Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The Romero Pools Trail is an absolutely beautiful and rewarding hike in Catalina State Park, Tucson. They are old and slow growing. Do not enter any private driveways please! $175,000 Open Wed 9AM - 7PM. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. CF Canyon Loop Trail 6. Crossed 1st Romero pool on rocks. A scenic hike through a desert landscape with a refreshing waterfall reward at the end. Daylight and weather are also key- do not hike during monsoons and avoid hiking this trail at night. Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. Not hard but moderate difficulty. I did spot a Gila Monster, which was the highlight of my day. Every view is amazing on this trail, and for any hiker, local or visiting, this should be on your bucketlist. This means that there were many areas of open space between plants. This article covers the 15. Should prepare your knees and leg muscles for descent. This route requires a shuttle, but is a great hike to traverse the Santa Catalina Mountains. March 2015. The hike begins at Romero Canyon Trailhead. If you're coming to Jordan, you will definitely be planning a Petra tour. Ive lived here my whole life and I still learn about new trails every day. Beautiful views, though very busy. Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. Hike in to enjoy the sunshine and cool water of this famous natural swimming hole and make a memory as well. Romero Canyon Trail. Making sure there were cold beers in our fridge to celebrate with when we got home. 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. width: auto; Gave 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls. Fromthe highest pointon the Romero Hiking Trail, sounds of the stream raging below precede incredible views over 50 waterfalls and rapids. Really, people underestimate the desert. We hiked for another 1.7 miles to reach the pools. 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. For example, Mt Graham red squirrels only live on Mt Graham and were thought to be extinct until a new family was discovered fifty years ago. The next couple miles are steep and the rocky trail climbs to the Romero Pools. About 0.5 miles from the previous trail junction, you'll reach a signed spur trail for the Montrose Pools. The nature there is beautiful! Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. 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. 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. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. Lots of rocks to deal with. 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. CF Ventana Canyon 12. Maps, directions, and reviews. Saguaros are the perfect example of life in the desert. Its important that you are honest with yourself if you are feeling too tired or run out of key supplies like food or water. Ready for a hike? 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. 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. This home has fresh interior paint and new appliances. One of Tucsons favorite hikes, I write up my experience on a trek to the Romero Pools. Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers. Bear Mountain, Sedona. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. Getting to the Romero Pools Trail is pretty simple, because it lives in Catalina State Park. Activities Hiking The mountains are also powerful and awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks that reach up from the desert to heights that make forests possible. The elevation gain ought to get your heart rate up, but in the hottest part of the day you are asking for trouble. Was in and out in four hours. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. adventures and follow local regulations. Its 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. margin-right: -360px; Finally, please help us find solutions to climate change. Just past aspur trail to Montrose Pools (a scenic, sometimes flowing, stream bed) the Romero Hiking Trail begins to climb in earnest. This hike begins in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon, Tuscon AZ. after 1.1 miles, we reached the foothills. You should also insure that you limit your impact on the trail and the environment. 2 Beds. The route is rugged and at water crossings, the rocks are slippery. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. What are your favorite Tucson hikes? Tucson has SO many amazing hikes! At this point, the trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge. Ive never been to Arizona but if I go Ill check out the Catalina Mountains and this hike. It's roughly 80 feet in length. Im sure there are things to be cautious of, but especially if its hot and closer to the summer. They need the saguaros just like the saguaro needs them to distribute their fruit. Sign up below for new hiking guides, trip reports, gear reviews, and more. [CDATA[ window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({ appId : '1666689300261983', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.5' }); }; (function(d, s, id){ var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;} js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); // ]]> Crisp, clear pools and waterfalls are splash perfect, on Romero Hiking Trail. From the Trailhead to Romero Pools is 2.8 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet. Wear ankle hiking boots and bring plenty of water. 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. 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. Shape your expectations based on this, and please, help us protect our mountains from further destruction. Basic HTML is allowed. 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). Keep your eyes peeled, as they sometimes show up alongside the trail. Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee. 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. Water was flowing great at the end. Drive0.71miles on Oracle Road to the entrance toCatalina State Park. This is a very beautiful hike that leads to a really nice set of falls and pools. However, at the end, you'll see the gorgeous pools and have views of Mt. by Paul Riedinger. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 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 No matter what your level of physical fitness is, you are sure to break a sweat on this climb. Here they can send their tap roots down to harvest the water below. Saguaros are about 70 years old when they reach the height of a tall man and start blooming. To stay on the Romero canyon trail, stay left here. Hiking through a desert must be so interesting. This looks wonderful! This trail goes by Montrose Pools and Sutherland Trailhead. 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. April 2018 is a dry year. // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers The Romero Pools Trail is not appropriate for people that are not prepared via supplies and physical ability. The last portion of the trail gets more difficult as the incline increases. Devin exploring Romero Pools by headlamp. 1,732 Tucson AZ Homes for Sale. width: 0; Sometimes these are mistakes or accidents that couldnt be helped, but other times, they are stupid mistakes or outright negligence. .content-outer, .content-fauxcolumn-outer, .region-inner { 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. I wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert. I could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail with the bedding plane shifted 90 degrees. In the past, lightning could light fires in the desert, but the pre-colonial Sonoran Desert was patchy. Lemmon Trail (to Mt. Same on the way back. Only saw a few people on the way up. 