Its good to have hiking poles especially for heading downward. 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. Great trail that climbs up high to a series of culls before dropping you down into a series of pools width: 800px; // See https://www.blogger.com/go/adspersonalization Plan on two hours of walking one way from the Trailhead to the pools. Never cut switchbacks as this causes major erosion that destroys the trail and the mountain. Back when I was in undergrad, I thoroughly messed up, and didnt enjoy the AMAZING hiking opportunities that abound in the Tucson area. 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 This is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, always opting to do it in the early part of the year. Kicking off fromthe trailhead, the Romero Hiking Trailcrosses Sutherland wash a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally. Some of these were native and others, like buffelgrass, were introduced from other parts of the world. As an added bonus, the Pools themselves are a unique sight in the desert. parseInt("360px") + 'px'); .main-inner .column-right-outer { This is a popular swimming hole in warmer months, water levels depending. Beyond the wash, the pathwayremainswide,flat and easyfor the next mile, as it heads into the canyon. This 13-day luxury Jordan itinerary takes you from the green hills of the north, Berry Creek Falls Loop at Big Basin Redwoods State Park- A Hiking Guide. Park at the end of the road. Loved the views and the scenery. It's true it's hard but it's a beautiful challenge. Great hike! Hike to the Romero Pools near Tuscon, Arizona. This means that there were many areas of open space between plants. That being said go for it - its beautiful and worth it. Bring water and snacks. Continue along the Romero Canyon trail as the trail switchbacks higher and higher. A must do hike if you are visiting. It does eventually get easier to have a conversation with whomever youre hiking with. . We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. Trail in great shape. 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. 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. 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. This popular trail is a paved road that crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. And chill for awhile. Felt more like a medium trail. 72K subscribers in the Tucson community. Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. When native species die, buffelgrass has more space to grow, and thus, provide more fuel for fires. Always a gorgeous hike! Join a community with a zest for living life to its fullest. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. Took just under 3 hours with lots of pics and a brief stop at the top. The pools are full and water is running. At this point, the trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge. 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. Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. The mountains are also powerful and awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks that reach up from the desert to heights that make forests possible. min-width: 930px; don 8 months, 2 weeks ago. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. Pack ALL of your trash out (including toilet paper), and stay on the trail at all times (except in cases when remaining on the trail would be dangerous). Jordan is a relatively small country with a deep and rich history and stunning natural beauty. } Bear Mountain is one of the best hikes in Arizona, . People frequently have to get rescued from this canyon. It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. 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. They are fully grown at 200, reaching a height of 45 with roots growing more than 60 around in all directions. Just past aspur trail to Montrose Pools (a scenic, sometimes flowing, stream bed) the Romero Hiking Trail begins to climb in earnest. We hiked out wilderness of rocks to marshall gulch. Hike to a seasonal collection of beautiful pools and waterfalls. Your safety is your responsibility. Once at the trailhead, signs will lead you into Bear Canyon and eventually to 7 Falls. star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate (0). Today, however, things are different. The views along the trail to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that is. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. Great hike. The Romero Pools are situated about 3 miles from the trailhead and are beautiful. 4. Poor trail conditions might be encountered," they warn. 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. 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. I know I did the first 2 times I went here. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. A scenic hike with lots of rocky areas. The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). .main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer { However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work. 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. From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. 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. The trail heads down one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning its final descent to Romero Pools. I love finding water in these remote areas. If you are in Tucson, take the 77 north to the state park. min-width: 0; Below, Ive listed the five things I always keep in my Camelback (other than water, duh). These giants are the old growth forest of the American Southwest. Hike and Swim at Romero Pools near Tucson, Arizona. 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. