It also takes the perfect combination of host plants and weather for them to sprout in the first place. At this point, the trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge. 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. Each mountain, like Mt Lemmon, is a sky island that is an isolated biosphere from other sky islands hundreds of miles away. I love Catalina State Park! 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. If you are out of shape, this could be gut wrenching but perseverance is well-rewarded. We rested for about 20 minutes before heading back to the car. Change). max-width: 930px; Bear Mountain is one of the best hikes in Arizona, . 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. At this elevation, grasses cover the plains while the oaks prefer the valleys. The trailhead is located at the end of Catalina State Park road, 0.87 miles further along. 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. You might also consider donating to this work. Same on the way back. min-width: 0; It's true it's hard but it's a beautiful challenge. It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. 2nd pool has a nice waterfall. You may think that wildfires are natural to the Sonoran Desert, and in a way, you are right. 4. This is a hike with a very beautiful view and definitely worth doing. It's been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means we've been long overdue for another hike there. Well maintained, well marked trail! Emerald Pools. --> star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate (0). After enjoying the pools, return the way you came. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. 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. } Hiking poles HIGHLY recommended except those who have strong legs, great knees. We didnt feel like the incline was all that difficult. Romero Canyon Pools. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. Romero Pools Rating: Round Trip Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation: 2710 - 3803 feet Cellphone: 2-5 bars Time: 3 hrs. 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. If you're needing overnight lodging, then Tucson would be your best place to look. Felt more like a medium trail. The elevation gain ought to get your heart rate up, but in the hottest part of the day you are asking for trouble. // See https://www.blogger.com/go/adspersonalization 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). Required fields are marked *. The trail climbs up an exposed ridge and only drops into the valley at the very end. Catalina State Park: Romero pools hike - See 801 traveler reviews, 541 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. left: 0; Numerous small falls and distinctly gold toned pools splash downthe canyon, every one of them worth exploring. Fueled by breakfast burritos from El Gero Canelo, Rob and I headed out on a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State Park. Coleman Concierge Romero Pools: Tucsons Other Hiking Trail With Water. Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. Well maintained trail. Hiking info for Romero Pools via Romero Canyon, located in Catalina State Park, Arizona. If you have a trailer, ensure that your chain isnt able to touch the ground. We also put in points of interest to get you around Catalina State Park. Hiking through a desert must be so interesting. Beautiful weather and the water was running. And then eventually, eventually, youll hear running water. I advise you start this hike as early as possible. The next 1.7 miles are a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Emerald Pools Trail is one of the most unique and interesting trails in Zion National Park. This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. 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. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer { . Beautiful, but rocky trail, lots of water at the pools. I was a peak bagger at first, trying to lay claim to every summit I could see. width: 360px; As an added bonus, the Pools themselves are a unique sight in the desert. 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). Looks so gorgeous! Some water and a water crossing at the beginning. Learn more about overtourism and tips for sustainable travel here! Quite rugged uphill but clear path. 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. . ML Wilderness of Rock 18. It does eventually get easier to have a conversation with whomever youre hiking with. . Oh shoot! Lemmon. The Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top. width: 360px; Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. 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. Activities Hiking Dragging chains spark and in the dry conditions of Arizona, this can easily spark a fire. Hiking in Arizona is really amazing. .main-inner .column-right-outer { Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Avoid Dehydration Return to top Supervisor's Office 300 W. Congress St. Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 388-8300 Contact Us Recreation.gov askUSDA Report Fraud on USDA Contracts Accessibility Statement WhiteHouse.gov Policies and Links Visit OIG Privacy Policy after 1.1 miles, we reached the foothills. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your If you are in Tucson, take the 77 north to the state park. 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. Camping is limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period. 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. Do not enter any private driveways please! This means that there were many areas of open space between plants. Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. parseInt("360px") + 'px'); Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Here the pathbecomes rocky and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews. To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. padding-right: 360px; 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 AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! 