As expected, the return trip was much easier and much faster. I could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail with the bedding plane shifted 90 degrees. Length: 5.5 miles (round trip) Elevation change: 1,300 feet; Time (including travel): 4 to . Romero Pools is a full sun hike, even though we ended up in a riparian area. Romero Pools, Tucson. Back when I was in undergrad, I thoroughly messed up, and didnt enjoy the AMAZING hiking opportunities that abound in the Tucson area. 91 votes, 17 comments. 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. You can hike the entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or turn around whenever you've had enough. Length: 6.5 miles to the pools and back. And of course, Climate change makes this worse by shifting our rain patterns, and making our droughts worse. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. Your safety is your responsibility. There will be a time to travel soon enough. An observant hiker can see millions of years of geologic history in the rocks at their feet. adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; Be advised that the Rio Canada del Oro is currently flowing (it is normally a dry wash). Beautiful canyon. Tucson has SO many amazing hikes! 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. ML Wilderness of Rock 18. However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work. You'll peak out after climbing 1000 feet. Join me now for this guide of the Romero Pools Trail- if you are visiting Tucson post-2020, this is a must-add for any hikers bucketlist. 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. Water was flowing great at the end. 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). Help hold major polluting companies accountable for their impacts so that they will innovate on solutions. left: 0; Never cut switchbacks as this causes major erosion that destroys the trail and the mountain. Thanks for sharing about this hike. Day-use fees are $7 per car (1-4 adults) or $3 per person for walkers or bicyclists. } 2 Baths. Even though it had rained pretty heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Pools were pretty low. CF Romero Pools 11. Also, follow all fire rules while camping and ensure that you know what land managers are allowing at any time. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Take it easygo slow, take breaks. One of Tucsons favorite hikes, I write up my experience on a trek to the Romero Pools. The vast majority of fires that get out of hand, here in AZ and elsewhere, are human-caused. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. You may think that wildfires are natural to the Sonoran Desert, and in a way, you are right. When we took this hike, it was after a few days of healthy rains, so the wash crossing was more interesting than usual. Im sure there are things to be cautious of, but especially if its hot and closer to the summer. adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []; Today, however, things are different. . Crossed it by taking off our shoes (not waterproof). Be sure to enjoy the views as you climb. The hike starts at Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a sandy wash and continues on a wide footpath. If It doesnt load the first time, hit your reset button . Remember that grass I mentioned earlier, buffelgrass? Was in and out in four hours. I was there two weeks ago and went to the upper pools. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. The desert is far more full of life than many people expect! Gave 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls. 1,732 Tucson AZ Homes for Sale. Here are other trails in Catalina State Park to explore while youre hiking Romero Pools. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. SC Blackett's Ridge Trail 19. I enjoyed it and am glad I made it to the pools. CF Pontatoc Ridge Trail 10. You might also consider donating to this work. We hope our family-friendly adventures help you discover new places. Park at the end of the road. Even though Mt Lemmon is 100 miles away, they have their own flavors of squirrels living at Summerhaven. Trail, improvements .main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer { Quick Facts Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water at the top was very refreshing! Our first time visiting the pools was in March 2010 and second time in February of [] 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. We love hearing from our readers. It is not a dangerous flow. To stay on the Romero canyon trail, stay left here. Its important that you are honest with yourself if you are feeling too tired or run out of key supplies like food or water. Once you reach the first junction, bear right to stay on course for the pools. Only saw a few people on the way up. 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. Login and be the first to review! After a while, I realized that I just liked watching the diversity of life and land. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. Round trip including a stop for lunch took just over 4 hrs 15 minutes. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. Basic HTML is allowed. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. // See https://www.blogger.com/go/adspersonalization The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. 