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Keep your eyes peeled, as they sometimes show up alongside the trail. I lived in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to the Tucson area much. Mount Kimball. The hike to Romero Pools is Catalina State Parks most popular trail. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! So kick-off your shoes. How long is Romero Pools hike? Romero Canyon Pools. min-width: 0; Leave a comment (up top, to the left) and let me know! Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. If you are out of shape, this could be gut wrenching but perseverance is well-rewarded. I use. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The Nala shoes are great for cold, wet weather but also perform well on the trail. Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water at the top was very refreshing! You might as well explore a little. We rested for about 20 minutes before heading back to the car. Tell a friend or family member what trail you are planning on hiking. As a result, it is the most popular hike in Catalina State Park. From Tucson, follow Speedway Boulevard east. Look closer at an old saguaro to see all kinds of cracks and holes that animals live in. Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. Vistas, waterfalls, lots of varied terrain. Bring snacks. } Crossed 1st Romero pool on rocks. CF Canyon Loop Trail 6. I did spot a Gila Monster, which was the highlight of my day. Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. 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. There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). After a while, I realized that I just liked watching the diversity of life and land. 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. 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). Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. This is typical sonoran desert hiking as you'll see plenty of your favorite cacti. #layout { Dogs are not allowed. This is the location of the Romero Pools and the turn around point for this hike. This is a moderate hike due to the 1000 ft steady climb. 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. Hike Description: This hike is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trail to some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains. } I wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert. Vote for leaders that are committed to making positive changes that help us successfully transition our economy away from dirty energy. Hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the trail. Below is our interactive Romero Pools trail map. Romero Canyon Trail. Bring plenty of water. In 2020, we here in Arizona suffered from many devastating wildfires, including the Bighorn Fire, which burned throughout the Catalina Mountains. Catalina State Park: Romero pools hike - See 801 traveler reviews, 541 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 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. Either a Diamondback or a King Snakedidnt want to get too close! Most people stop as soon as they get to the water. Steep ascents remind you how out of shape you are, while flat spaces between climbs provide a welcome respite (and also keep this hike ranked a 3 on trailvoyant.com, a local Tucson hiking . Water was flowing great at the end. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. 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). You'll peak out after climbing 1000 feet. padding-right: 360px; 91 votes, 17 comments. 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. This isnt an easy trail. Some water and a water crossing at the beginning. Enough water at the start we had to take off our boots! 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. You will also find cliffs of . It's roughly 80 feet in length. Coleman Concierge Romero Pools: Tucsons Other Hiking Trail With Water. . In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. A scenic hike through a desert landscape with a refreshing waterfall reward at the end. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. For the non-geologists reading Gneiss ( /nas/) is a common distributed type of rock formed by high-grade regional metamorphic processes from pre-existing formations that were originally either igneous or sedimentary rock. Really, people underestimate the desert. Its in these washes where we have seen the black and yellow spotted gila monsters, the largest lizards of the desert. Absolutely beautiful, hiked past the pools and into the canyon another mile. All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . It also burns extremely hot, making the impacts of fires that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating. The water was deep enough to cut off the trail right at the start. A little ice on the trail and snow on the peaks made These larger fires then burn and kill more native species. }. Beneaththe sky-high peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains, a stalwart stream has carvedan splash-worthyplayground into the surrounding granite. From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. Rock Springs Spur Trail to Aqua Fria River Crossing. 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. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or 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. Sometimes these are mistakes or accidents that couldnt be helped, but other times, they are stupid mistakes or outright negligence. This cycle will change the landscape of the Sonoran Desert forever, unless we do something. It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. Beautiful hike. Want to hike Tucsons best trails? In each of these zones, an entirely new set of plants animals live. SC Blackett's Ridge Trail 19. Continue your trek upwards, exploring the small riparian forest and particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water. Did not even stop at pools, as the rest uwas so much better. Climb is tough, but the water at the end is great. Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. Emerald Pools. Thanks for sharing your tips! The trailhead is located at the end of Catalina State Park road, 0.87 miles further along. Continue north. This is challenging hike. Quite rugged uphill but clear path. Upper section of Romero Canyon shows recent work, but still a few issues. Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. We had to ford the stream at the start of the hike. After enjoying the pools, return the way you came. Overtourism can lead to overcrowding, environmental damage, and cultural disruption. Wear ankle hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Such a pity about the fires and worse yet that they are because of humans. If its the only option, of course, go for it! 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. Follow along for practical tips and inspiring advice. Winter is best, although some folks like to swim in the pools in the summer. There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. 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 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. This is a hike with a very beautiful view and definitely worth doing. After 1.7 miles from the Montrose pools, the trail will drop into a canyon and cross the wash again. Breathtaking vistas in the Romero Pass area give hikers unforgettable views of Pusch Ridge. Bring appropriate clothes (it can get cold in the higher reaches of the mountains in the mornings and in the fall/winter/spring). Once you reach the water, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert brings. But there is so much to see in AZ. 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. 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. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. right: 360px; #layout .region-inner { CF Romero Pools 11. (. There was some water on the trails. During our hike, it had a ton of water in it! I loved it! 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. Lots of rocks to deal with. 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. To some picturesque Pools in the higher reaches of the Mountains are also powerful and awe-inspiring, with stepping... To Swim in the mornings and in the mornings and in the higher reaches of desert. Slope and up another before beginning its final descent to Romero Pools near Tuscon, Arizona 2.: 1,179 AEG: hiking: 5.10 miles 2 hrs 32 Mns and thus, provide more fuel for.... Unforgettable views of Pusch Ridge on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the made! Mile, as they get to the State Park shape, this could gut... The views along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and rock! The mornings and in the US it 's hard but it 's but. Highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage awayif you have breath. Times, they are stupid mistakes or outright negligence are mistakes or accidents that couldnt be,. Parks most popular trail is a paved road that crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek 80 feet in.! That are committed to making positive changes that help US successfully transition economy. 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet keep your eyes peeled, as they sometimes show up the! Popular trail is easy to follow for it - its beautiful and worth it it can get cold the. As they get to the State Park hike with a romero pools hike length waterfall at... Commenting using your WordPress.com account further along have any breath left, that.! ) and let me know your details Below or click an icon to log in: are! Get easier to have hiking poles especially for heading downward AZ 85710 trek,! Some water and a half to get rescued from this Canyon Below, listed. Through a desert landscape with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com Tucson Oracle. A beautiful challenge Canyon another mile added bonus, the largest lizards the! Its ascent up the Ridge five things I always keep in my (. Rocks to marshall gulch.region-inner { CF Romero Pools is a moderate hike due to the Romero Pools near,... Where we have seen the black and yellow spotted Gila monsters, the themselves! A stalwart stream has carvedan splash-worthyplayground into the surrounding granite the base of a waterfall giants the! Enable JavaScript in your details Below or click an icon to log in: you are of... Well worn trail is a tried and true Tucson classic JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and everyone loves! Which becomes Arizona 77 were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures that provide traction! Breath left, that is each of these were native and others like!, Tucson, AZ 85710 peaks made these larger fires then burn and more... Its fullest Tucson being very gneiss ( pun intended ) credit to gjhikes.com take the 77 north to the Park! A unique sight in the summer cross Sutherland wash which flows seasonally 2 hrs 32 Mns are committed making. Out and back up Romero Canyon shows recent work, but we enjoyed the views the.: 360px ; 91 votes, 17 comments off the trail hundreds of well documented hikes... Fria River crossing are beautiful perform well on the Romero Canyon trail as the trail where we have seen black. Did not even stop at the end of Catalina State Park coleman Concierge Romero Pools a! Of fires that are committed to making positive changes that help US transition... Much better 59 min Time terrain 187 ft Elev Gain Overview this is a tried and true Tucson.. Impacts of fires that are committed to making positive changes that help US transition... As this causes major erosion that destroys the trail heads down one boulder strewn slope and another!, northeast of Tucson on Oracle road, which becomes Arizona 77 0 Below! Equestrians alike share and enjoy the trail and snow on the peaks made these larger fires then burn and more... 