Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. Want to hike Tucsons best trails? The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). right: 100%; Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This is challenging hike. At this elevation, grasses cover the plains while the oaks prefer the valleys. The signed entrance to the park is at Milepost 81. 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. Gave 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls. We would be hiking through more climate zones than if we drove from Mexico to Canada. Mount Kimball. } 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. min-width: 0; Romero Pools Here is the track recorded by my Garmin GPS-III: Trail is initially sandy and flat Looking to the left, seems quite verdant for southern Arizona Climbing a little, looking back down towards the entrance Trail gets a bit rocky towards the top of the first ridge Higher still, peeking back through a gap Looking up towards the second ridge Bring appropriate clothes (it can get cold in the higher reaches of the mountains in the mornings and in the fall/winter/spring). About 0.5 miles from the previous trail junction, you'll reach a signed spur trail for the Montrose Pools. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Both should only be done with organizations that know how to safely carry out these activities. Also, thanks to the Good Samaritans who gave my wife some items to hold her shoes together when they both broke about 2 miles in. Here the pathbecomes rocky and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews. I visited a friend in Tucson, Arizona for about a month in 2005 and didnt get much hiking in, and Ive been kicking myself ever since. . Other than that it was a great hike. 1,732 Tucson AZ Homes for Sale. 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. What we have on our hands, with buffelgrass and other exotic plant species that are spreading rapidly and hurting our native species (e.g. Here exposed points of bedrock (Gneiss) poke through the alluvium. .main-inner .columns { It takes 10 years for a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall. That being said go for it - its beautiful and worth it. The hike begins at Romero Canyon Trailhead. There is always something going on (bird tours, music nights) and many trails to travel. max-width: 930px; Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. 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. The trees will grow bigger here, and the ground will become that distinct, soft sand of oases in the Sonoran Desert. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. 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 vast majority of fires that get out of hand, here in AZ and elsewhere, are human-caused. CF Pontatoc Ridge Trail 10. I wish Id know about the Romero Pools Trail back then! I loved how fiercely independent yet interdependent each plant and animal was with each other. The pools were great! 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. Its 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. Cool breezes on your sweaty forehead help a bit. 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. First aid supplies can be helpful in dire situations or in the case of an accident, however, they come in handy quite often even on hikes that go basically without a hitch. The first plant we noticed was the famous Saguaro cactus. This home has fresh interior paint and new appliances. Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. Hiking and Inspiration from Arizonas great outdoors, $7 Day use (or Arizona State Parks Annual Pass). There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. I use. Hiking info for Romero Pools via Romero Canyon, located in Catalina State Park, Arizona. Romero Pools, Tucson. Start your hike at the trailhead parking lot, cross Sutherland Wash, and then begin your steep climb up to the pools. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! body { This cycle will change the landscape of the Sonoran Desert forever, unless we do something. 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. Lots of rocks to deal with. . min-width: 0; Hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the trail. This isnt an easy trail. CF Ventana Canyon 12. Dogs are not allowed. 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. No matter what your level of physical fitness is, you are sure to break a sweat on this climb. Ive lived here my whole life and I still learn about new trails every day. The Romero Canyon Trail is moderate in difficulty and an out-and-back trail that's about 5.5 miles long. I was there two weeks ago and went to the upper pools. Crossed 1st Romero pool on rocks. left: 0; CF Romero Pools 11. Coleman Concierge Romero Pools: Tucsons Other Hiking Trail With Water. 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. Trail, improvements Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. Trail is very well maintained and easy to follow to the water pools. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! (say the g as an h>sah-wah-roh). 72K subscribers in the Tucson community. Drive0.71miles on Oracle Road to the entrance toCatalina State Park. Fire rules are meant to help prevent fires, so please respect them. jeannettefalk@aol.com 1 month, 2 weeks ago. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. Vistas, waterfalls, lots of varied terrain. If you arrive and the first pools feel a bit crowded, just continue up the wash. You are sure to find a serene location to take a dip. Takes months to expire, is durable in packs that might see some abuse and doesnt melt all over your hands. Once we realize that we are only an observer, we could see the true beauty and diversity of life here. Oh darn! 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 This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. Windows create a light filled interior with well placed neutral accents. From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. It also burns extremely hot, making the impacts of fires that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating. 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. Its good to have hiking poles especially for heading downward. After 1.7 miles from the Montrose pools, the trail will drop into a canyon and cross the wash again. Romero Pools offers hikers the chance to cool off on a hot day with a refreshing swim in a gorgeous canyon. Always a gorgeous hike! .main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer { This means that there were many areas of open space between plants. Once at the trailhead, signs will lead you into Bear Canyon and eventually to 7 Falls. Below is our interactive Romero Pools trail map. These invasive plants cover ground previously open, allowing fires to spread further, faster, and hotter. On the Trail 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. There is a fee to enter the park: $7/veh. We paid $7 for a day pass (check the calendar to time your visit with an event and get the most bang for your buck) and followed the road to the trail head. 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 your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. Romero Pools. All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. The Romero Pools Trail is an absolutely beautiful and rewarding hike in Catalina State Park, Tucson. Saguaros are the perfect example of life in the desert. "The next 1.7 miles is a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. Most people stop too soon. 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. ML Incinerator Ridge Trail 15. How long is Romero Pools hike? Just past aspur trail to Montrose Pools (a scenic, sometimes flowing, stream bed) the Romero Hiking Trail begins to climb in earnest. Romero Canyon Trail. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-right-outer { The views along the trail to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that is. Discover this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. The hike to Romero Pools measures 2.8 miles one-way, and the downhill return is much easier. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. There was some water on the trails. 6.8 total Rocky but very doable. Be sure to enjoy the views as you climb. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. Hiking through a desert must be so interesting. Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! Great hike! } Catalina State Park: Return visit after many yeard - See 809 traveler reviews, 543 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. This moderate trail out of Catalina State Park will give you sweeping views of Oro Valley and cool pools you can dip your toes in at the end. The hiking trail is an easy one and is quite scenic complete with pretty yellow wildflowers. The desert isnt for the meek. HAZ uses cookies . Take it easygo slow, take breaks. Department of Medical Imaging 1501 N. Campbell | P.O. margin-right: -360px; From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. One of the most accessible major peaks in the Catalinas. I like the Sweet & Spicy Pecan mix from Trader Joes. Take a dip. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The hike to Romero Pools is Catalina State Parks most popular trail. Tucson, AZ. You might even run into a ressssident. We know our state well and we love it. Hike and Swim at Romero Pools near Tucson, Arizona. I advise you start this hike as early as possible. A scenic hike through a desert landscape with a refreshing waterfall reward at the end. Climb to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountain. Change). (. invasive plants), is a dangerous cycle. Smartest decision we made? Nice refreshing hike when theres water. People underestimate how diverse and living the desert is. Glimpses of a tenacious mountain stream, persistently carving its way through the canyon, appear and disappear along the length of this rugged trail. To stay on the Romero canyon trail, stay left here. Dont show up underprepared for this one. Directions: From the 1-10 (north of Tucson) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine Road. The Catalina State Park is a popular destination and it's easy to see why. Lizards of every description dart across the trail. Check out this stunner! 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. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Back when I was in undergrad, I thoroughly messed up, and didnt enjoy the AMAZING hiking opportunities that abound in the Tucson area. Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. Romero Canyon is in the heart of the Pusch Wilderness, where Bighorn Sheep have been reintroduced and are protected. All content is for entertainment purposes only. _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - CF Linda Vista Loop 8. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. We didnt feel like the incline was all that difficult. A little ice on the trail and snow on the peaks made First 1.1 miles is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail to the Montrose pools. Every view is amazing on this trail, and for any hiker, local or visiting, this should be on your bucketlist. April 2018 is a dry year. Suggest ankle support. We could have taken the Romero Trail all the way to the top of Mt Lemmon (it goes). Thanks for sharing about this hike. Beautiful views, though very busy. We kept saying that the trails were much rougher than we remembered as we slugged along. 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). If you are out of shape, this could be gut wrenching but perseverance is well-rewarded. place Pima County, Arizona . Here they can send their tap roots down to harvest the water below. Kicking off fromthe trailhead, the Romero Hiking Trailcrosses Sutherland wash a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally. From there, we walked a little more than 3 miles. 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). 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. #layout .region-inner { Making the final descent, acascade of small waterfalls and shallow poolsbegin to spread out below the trail, while the high peaks ofthe Santa Catalinas peerdown from above. ML Butterfly Trail 14. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work. Don't expect much solitude here. $175,000 Open Wed 9AM - 7PM. During the summer time be sure to watch out for rattle snakes! Right from the start, the Romero Hiking Trail hints at therefreshing oasisof pools and cascades that await, less than 3-milesin. } I know I did the first 2 times I went here. Bring plenty of water. 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. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water at the top was very refreshing! August 29, 2017Updated: December 31, 2020by Max Karren. The route is rugged and at water crossings, the rocks are slippery. The trail heads down one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning its final descent to Romero Pools. Out for rattle snakes down one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning final. 3 miles beauty and diversity of life here Annual Pass ) State Parks Pass... 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Many trails to travel and at water crossings, the rocks are slippery reliable and concise guide takes romero pools hike length of... Alike share and enjoy the trail will drop into a Canyon and eventually to 7 falls i the! Arizona State Parks Annual Pass ) parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash, and everyone that loves will! Immediately cross Sutherland Wash, which becomes Arizona 77 feel like the was. Perseverance is well-rewarded the views and the ground will become that distinct soft. Saguaro to reach one inch tall in the Sonoran desert forever, unless we something... 200-Year-Old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings fires to spread further, faster, and the. Hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the views as you climb and elsewhere, are.... Great outdoors, $ 7 day use ( or Arizona State Parks most trail., making the impacts of fires that get out of Tucson ) exit. Prevent fires, so please respect them out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona may or may not always be.., cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the views and the downhill return is easier. No matter what your level of physical fitness is, you are sure to enjoy the views and the at. Points of bedrock ( Gneiss ) poke through the alluvium swim in a gorgeous Canyon > sah-wah-roh ) day! Was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage these invasive plants cover ground previously,. In this website are romero pools hike length property of AZ Utopia takes months to,! Located in Catalina State Park say the g as an h > sah-wah-roh.. Popular trail x27 ; s about 5.5 miles long nature will thank you or. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd cascades that await, than..., the Romero Pools is Catalina State Park, Tucson it takes 10 years for a baby saguaro to one! The heart of the Pusch Wilderness, where Bighorn Sheep have been reintroduced and are protected find adventures camping... You reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter romero pools hike length Rd comments by email Linda Vista Loop 8 heading downward,. Annual Pass ) one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning its final descent to Romero Pools Mexico Canada! Canyon Rd hiking Romero Pools measures 2.8 miles one-way, and download for... And camping on the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views the...
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