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. }. The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. 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. ML Incinerator Ridge Trail 15. Most people stop as soon as they get to the water. Romero Pools is a full sun hike, even though we ended up in a riparian area. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person. Its been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means weve been long overdue for another hike there. These invasive plants cover ground previously open, allowing fires to spread further, faster, and hotter. Find TrailDEX Filter . All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. Quite rugged uphill but clear path. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! Took just under 3 hours with lots of pics and a brief stop at the top. 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. 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. Even if you cant physically explore the world, we hope that you enjoy the escape our site provides. Search, find, map and plan hikes for AZ & beyond! Still, this looks amazing and something I would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona. Catalina State Park: Romero pools hike - See 801 traveler reviews, 541 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 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. These pools look so pretty in the middle of the rugged landscape. The trees will grow bigger here, and the ground will become that distinct, soft sand of oases in the Sonoran Desert. 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. CF Romero Pools 11. You'll peak out after climbing 1000 feet. (Did you know that if a saguaro is burned 30%+, it will die?) It also takes the perfect combination of host plants and weather for them to sprout in the first place. Thus, for your sake and the sake of the local community, go prepared. Youll stretch your legs up and over steep steps, hop from rock to rock and carefully balance close to the trails edge. Department of Medical Imaging 1501 N. Campbell | P.O. 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. A handkerchief: use it to soak up sweat, pour some water over it and tie it around your neck to cool you down, tie it around an unfortunate injury as a bandagethe possibilities are endless. 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. Hiking poles HIGHLY recommended except those who have strong legs, great knees. ML Butterfly Trail 14. invasive plants), is a dangerous cycle. min-width: 0; Emerald Pools Trail is one of the most unique and interesting trails in Zion National Park. ML Wilderness of Rock 18. Beautiful hike. Glad I came up early because tons of hikers on my way down. From the well signed trailhead, the first thing you'll need to do is cross a normally dry wash. On the Trail They are a juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability, taking and giving that forms this world in balance. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. The golden hue comes from the roots of the Mexican Oaktrees which leak color into the stream. Please explore responsibly! It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or It's been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means we've been long overdue for another hike there. To reach Romero Pools, hike the Romero Canyon Trail within Catalina State Park. Experience the brilliance of poppies in the springtime on the Sutherland Trail. You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. 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 Directions: From the 1-10 (north of Tucson) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine Road. Ample parking is available as are bathrooms. This part of the trail is not as steep as what you will need to tackle further on, and it also features two different ecosystems. width: 0; But there is so much to see in AZ. The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. Join a community with a zest for living life to its fullest. As a result, it is the most popular hike in Catalina State Park. Romero Canyon Pools. The water at the pools is usually very cold, which can be really nice on a hot day. Oh shoot! From the well signed trailhead, the first thing you'll need to do is cross a normally dry wash. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer { Take it easygo slow, take breaks. Your email address will not be published. The pools were great! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. Trail in great shape. Sutherland Trail Out-and-Back. This is a moderate hike due to the 1000 ft steady climb. Its anything but nice to walk on because its often rough and jagged. place Pima County, Arizona . At a Glance General Information Directions: Drive 18 miles north from Tucson on the Oracle Road (US 89) to Catalina State Park. Cool breezes on your sweaty forehead help a bit. Hiking info for Romero Pools via Romero Canyon, located in Catalina State Park, Arizona. Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. Thanks for sharing about this hike. The Romero Trailhead is located within the park- follow the signs. We know our state well and we love it. Did not even stop at pools, as the rest uwas so much better. Grub: none of that M&M-filled stuff. Here, you will find that the plants become more green, more lush. This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. Also, follow all fire rules while camping and ensure that you know what land managers are allowing at any time. Absolutely beautiful, hiked past the pools and into the canyon another mile. When you reach the final pool, turn around and go back the way you came. The difficulty increases with the length of the hike. 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. 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. Bring plenty of water. Read More Download the Outbound mobile app It really is! } Most people stop too soon. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. August 29, 2017Updated: December 31, 2020by Max Karren. The next 1.7 miles are a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. The pools were just amazing and felt like a hidden paradise. 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. The park is conveniently located just 30 minutes of the big city of Tucson and just 5 minutes from the smaller city of Oro Valley. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. Catalina State Park Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! Below, Ive listed the five things I always keep in my Camelback (other than water, duh). --> 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. adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []; Hike Description: This hike is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trail to some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains. max-width: 930px; 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). It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. Your email address will not be published. Romero Canyon is in the heart of the Pusch Wilderness, where Bighorn Sheep have been reintroduced and are protected. The trail now starts to gain elevation more aggressively and steadily for the remainder of the hike to the pools. width: 360px; 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. Check out this stunner! Help hold major polluting companies accountable for their impacts so that they will innovate on solutions. Once at the trailhead, signs will lead you into Bear Canyon and eventually to 7 Falls. ML Marshall Gulch Loop 16.ML Meadow Trail 17. Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools. //