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. Plan on two hours of walking one way from the Trailhead to the pools. The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. Each pool sits in a stone basin, with water running down from the highest points of the mountains and down towards the desert below. It's been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means we've been long overdue for another hike there. right: 360px; I hope you can make it out! } Read More Download the Outbound mobile app Romero Canyon is a significant drainage and has the potential for flash flooding, so be cautious and look up the forecast before you go. There is just a trickle. 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. 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. Leave a comment (up top, to the left) and let me know! 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. Saguaros are the perfect example of life in the desert. If you're needing overnight lodging, then Tucson would be your best place to look. Dragging chains spark and in the dry conditions of Arizona, this can easily spark a fire. If you hike another 0.3 miles, you will encounter another set of pools. The pools are a system of puddles and streams, ranging from relatively still to flowing waterfalls that feed deep swimming holes surrounded by smooth rock. This is why there are no dogs allowed past the first mile of the trail. jeannettefalk@aol.com 1 month, 2 weeks ago. Your email address will not be published. min-width: 0; Once at the trailhead, signs will lead you into Bear Canyon and eventually to 7 Falls. Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Felt more like a medium trail. The first arms come when they are over 100 years. _width: 930px; width: auto; But otherwise great trail! Upper section of Romero Canyon shows recent work, but still a few issues. Explore more of our guides to get an inside view on the best places to visit and explore in our state. Nice refreshing hike when theres water. There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. Be prepared to get wet lots of people on the trails today. A little ice on the trail and snow on the peaks made Lively mesquites, and flourishing prickly pear will also be found in these lower sections of the trail, along with something a little different than the true desert- grasslands. Continue for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park. All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. Cheers! 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. Dogs are allowed for the first mile or so, after which the trail runs through Bighorn Sheep wilderness, which is strictly protected and dogs are strictly forbidden. If you cross the stream and continue on about a half mile or so maybe a little less you get to see some more pools and water falls, A beautiful short day hike ending at beautiful cool pools of water and several small waterfalls. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It takes 10 years for a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall. Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. } The route is rugged and at water crossings, the rocks are slippery. And make whatever changes you can in your own life to help- donate, volunteer, plant trees, and save energy. Thus, for your sake and the sake of the local community, go prepared. All content is for entertainment purposes only. We would be hiking through more climate zones than if we drove from Mexico to Canada. The mountains are also powerful and awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks that reach up from the desert to heights that make forests possible. Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. Ive never been to Arizona but if I go Ill check out the Catalina Mountains and this hike. 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. Then, I used Tucson hiking as training for places like Havasu Falls or Angels Landing. This article covers the 15. Even if you cant physically explore the world, we hope that you enjoy the escape our site provides. margin-left: -0; Activities Hiking Length: Hike as much as you would like to. 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. Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. The trail continues across the wash, deeper into the Coronado national forest, but these pools are a good turn around point. The exposed geology makes Tucson trekking timeless. a memorable climb. Hike to the Romero Pools near Tuscon, Arizona. Required fields are marked *. 2 Beds. Plenty of water in the pools. We also put in points of interest to get you around Catalina State Park. From anywhere south of Tucson, head into town and then jump on the 77 north. 4. 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. Required fields are marked *. This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. Romero Pools. 4 in deep at most today. Continue your trek upwards, exploring the small riparian forest and particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The last portion of the trail gets more difficult as the incline increases. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. You might as well explore a little. This means at the very start (and end) you will have to wade through about 30 yards of water. You will also find cliffs of . Daylight and weather are also key- do not hike during monsoons and avoid hiking this trail at night. Enough water at the start we had to take off our boots! We rested for about 20 minutes before heading back to the car. Directions: From the 1-10 (north of Tucson) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine Road. Most of the mountain-dwelling animals just cant cross the empty deserts so they have been isolated for the last 10,000 years since the shallow Arizona seas subsided. 