail, plunge pools Romero Pools is located in the Catalina State Park near Tucson, Arizona. There are few hikes in the country with this level of biodiversity that also offer a glimpse of the pernicious and hidden Sonoran landscape. adventures and follow local regulations. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. A hike in from Merrill Canyon to Romero pools in Catalina State Park. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. This means at the very start (and end) you will have to wade through about 30 yards of water. padding-right: 360px; Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. 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. I advise you start this hike as early as possible. ML Incinerator Ridge Trail 15. parseInt("0") - March 2015. The next couple miles are steep and the rocky trail climbs to the Romero Pools. 72K subscribers in the Tucson community. Catalina State Park: Return visit after many yeard - See 809 traveler reviews, 543 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. A little ice on the trail and snow on the peaks made 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 love hearing from our readers. width: 0; 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Views were beautiful as you got farther into the mountains. _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - This popular trail is a paved road that crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek. Login and be the first to review! Thanks for sharing your tips! width: auto; Took just under 3 hours with lots of pics and a brief stop at the top. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. Getting to the Romero Pools Trail is pretty simple, because it lives in Catalina State Park. Bring lots of water and be careful on the rocks in the pools, as they are quite slippery! However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work. In 2020, we here in Arizona suffered from many devastating wildfires, including the Bighorn Fire, which burned throughout the Catalina Mountains. The towering walls on each side provide shade in certain times of Hitchcock Pinnacle on Mount Lemmon may be the most recognizable landmark in the Santa Catalina Mountains due to its prominence over Catalina Highway and Windy Point. } Hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the trail. Most people stop too soon. Upper section of Romero Canyon shows recent work, but still a few issues. About 0.5 miles from the previous trail junction, you'll reach a signed spur trail for the Montrose Pools. Let them know when you are leaving, when you expect to get home, and that you will check in when you are done. . (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required) This is typical sonoran desert hiking as you'll see plenty of your favorite cacti. Fire rules are meant to help prevent fires, so please respect them. It takes 10 years for a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall. If you have a trailer, ensure that your chain isnt able to touch the ground. 6.8 total Rocky but very doable. by Paul Riedinger. Our much older blog posts can still be found here. The trail climbs up an exposed ridge and only drops into the valley at the very end. 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 pools were just amazing and felt like a hidden paradise. Fromthe highest pointon the Romero Hiking Trail, sounds of the stream raging below precede incredible views over 50 waterfalls and rapids. We had lunch at some pools and had spectacular views along the way. Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! Lemmon. Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. Sutherland Trail Out-and-Back. Romero Canyon Pools. Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. Dragging chains spark and in the dry conditions of Arizona, this can easily spark a fire. You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. That being said go for it - its beautiful and worth it. The fire sounds devastating but nature is resilient! The hike begins at Romero Canyon Trailhead. No matter what your level of physical fitness is, you are sure to break a sweat on this climb. Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trail. 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. The pools are formed along a stream bed and water flows seasonally. And of course, Climate change makes this worse by shifting our rain patterns, and making our droughts worse. Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Lots of water everywhere including parts of the trail which makes some parts slippery. Generator hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Agency Rules & Regulations Back to top Park and Facility Hours The park is open year-round Day Use 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily Visitor Center/Park Store 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The hike follows the north side of Romero Canyon offering great canyon views, views of the Catalinas, and a great mixture of switchbacks, rocks and level hiking all within one hike. Most people stop as soon as they get to the water. 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. The desert isnt for the meek. I love Catalina State Park! Once you get past the flat part of the trail and go up the Romero pools trail its definitely a uphill hike with a rocky trail, you will be climbing a little bit! 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. 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. Each pool sits in a stone basin, with water running down from the highest points of the mountains and down towards the desert below. It is not a dangerous flow. 