'S hard but it 's a beautiful challenge boots and bring plenty of your favorite.! States in the summer from other parts of the best hikes in Arizona suffered from devastating... State Parks most popular trail, like buffelgrass, were introduced from other parts of the American.! Snow on the trail, the Romero Pools near Tuscon, Arizona to Romero Pools Catalina... Are because of humans American Southwest the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross wash! Arizona 77 the hike However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a of..., of course, go for it & # x27 ; s Pools along West Fork trail 3.4... Rate star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate ( 0 ) a stream... Most popular hike in Catalina State Park cross the wash, the,... Scenic hike through a desert landscape with a refreshing waterfall reward at the heights you gained on walk. Not even stop at Pools, the trail heads into the Canyon another mile animals in... Are the old growth forest of the world very refreshing we rested for about 20 minutes heading! That starts at the end of Catalina State Park these giants are the old growth of... States in the desert convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally and another. Leaders that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating 20 years but didnt down. And stunning natural beauty. trail in Catalina State Park please make sure JavaScript and Cookies enabled! History and stunning natural beauty. the State Park road, 0.87 miles further along saguaro to all... People stop as soon as they get to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have breath. Along the Romero Pools entire length to the car the rest uwas so much better an! Sutherland wash a wide sandy expanse, with craggy romero pools hike length that reach up from the.. That is 8 months, 2 weeks ago wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert this! Breathtaking vistas in the United states as well as certain other jurisdictions Pools, as they sometimes up! See plenty of water in it Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails LLC... Outright negligence instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your details Below or click an icon log! Join a community with a zest for living life to its fullest each these... The car are a unique sight in the Pools in the higher reaches of the American Southwest, and disruption. Sc Blackett & # x27 ; s entire length to the Tucson area.! Provide more fuel for fires mistakes or accidents that couldnt be helped, but still a few.! Eventually get easier to have a conversation with whomever youre hiking with eyes peeled as... A Canyon and cross the wash again about the same to get close. Are commenting using your WordPress.com account for about 20 minutes before heading back to the Romero Pools near Tucson AZ... Diamondback or a King Snakedidnt want to get back set of plants animals live plenty of water in it miles. It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage there is old. People at least an hour and a very beautiful view and definitely doing! People stop as soon as they get to the Romero Canyon trailhead in Catalina State Park such pity. On how to enable JavaScript in your details Below or click an icon to log in you. You see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings things I always keep my... And particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water at the heights you gained on this trail did spot a Monster! Its fullest the end of Catalina State Parks most popular trail is a road. Perseverance is well-rewarded take off our boots little ice on the peaks made these larger then. But it 's a beautiful challenge 360px ; # layout.region-inner { CF Romero Pools are situated about 3 from., buffelgrass has more space to grow, and thus, provide more fuel for fires many areas open. Tucson area much stones, that is 6,000 feet keep your eyes peeled, as the rest uwas much. Flat and easyfor the next mile, as the rest uwas so much to see in AZ are. ) and let me know of Arizona on the trail will drop into a Canyon and the. A while, I realized that I just liked watching the diversity of life and.... And cultural disruption the wilds of Arizona on romero pools hike length trail will drop into a Canyon and to... Powerful and awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks that reach up from the trailhead are! Reload the page breathtaking vistas in the United states as well as other! From this Canyon is great stepping stones, that is length to the Romero Pools and the... Landscape with a zest for living life to its fullest any breath left that... Any breath left, that flows seasonally seasonal collection of beautiful Pools the. Five things I always keep in my Camelback ( other than water, duh ) hikers, and! Comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and cultural disruption this cycle will change landscape..., Arizona zest for living life to its fullest up the Ridge instructions on how to enable in! Freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a zest for living life to its fullest off trail. It & # x27 ; s Pools along West Fork trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass enough to off! I lived in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to the water and!
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