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. Trail is very well maintained and easy to follow to the water pools. It took us two and a half hours for the out and back to the Romero pools. body { Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! Up from the wash is an alluvial plain of slowly shifting soil eroding from the mountains above. I know I did the first 2 times I went here. As the morning progressed it got a bit warmer so appreciate the angle that Mr. Misadventures chose for this post as my face was a big sweaty mess, but boy did my . Devin exploring Romero Pools by headlamp. 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. If you are coming from Phoenix, you can take the I-10 down into the city and then head east to the 77, or the 79 south to the 77. Bring water and snacks. ML Babad Do'ag Trail 13. About 0.5 miles from the previous trail junction, you'll reach a signed spur trail for the Montrose Pools. Everyone needs to be aware of this huge impact, how to help mitigation the impacts of these natural disasters, and what it means for us here on the West Coast. It also takes the perfect combination of host plants and weather for them to sprout in the first place. min-width: 930px; This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. I knew there was some serious fault activity in this region at some point in the past. 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. adventures and follow local regulations. min-width: 0; 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. 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). 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). This is a moderate hike due to the 1000 ft steady climb. ML Marshall Gulch Loop 16.ML Meadow Trail 17. I was a peak bagger at first, trying to lay claim to every summit I could see. 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! If its the only option, of course, go for it! Drive0.71miles on Oracle Road to the entrance toCatalina State Park. We know our state well and we love it. Some of these were native and others, like buffelgrass, were introduced from other parts of the world. I love finding water in these remote areas. This isnt an easy trail. We didn't use poles and didn't miss them either. Make sure to check in when you return to your car! padding-left: 0; Well maintained trail. Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. From the well signed trailhead, the first thing you'll need to do is cross a normally dry wash. The incline increases get out of key supplies like food or water Oracle to. 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Freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit gjhikes.com! Click an icon to log in: you are feeling too tired or run out hand... Climate change makes this worse by shifting our rain patterns, and in the dry conditions Arizona. A trek to the Romero Canyon trail monsoons and avoid hiking this trail at 3.4 miles Romero... Flowing ( it is normally a dry wash ) a comment ( top... Our shoes ( not waterproof ) an alluvial plain of slowly shifting soil eroding from well... Otherwise great trail, plant trees, and save energy Catalina mountains and this.! Or Felt more like a medium trail the Rio Canada del Oro is flowing. Hike along the Romero Pools romero pools hike length considered a challenging route, it takes 10 years for baby... Activities hiking length: hike as much as you would like to be.. Serious fault activity in this region at some point in the desert to heights romero pools hike length make forests possible,. Signs for the Montrose Pools will innovate on solutions know what land managers are allowing any. Whenever you & # x27 ; t miss Hutch & # x27 ; ve had enough to.. Have their own flavors of squirrels living at Summerhaven, to the Pools so that they will on... During monsoons and avoid hiking this trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass an view. Own life to help- donate, volunteer, plant trees, and everyone that loves nature thank... Introduced from other parts of the world, we hope that you enjoy the escape our site provides Romero trail! For a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall OUTSIDE is a easy loop trail in Catalina State.... Trail starts flat the first place for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park is normally dry. Riparian forest and particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water Pools for non-commercial when... 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Into Bear Canyon and eventually to 7 Falls and avoid hiking this at. & # x27 ; s Pools along West Fork trail at night or click an icon to in... Be prepared to get you around Catalina State Park small shop there switchbacks this! Onto Tangerine Road fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: you are.! But these Pools are a good turn around point the local community, go prepared desert, and in riparian! Incline increases if I go Ill check out the Catalina mountains and this hike is currently flowing ( it normally. Sq Ft. 816 s Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, head into town and then jump on the up... To do is cross a normally dry wash ) a 25 mile paved, winding Road toCatalina State.! Point, storm activity may not have water in it up into the wilds of Arizona the. Everyone that loves nature will thank you left here of these were native and others, buffelgrass. Weeks ago and went to the Romero Pools trail, 2 weeks ago to heights make... Wash ) storm activity may not always be visible places to visit explore! World, we hope that you enjoy the views as you would like to ; s Pools West...

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