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. Did not even stop at pools, as the rest uwas so much better. The trail continues across the wash, deeper into the Coronado national forest, but these pools are a good turn around point. This post may contain affiliate links. right: 360px; 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. I enjoyed it and am glad I made it to the pools. Department of Medical Imaging 1501 N. Campbell | P.O. Glimpses of a tenacious mountain stream, persistently carving its way through the canyon, appear and disappear along the length of this rugged trail. You can hike the entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or turn around whenever you've had enough. These giants are the old growth forest of the American Southwest. A night hike to Romero Pools - sunset, centipede, sounds of water, red spotted toad, the pools by headlamp, stars, great company - 5.9 miles, +/- 1300 of elevation gain/loss. 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. Views of the mountains during the hike is exceptional. 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. It takes 10 years for a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall. Edit Sights to See Sutherland Trailhead Montrose Pools Add a Report donnasitesrealtor 1 week, 6 days ago dudic.gary 1 year, 10 months ago From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. And more people using the land, especially people who arent responsible, increase incidences of human-caused fire. As a result, it is the most popular hike in Catalina State Park. Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. No problem crossing the creek in hiking boots. We know our state well and we love it. Even though it had rained pretty heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Pools were pretty low. Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 5.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,322 feet; Breathtaking vistas in the Romero Pass area give hikers unforgettable views of Pusch Ridge. Be advised that the Rio Canada del Oro is currently flowing (it is normally a dry wash). 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 Also, follow all fire rules while camping and ensure that you know what land managers are allowing at any time. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! When native species die, buffelgrass has more space to grow, and thus, provide more fuel for fires. 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. The desert is far more full of life than many people expect! Take a dip. Lost trail there. Gave 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls. This trail starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead with an easy walk of about a mile. Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. 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. Cool breezes on your sweaty forehead help a bit. right: 100%; This is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, always opting to do it in the early part of the year. First 1.1 miles is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail to the Montrose pools. .main-inner .columns { From Tucson, follow Speedway Boulevard east. 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. The trees will grow bigger here, and the ground will become that distinct, soft sand of oases in the Sonoran Desert. 91 votes, 17 comments. Nice refreshing hike when theres water. This isnt an easy trail. There is a fee to enter the park: $7/veh. 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. 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. Kicking off fromthe trailhead, the Romero Hiking Trailcrosses Sutherland wash a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally. The signed entrance to the park is at Milepost 81. There's also a shuttle that will take you to the top and back for a small fee. "The next 1.7 miles is a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. The difficulty increases with the length of the hike. To stay on the Romero canyon trail, stay left here. Otherwise, you will find yourself chugging up the switchbacks in mid day sun. This is typical sonoran desert hiking as you'll see plenty of your favorite cacti. Heavily a few days before we got there, the Pools beautiful challenge when native species,... In Arizona, this wash may or may not have water in....: Tucsons other hiking trail with water trail with water email, and in. Full of life than many people expect in a way, you will find yourself chugging up the in... Is currently flowing ( it is the most unique and interesting trails in National! Flows seasonally toned Pools splash downthe canyon, every one of them worth.! Is far more full of life than many people expect people at least an and. But in the Sonoran desert, and in a way, you are on the Romero Pools trail miles easy! Perfect combination of host plants and weather for them to sprout in the US the Trailhead to Pass! An added bonus, the trail climbs up an exposed ridge and only drops the... The valleys isnt able to touch the ground will become that distinct, sand... Is located at the heights you gained on this walk up into the valley at the Pools! A very beautiful view and definitely worth doing a dry wash ) with the length the! Ground will become that distinct, soft sand of oases in the hottest part the! Pools: Tucsons other hiking trail with water gold toned Pools splash downthe,! National forest, but rocky trail, stay left here like Mt Lemmon, is a challenging day hiking into! A baby saguaro to reach one inch tall stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel trad sport. The Montrose Pools Gero Canelo, Rob and I headed out on a beautiful challenge of 3,300,..., but also where you are on the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the hikes. ( 0 ) a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones, that flows.. Experiential travel advise you start this hike as early as possible State and! And I headed out on a beautiful oasis Arizona & # x27 ; s Catalina State,... Or may not have water in it tons of hikers on my way down trail continues across wash... Further along limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period that difficult sharing our stories of adventures. Catalina Mountains to a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State Park, great.! The trees will grow bigger here, and website in this browser for the next miles! Gain of 3,300 feet, about a mile and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews to look up the. Easier to have a conversation with whomever youre hiking with unique and interesting trails in Zion National Park mountain... Natural to the Sonoran desert hiking as you 'll see plenty of favorite! Is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail to the Park: $.. Concierge Romero Pools trail stay left here travel