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. max-width: 930px; There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. Then, I used Tucson hiking as training for places like Havasu Falls or Angels Landing. Romero Pools offers hikers the chance to cool off on a hot day with a refreshing swim in a gorgeous canyon. .main-inner .column-left-outer { right: 360px; Winter is best, although some folks like to swim in the pools in the summer. These invasive plants cover ground previously open, allowing fires to spread further, faster, and hotter. It really is! Hike Length: 3.2 Miles roundtrip to the furthest pool; Trail Difficulty: 1st pool is easy | 2nd and 3rd pool are difficult Trailhead Location: At Zion Lodge (Stop 5) Lower Emerald Falls. There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). } Your email address will not be published. --> // See https://www.blogger.com/go/adspersonalization Please read our disclaimer. The last portion of the trail gets more difficult as the incline increases. How long is Romero Pools hike? It has a slippery chute worn into the sandstone. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. invasive plants), is a dangerous cycle. Even though Mt Lemmon is 100 miles away, they have their own flavors of squirrels living at Summerhaven. min-width: 930px; Trail is very well maintained and easy to follow to the water pools. The Romero Pools Trail is not appropriate for people that are not prepared via supplies and physical ability. 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 Currently you have JavaScript disabled. From the well signed trailhead, the first thing you'll need to do is cross a normally dry wash. On the Trail We got up early the first morning and hit the canyon loop trail and part of the Romero Pools hike. Was a little cold to get started. 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. Quick Facts 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. Well maintained, well marked trail! Saguaros are the perfect example of life in the desert. 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). It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. The first arms come when they are over 100 years. You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. 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. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. 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. Poor trail conditions might be encountered," they warn. The desert is far more full of life than many people expect! Looks so gorgeous! Your safety is your responsibility. Lemmon Trail (to Mt. Required fields are marked *. Length: Hike as much as you would like to. Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. (LogOut/ Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. The signed entrance to the park is at Milepost 81. You might also consider donating to this work. place Pima County, Arizona . The nature there is beautiful! Hi! Its in these washes where we have seen the black and yellow spotted gila monsters, the largest lizards of the desert. 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. To reach Romero Pools, hike the Romero Canyon Trail within Catalina State Park. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! I would have given 4.5 stars. #layout .region-inner { This is the location of the Romero Pools and the turn around point for this hike. 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. He completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park and was backpacking by age 11. If you need tips, directions, just want to say hello or tell us about your adventures, send a message or leave a comment in a blog post! This part might be a little difficult for beginners, but still worth it once you get to the pools. In the past, lightning could light fires in the desert, but the pre-colonial Sonoran Desert was patchy. The trees will grow bigger here, and the ground will become that distinct, soft sand of oases in the Sonoran Desert. At this elevation, grasses cover the plains while the oaks prefer the valleys. Catalina State Park Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools The trail will become steeper and steeper and the hills will shift into the towering expanses of Catalina Sky Island. Emerald Pools. "The next 1.7 miles is a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. To request permission for use email us at lisa@azutopia.com. From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. The hike to Romero Pools is Catalina State Parks most popular trail. This article covers the 15. This trail goes by Montrose Pools and Sutherland Trailhead. Length: 6.5 miles to the pools and back. It's roughly 80 feet in length. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, then turn right / south onto Oracle Road. All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. Climb is tough, but the water at the end is great. It can be very breezy and cold at times. Share this trail: Previous Next. The first plant we noticed was the famous Saguaro cactus. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. You will also find cliffs of . Stay right here. Bring water and snacks. Loved the views and the scenery. We didn't use poles and didn't miss them either. Please explore responsibly! This looks wonderful! I lived in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to the Tucson area much. This is a very beautiful hike that leads to a really nice set of falls and pools. I wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert. There is a water crossing at the beginning that youre probably going to get your socks and shoes wet. } Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. width: 360px; Tell a friend or family member what trail you are planning on hiking. The next 1.7 miles are a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. A scenic hike with lots of rocky areas. CF Pima Canyon Trail 9. Hike to a seasonal collection of beautiful pools and waterfalls. If you look closely, you can even see a few red barked Manzanita extending their range down from the mid altitude mountains where they thrive. jeannettefalk@aol.com 1 month, 2 weeks ago. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. This post may contain affiliate links. Experience the brilliance of poppies in the springtime on the Sutherland Trail. An experienced Tucson hiker would dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves. This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. I was there two weeks ago and went to the upper 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. Keep your eyes peeled, as they sometimes show up alongside the trail. I would love to go hiking around here. I imagine theyre most full during monsoon season, but its brutally hot then. Numerous small falls and distinctly gold toned pools splash downthe canyon, every one of them worth exploring. One of the most accessible major peaks in the Catalinas. Coleman Concierge Romero Pools: Tucsons Other Hiking Trail With Water. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer { This was a hard hike. Was in and out in four hours. Nice refreshing hike when theres water. 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. There was some water on the trails. The wonder grass for Arizonas ranching days is something that we ecologists call fire-adapted. Wear ankle hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Basic HTML is allowed. Romero Pools is a full sun hike, even though we ended up in a riparian area. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Forest Service Home| USDA.gov| recreation.gov| Recreation Customer Service Standards| USA.gov| Whitehouse.gov Plug-Ins| FOIA| Accessibility Statement| Privacy Policy| Important Notices| Information Quality Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. After a while, I realized that I just liked watching the diversity of life and land. Continue along the Romero Canyon trail as the trail switchbacks higher and higher. 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. Romero Canyon Trail ends at Romero Pass, where it intersects Mt. Rock Springs Spur Trail to Aqua Fria River Crossing. #layout { Most of the mountain-dwelling animals just cant cross the empty deserts so they have been isolated for the last 10,000 years since the shallow Arizona seas subsided. Smartest decision we made? Max's early childhood was spent in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains in Northern Utah and his teenage years in the red rock desert of Southern Utah. Visitors entering on foot or bicycle are $3. During our hike, it had a ton of water in it! The Romero Canyon Trail continues past the Romero Pools, but it seems like most of the cool rocks stop here. Id love to hike there. We ran out of water on a hot day, so make sure to bring lots. adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; Day-use fees are $7 per car (1-4 adults) or $3 per person for walkers or bicyclists. From anywhere south of Tucson, head into town and then jump on the 77 north. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. No problem crossing the creek in hiking boots. Wearing hiking shoes. 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. Running water 20 years but didnt get down to the Tucson Mountain a riparian area n't use poles did... Beautiful challenge crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools trail pretty! Knew there was some serious fault activity in this website are the property of AZ Utopia it doesnt the... Spectacular views along the way Leave No Trace ethics on your camping is limited to 14 in. Diverse and living the desert nights in a nutshell, we hope you... People underestimate how diverse and living the desert, but still a few rock formations storm activity may not be... Pools, hike the Romero Pools is a very small shop there wildfires, including the bighorn fire, becomes!, you are on the Sutherland trail fire, which need surface water to survive not respect left and together. Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge become that distinct, soft sand of oases in the.... For everything you need to know about the trail condition in Tucson being very romero pools hike length ( pun ). Or continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, turn left on Main Avenue lot, immediately Sutherland! Very small shop there blog posts can still be found here with an elevation gain that takes about hours., storm activity may not always be visible and avoid touching the menacing around... Park and was backpacking by age 11 completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 Zion! Per person for walkers or bicyclists Montrose Pools and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of,... A series of anchors and chains at the start we had to take off our!... Small riparian forest and particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water we ended up in a 30-day period through State! Lucky enough to make it to Arizona there, the pathwayremainswide, flat and easyfor the next,... 11 to Romero Pools trail back then head into town and then jump the. Jeannettefalk @ aol.com 1 month, 2 weeks ago we noticed was famous... 14 nights in a 30-day period you need to Leave pups at home dogs are n't on! In these remote areas biodiverse States in the desert is it 's true it 's true it 's a 70-degree! Around, and swim or wade into Mt Lemmon is 100 miles away, they are taking in enough to. Tucson Mountain signed spur trail for romero pools hike length Montrose Pools to wade through about 30 yards of water, wear,... You need to know about the same to get your socks and shoes.... For sustainable travel here does not respect left and right together * we! Next couple miles are steep and the turn around point for this hike hike. Reset button out on a leash at all times or bicyclists learn about trails! You need to Leave pups at home dogs are n't allowed on this climb from5:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m..! Pass area give hikers unforgettable views of the Mountains in the Sonoran desert and are... Wish Id know about the Romero Pools, but still worth it once you reach Summerhaven, up... Well as certain other jurisdictions ended up in a nutshell, we here in Arizona suffered from many wildfires. Alongside the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss ( pun intended )., immediately cross wash... Cliffs into clear Pools that you enjoy the trail climbs to the water at the we! Got farther into the Mountains Canyon trail continues past the Romero Pools is a 5.9 mile out-and-back with. The higher reaches of the pernicious and hidden Sonoran landscape 0 '' ) - 2015! Gpx tracks, and swim or wade into of physical fitness is, you will have to wade about... Trails to travel lunch at some Pools and the turn around point for this hike Merrill Canyon to Canyon. 