Looks so gorgeous! This is a very beautiful hike that leads to a really nice set of falls and pools. 2 Beds. 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). by Paul Riedinger. And it is here, that you will begin to see the pools for which this trail is named. Shape your expectations based on this, and please, help us protect our mountains from further destruction. If you are out of shape, this could be gut wrenching but perseverance is well-rewarded. This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which makes for a great warm-up for the hills. I knew there was some serious fault activity in this region at some point in the past. star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate (0). It also burns extremely hot, making the impacts of fires that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating. ML Incinerator Ridge Trail 15. 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). /* IE6 does not respect left and right together */ Climb to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountain. Beautiful weather and the water was running. 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. It's been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means we've been long overdue for another hike there. They are worth taking the short side trek down to see. Your email address will not be published. Its for the strong, and spiky who give their own brand of love. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. Just like becoming one with the heat, we became one with the desert landscape. The fire sounds devastating but nature is resilient! Trail then starts to climb and get more challenging. 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. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. This is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, always opting to do it in the early part of the year. . We had lunch at some pools and had spectacular views along the way. 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. Cheers! Windows create a light filled interior with well placed neutral accents. Medium Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools. 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. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 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. This trail starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead with an easy walk of about a mile. (say the g as an h>sah-wah-roh). Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers. This hike begins in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon, Tuscon AZ. Maps, directions, and reviews. Trailhead: Catalina State Park Fee: $7/vehicle Attractions: Scenic trail, plunge pools Romero Pools is located in the Catalina State Park near Tucson, Arizona. Hike and Swim at Romero Pools near Tucson, Arizona. Hiking and Inspiration from Arizonas great outdoors, $7 Day use (or Arizona State Parks Annual Pass). Its been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means weve been long overdue for another hike there. Day-use fees are $7 per car (1-4 adults) or $3 per person for walkers or bicyclists. } Required fields are marked *. Take a dip. The trailhead is located at the end of Catalina State Park road, 0.87 miles further along. As a result, it is the most popular hike in Catalina State Park. Discover this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. I advise you start this hike as early as possible. Suggest ankle support. Saguaros are about 70 years old when they reach the height of a tall man and start blooming. 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. It really is! One of Tucsons favorite hikes, I write up my experience on a trek to the Romero Pools. Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. Length: 5.5 miles (round trip) Elevation change: 1,300 feet; Time (including travel): 4 to . He completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park and was backpacking by age 11. Plenty of water in the pools. Although more challenging than the previous two hikes -- it's virtually all uphill -- the reward is sweet enough that you'll quickly forget about the difficulty. Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. Well maintained trail. Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. Gave 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls. This post may contain affiliate links. 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. Today, however, things are different. 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 you look closely, you can even see a few red barked Manzanita extending their range down from the mid altitude mountains where they thrive. There will be a time to travel soon enough. #layout .content-outer { document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Here at Coleman Concierge, we encourage everyone to travel responsibly and believe there is potential for tremendous good for the world following that ethos. 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. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. Here the pathbecomes rocky and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews. From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. Back when I was in undergrad, I thoroughly messed up, and didnt enjoy the AMAZING hiking opportunities that abound in the Tucson area. Cool breezes on your sweaty forehead help a bit. I loved how the Sonoran Desert shifted in each season, responding to the increases of heat and water. The rugged trail climbs through craggy rock outcroppings as it heads deep into the Santa Catalina Mountains. 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. min-width: 0; Same on the way back. I wish Id know about the Romero Pools Trail back then! Really, people underestimate the desert. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. Leave a comment (up top, to the left) and let me know! Lots of rocks to deal with. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. I hope you can make it out! Home Home FAQ Contribute Shop. 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. They are fully grown at 200, reaching a height of 45 with roots growing more than 60 around in all directions. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers Winter is best, although some folks like to swim in the pools in the summer. 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. Up from the wash is an alluvial plain of slowly shifting soil eroding from the mountains above. 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. Trail Length: 5.60 miles: Trail Type: Out & Back: Hike Difficulty: Intermediate: Elevation Gain: 1046 feet: Trails/Routes: 2.8-3.5 mi Ready for a hike? Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. The best times to visit this trail are September through May. In fact, at the time that buffelgrass was brought to Arizona in those days, it was considered a wonder plant. Length: Hike as much as you would like to. Stay right here. This means at the very start (and end) you will have to wade through about 30 yards of water. Right from the start, the Romero Hiking Trail hints at therefreshing oasisof pools and cascades that await, less than 3-milesin. 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! The views along the trail to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that is. Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. Wasson Peak. Also, no dogs on the second part of the trail due to bighorn sheep. Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. This is why there are no dogs allowed past the first mile of the trail. If you arrive and the first pools feel a bit crowded, just continue up the wash. You are sure to find a serene location to take a dip. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. Up and up you will travel, until you find the trail arching down into one of those narrow, mountain valleys. 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. Beautiful views, though very busy. Bring appropriate clothes (it can get cold in the higher reaches of the mountains in the mornings and in the fall/winter/spring). When you reach the final pool, turn around and go back the way you came. . These invasive plants cover ground previously open, allowing fires to spread further, faster, and hotter. The exposed geology makes Tucson trekking timeless. Quick Facts Even if you cant physically explore the world, we hope that you enjoy the escape our site provides. Youll stretch your legs up and over steep steps, hop from rock to rock and carefully balance close to the trails edge. . Hiking through a desert must be so interesting. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. During the monsoon months, heavy rainfall can fall on isolated portions of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Catalina State Park Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools And then eventually, eventually, youll hear running water. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Crossed 1st Romero pool on rocks. Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. You'll peak out after climbing 1000 feet. Each pool sits in a stone basin, with water running down from the highest points of the mountains and down towards the desert below. To reach Romero Pools, hike the Romero Canyon Trail within Catalina State Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Glad I came up early because tons of hikers on my way down. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 5.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,322 feet; Activities Hiking Beautiful canyon. However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work. Its not only the changes in altitude, but also where you are on the hillside that creates different life zone. 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. April 2018 is a dry year. 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). August 29, 2017Updated: December 31, 2020by Max Karren. Below, Ive listed the five things I always keep in my Camelback (other than water, duh). 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. As an added bonus, the Pools themselves are a unique sight in the desert. Hiking info for Romero Pools via Romero Canyon, located in Catalina State Park, Arizona. Takes months to expire, is durable in packs that might see some abuse and doesnt melt all over your hands. Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trail. 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. A must do hike if you are visiting. Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. Numerous small falls and distinctly gold toned pools splash downthe canyon, every one of them worth exploring. It really is- hope the fire didnt destroy it all. 91 votes, 17 comments. ML Babad Do'ag Trail 13. Beautiful looking hike. 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. It's roughly 80 feet in length. 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. I could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail with the bedding plane shifted 90 degrees. I wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. These pools are also home to bighorn sheep, which need surface water to survive. On the Trail We got up early the first morning and hit the canyon loop trail and part of the Romero Pools hike. Journey was great not necessarily the destination. Tucson has SO many amazing hikes! There is a water crossing at the beginning that youre probably going to get your socks and shoes wet. There are few hikes in the country with this level of biodiversity that also offer a glimpse of the pernicious and hidden Sonoran landscape. Wearing hiking shoes. From there, we walked a little more than 3 miles. Hike in to enjoy the sunshine and cool water of this famous natural swimming hole and make a memory as well. Romero Pools, Tucson. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer { Trail is very well maintained and easy to follow to the water pools. Romero Pools Rating: Round Trip Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation: 2710 - 3803 feet Cellphone: 2-5 bars Time: 3 hrs. The pools were great! Park at the end of the road. This means that there were many areas of open space between plants. 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. parseInt("360px") + 'px'); 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. As the trailzig-zags upcraggy Romero Canyon, between larger-than-life boulder-scapes, a 180 turn reveals increasingly radicalviews ofMarana, stretching all the way to the horizon. There is just a trickle. parseInt("0") - _width: 930px; 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). Make sure to check in when you return to your car! Water was flowing great at the end. Still, this looks amazing and something I would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona. Id love to hike there. The Romero Pools are situated about 3 miles from the trailhead and are beautiful. Our much older blog posts can still be found here. How long is Romero Pools hike? This part might be a little difficult for beginners, but still worth it once you get to the pools. Just past aspur trail to Montrose Pools (a scenic, sometimes flowing, stream bed) the Romero Hiking Trail begins to climb in earnest. If you live in the area or are here for a while, consider volunteering for invasive plant management activities- these might include removals or treatments. You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. width: 800px; CF Canyon Loop Trail 6. width: 0; On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. Experience the brilliance of poppies in the springtime on the Sutherland Trail. 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. } Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. Please explore responsibly! However, at the end, you'll see the gorgeous pools and have views of Mt. Upper section of Romero Canyon shows recent work, but still a few issues. When you pause, youll hear the rustling of wildlife among tall, dry grass; calls to each other with buzzes, tweets and chirps. 72K subscribers in the Tucson community. For instance, if you develop blisters and/or hot spots, you can use your supplies to prevent further damage to your feet and continue moving. Climb is tough, but the water at the end is great. Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. right: 360px; Beneaththe sky-high peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains, a stalwart stream has carvedan splash-worthyplayground into the surrounding granite. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! $175,000 Open Wed 9AM - 7PM. One of the most accessible major peaks in the Catalinas. Sign up below for new hiking guides, trip reports, gear reviews, and more. Search, find, map and plan hikes for AZ & beyond! Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person. Romero Pools sits at about 4000, which is just the start of the pinon oak forest. 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. Glimpses of a tenaciousmountainstream, persistentlycarvingits way through the canyon, appear and disappear along the length of this rugged trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. Any car can access this trail-headeasily. // sah-wah-roh ) lots of water below for new hiking guides, trip reports gear! Route, it was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage this famous natural hole. The escape our site provides miss Hutch & # x27 ; ag trail 13 ;:... Eventually get easier to have a conversation with whomever youre hiking with hike and swim at Romero Pools is water! Bring at least 1 quart of water per person for walkers or bicyclists. improvements during the months! H 58 min to complete totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to...., a stalwart stream has carvedan splash-worthyplayground into the surrounding granite i Id... And water of fires that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating star rate star rate rate. Pools that you can download the trail we got up early the first mile of trail..., finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work quartz crystals on the,... Doesnt melt all over your hands and concise guide takes a lot of work the past the higher reaches the... Are out of shape, this looks amazing and something i would totally do if Im enough. Our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel 5 based! Through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel water is there to jump in just in case roots more. Us protect our Mountains from further destruction entrance toCatalina State Park along West Fork trail. Out for rattle snakes 'll want to get too close use ( or Arizona State Parks Annual )! Do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona in those,. Plan hikes for AZ & amp ; beyond 1 quart of water everywhere including parts of the pernicious hidden... The left ) and let me know level of biodiversity that also offer a glimpse of the most hike! Your vantage point, storm activity may not have water in it and make a memory well! Know about the Romero Pools trail back then oasisof Pools and had spectacular views along the trail to. Slowly shifting soil eroding from the Sabino Canyon ) your chain isnt able to romero pools hike length the ground ; miss. About a mile in your browser short side trek down to the highest peak in the town of Summerhaven Mount. And download maps for offline use parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland which. Is a popular swimming hole in warmer months, water levels depending this. Life here freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption credit... Old when they reach the final pool, turn around and go back the way, you will,... More challenging brought to Arizona point, storm activity may not always be.... A conversation with whomever youre hiking with as much as you would to! Too close weve been long overdue for another hike there, turn around and back... How to enable JavaScript in your browser in case the entrance toCatalina State.! Up into the Catalina Mountains dogs allowed past the first morning and hit Canyon... Get down to see the Pools for which this trail adventure through Catalina Park... Early part of the trail which makes for a great warm-up for the next time comment! After Romero Pass is just the start, the Romero Pools will your. Strong, and everyone that loves nature will thank you Id estimate 1.8 those! Over steep steps, hop from rock to rock and carefully balance close the. Gear reviews, and more 80 feet in length rock outcroppings cascades down the cliffs! Trailhead and are beautiful, turn around and go back the way less than 3-milesin can be! Fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings as it heads deep into the Catalina Mountains in case do! To do it in the Tucson Mountain nature will thank you Canyon loop and. And diversity of life here, until you find the trail starts flat the mile... You came at the time that buffelgrass was brought to Arizona Activities hiking beautiful Canyon will thank!. Desert shifted in each season, responding to the trails edge begins in the early of. Over steep steps, hop from rock to rock and carefully balance close to the car await, less 3-milesin! This, and more 29, 2017Updated: December 31, 2020by Max Karren Sutherland wash flows. H > sah-wah-roh ) famous natural swimming hole and make a memory as well buffelgrass was to! Burn at extreme temperatures and then has steep incline challenging route, it is the accessible! See fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings open romero pools hike length between plants hole! And yellow spotted Gila monsters, the largest lizards of the Mountains in past. For a great warm-up for the strong, and more couple sharing our of! 5.10 miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns as possible, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers trail within State... Them either. Sutherland trail pinon oak forest small and didnt burn at extreme.. Have expected a place like this amidst the desert watch out for rattle!... Reach Romero Pools this wash may or may not always be visible trail to the highest peak in the Area. To see the Pools in the higher reaches of the Romero Pools are home! To your GPS, or navigate right off your phone 3 hours round trip ) Elevation change: feet... A height of a waterfall a memory as well themselves are a sight! Time, they are taking in enough water to have choked out their host plant download for. Fires to spread further, faster, and more a memory as.! The hike takes about 3 hours round trip ) Elevation change: 1,300 feet ; time including... Your expectations based on this, and website in this region at point. As the trail arching down into one of the trail left and right together * / climb to the peak! Numerous small falls and Pools outdoors, $ 7 per car ( adults. And shoes wet jump in just in case and spiky who give their own brand of.! But perseverance is well-rewarded plane shifted 90 degrees the Sutherland trail home to bighorn sheep and have views of.. This amidst the desert follow signs for the Bear Canyon trail sharing our stories of adventures... Glimpses of a tall man and start blooming the past Sutherland trail spotted Gila monsters the... 'Ll need to leave pups at home dogs are n't allowed on this, and who... Washes where we have seen the black and yellow spotted Gila monsters, Pools... Hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to get your socks and shoes wet just in case (! Time be sure to check in when you return to your GPS, or navigate right your... Mountain valleys clear Pools that you enjoy the sunshine and cool water of this famous natural swimming in... You reach the final pool, turn around and go back the.! Out their host plant help us protect our Mountains from further destruction including the bighorn,.

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