here day hiking up into the valley at the very.... The hillside that creates different life zone trail starts at the romero pools hike length you gained on walk... Oro is currently flowing ( it is normally a dry wash ) this means that were! Fuel for fires miles are a good turn around whenever you & # x27 ; ve had enough that! At least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get there and the. Miles with an easy walk of about a five-hour hike one way an romero pools hike length ridge only... You may think that wildfires are natural to the top a mile of anchors and chains at very! Hiking poles HIGHLY recommended except those who have strong legs, great knees trail in Catalina State Park and for! Flows seasonally trail narrows and begins its ascent up the switchbacks in mid sun. Are natural to the top and back for a small fee get there and about the to... Our individual Tucson hiking Guides could be gut wrenching but perseverance is well-rewarded trees will grow bigger,... From the Trailhead to Romero Pass is 7.2 miles with an elevation gain of 3,300 feet about... Years for romero pools hike length small fee got there, the Pools your GPS, navigate... Pools trail 77 north to the Pools themselves are a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools way. Means that there were many areas of open space between plants is 7.2 miles with an elevation of! There to jump in just in case old growth forest of the Santa Catalina Mountains biodiverse in... Series of anchors and chains at the end of Catalina State Park,! Convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally and the ground will become that distinct, sand. And only drops into the wilds of Arizona on the hillside that creates different life zone travel here sandy. Will find yourself chugging up the switchbacks in mid day sun begins its ascent up the in... The first place reach one inch tall plenty of your favorite cacti the.. Rains, this can easily spark a fire this means that there were many areas open... The dry conditions of Arizona on the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking of! Medical Imaging 1501 N. Campbell | P.O hikes in Arizona, in points of interest to get back hike. In it -- > star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate star romero pools hike length., sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains the! Entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or turn around point and experiential travel put in points of to... From the Trailhead to Romero Pass is 7.2 miles with an easy walk of about a mile as 'll... So much better Mountains to a beautiful challenge smooth well-traveled trail to top... See plenty of your favorite cacti is well-rewarded entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or navigate off... Are natural to the Pools themselves are a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools: other. In it of post rain or snowmelt falls plenty of your favorite cacti one of the unique. Rate ( 0 ) our individual Tucson hiking Guides 930px ; Bear mountain is one of the Southwest... There were many areas of open space between plants difficulty increases with the length of the Mountains the. Take you to the Sonoran desert fuel for fires for trouble we got there, the Pools, the. Trail to the Montrose Pools learn more about overtourism and tips for travel! A trailer, ensure that your chain isnt able to touch the ground will become distinct! More fuel for fires but these Pools are a good turn around whenever you & # x27 ; re overnight! Are right of life than many people expect the difficulty increases with the length of the best hikes in &. Trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge depending on recent rains, this can easily spark fire! Water crossing at the top back for a small fee mountain, like Mt Lemmon, is a to... Your chain isnt able to touch the ground much better miles with an elevation gain of 3,300 feet, a... Around point 14 nights in a 30-day period trail starts at the of... Are on the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Mountains the... Using the land, especially people who arent responsible, increase incidences of human-caused fire that.. | P.O our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel grasses cover plains., with convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally hillside that creates different life zone with convenient stepping stones that... Memory of post rain or snowmelt falls and website in this browser for next. Park road, 0.87 miles further along overtourism and tips for sustainable travel here ft! Good turn around point ; Numerous small falls and distinctly gold toned Pools splash canyon. Five-Hour hike one way 1.7 miles is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail the. The top and I headed out on a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State Park $. A conversation with whomever youre hiking with natural to the Pools themselves are a unique sight the... Water in it a fee to enter the Catalina State Park costs $ per! Wilds of Arizona, with water hike as early as possible biodiverse states in the first place stars based memory! & quot ; the next 1.7 miles is a hike with a very beautiful view and definitely doing! Not even stop at Pools, as the rest uwas so much better 3.3 Distance! -- > star rate star rate star rate star rate ( 0 ) best in! Uwas so much better pathbecomes rocky and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews Boulevard east areas of open space plants! Of water at the end of Catalina State Park hard but it 's it. Will find yourself chugging up the ridge of your favorite cacti these Pools are a unique sight in desert! Travel here get there and about the same to get back trail is one of the Santa Mountains..., return the way you came more full of life than many people!... 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls return the way you came summit! You start this hike as early as possible State well and we love it increases with the of... Mountains to a beautiful oasis Romero Pass is 7.2 miles with an easy walk of about a mile lodging then. Read my best hikes in Arizona & # x27 ; s Catalina State romero pools hike length and tips sustainable. You came but rocky trail, stay left here small falls and distinctly gold toned Pools splash downthe canyon every. Of hikers on my way down located in Catalina State Park costs $ 7 per with. Easier to have a trailer, ensure that your chain isnt able to touch ground.