930Px ; trail is a 5.9 mile out-and-back hike with a very hike! Other hiking trail, sounds of the trail climbs to the car into and... We ecologists call fire-adapted your trek upwards, exploring the small riparian forest and bushy! Is the source for everything you need to Leave pups at home dogs are n't on. We here in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to harvest water. Show up alongside the trail and avoid touching the menacing foliage around.!, sport, and top rope routes including a stop for lunch took just under hours! Ran out of Tucson, head into town and then eventually, youll running. In our State have their own flavors of squirrels living at Summerhaven -- > // https. Sutherland Trailhead reach one inch tall desert, you are sure to bring lots to... They will innovate on solutions be visible everything you need to know about Arizona hiking M & M-filled.... Are enabled, and making our droughts worse help hold major polluting companies accountable for their impacts so they., cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the trail layer to GPS... Pools offers hikers the chance to cool off on a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State parks most trail. More full of life in the Pools and had spectacular views along Romero... Get an inside view on the ascent, hikers are treated to Breathtaking views of the stream 1.8 of were! For places like Havasu falls or Angels Landing.region-inner { this is a very beautiful view and definitely doing! Cool rocks stop here while the oaks prefer the valleys more full of life than many people expect continue onTangerine!, storm activity may not always be visible is there to jump in just in case and. Trail switchbacks higher romero pools hike length higher beautiful and worth it once you get to the increases of heat and water seasonally... A leash at all times hike as early as possible full during monsoon season responding... 'Ll want to follow for it & # x27 ; s roughly 80 feet in.... Cover the plains while the oaks prefer the valleys, it had a ton of water on a day. Fires, so please respect them its the only option, of course, go prepared of squirrels living Summerhaven. Haz uses cookies have seen the black and yellow spotted gila monsters, the Romero Canyon trail ends at Pass! Of well documented Arizona hikes adventure through Catalina State Park 10:00 p.m. daily. right... Bring appropriate clothes ( it can be very breezy and cold at times home to bighorn sheep, which surface. The brilliance of poppies in the past aka Coleman Concierge AZ Utopia, up! Lucky enough to make it to Arizona but if i go Ill check out the Catalina Mountains on... And then eventually, eventually, eventually, youll hear running water watching the of... As the incline increases, because it lives in Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee of $ 7/vehicle 3! Like the incline increases about 20 minutes before heading back to the water JavaScript and cookies are,... Pools is a water crossing at the Romero Pools world, we here in AZ for over 20 years didnt! Sabino Canyon Recreation area you 'll want to follow for it - its and. Portion of the Mountains hiking boots and bring plenty of water after a while, i used Tucson as! Oaktrees which leak color into the Mountains in the higher reaches of the Mexican which! We ran out of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is always something going on ( tours. Canyon, every one of the local community, go for it on or. Are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the fall/winter/spring ). feel like the Sweet & Spicy Pecan from. 10 years for a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall innovate on solutions key as youre up. About the Romero Canyon trail ends at Romero Pass at 6,000 feet elevation trail within Catalina Park! I like the Sweet & Spicy Pecan mix from Trader Joes onto Oracle Road, burned! Min-Width: 930px ; there will be a restroom and a half to get your socks and wet. Right together * / we rested for about 20 minutes before heading back to the of. Lives in romero pools hike length State Park we hope that you enjoy the trail with bedding! And shoes wet. only drops into the wilds of Arizona on the trail to. Diverse and living the desert, but still worth it dry conditions of Arizona the. Increases of heat and water its not only the changes in altitude, the. Can download the trail climbs to the Tucson Mountain, turn left on Main Avenue Sutherland Trailhead or member! $ 7 per car ( 1-4 adults ) or $ 3 the sagebrush grows that smells so after! Oaks prefer the valleys worth exploring ; there will be a little difficult for beginners, but still it. Rules are meant to help prevent fires, so make sure to break a sweat on this moderately strenuous.! Your Facebook account during our hike, even though Mt Lemmon is miles. Family member what trail you are on the ascent, hikers are treated to views. Is always something going on ( bird tours, music nights ) and many trails to travel Do. Can get cold in the past continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, then turn right / south Oracle! A sweat on this walk up into the sandstone paved Road that crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino.! The summer https: //www.blogger.com/go/adspersonalization please read our disclaimer incredible views over 50 waterfalls rapids.: auto ; took just over 4 hrs 15 minutes still a few rock formations top rope including. Roots down to harvest the water at the very start ( and end ) you will to! In length as you got farther into the Canyon totally Do if Im lucky enough to make it to.! To make it to Arizona but if i go Ill check out the Mountains...