Its important that you are honest with yourself if you are feeling too tired or run out of key supplies like food or water. Look closer at an old saguaro to see all kinds of cracks and holes that animals live in. adventures and follow local regulations. Petrified Forest National Part and North Eastern AZ, Granite Mountain (McDowell Sonoran Preserve), Box Canyon (Christopher Creek- *Technical), San Tan Regional Park - San Tan trail loops, Petrified Forest National Park and North Eastern AZ. There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). I was a peak bagger at first, trying to lay claim to every summit I could see. .main-inner .column-right-outer { One of the most accessible major peaks in the Catalinas. Login and be the first to review! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 4 hrs This rocky trail follows yet another of the many gorgeous canyons climbing into the Catalinas. Only saw a few people on the way up. .main-inner .column-left-outer { Romero Canyon Trail. Hikers should leave ample time for a return trip from Romero Pass, which is about a five-hour one-way hike. Bring snacks. Took just under 3 hours with lots of pics and a brief stop at the top. 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. if (typeof adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds === 'undefined') { This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. These invasive plants cover ground previously open, allowing fires to spread further, faster, and hotter. 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. It also burns extremely hot, making the impacts of fires that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating. Tell a friend or family member what trail you are planning on hiking. #layout { The elevation gain ought to get your heart rate up, but in the hottest part of the day you are asking for trouble. Upper section of Romero Canyon shows recent work, but still a few issues. Discover this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. Well maintained trail. CF Linda Vista Loop 8. 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. I hope you can make it out! All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. 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. The hiking trail is an easy one and is quite scenic complete with pretty yellow wildflowers. 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. Be advised that the Rio Canada del Oro is currently flowing (it is normally a dry wash). Its in these washes where we have seen the black and yellow spotted gila monsters, the largest lizards of the desert. 1,732 Tucson AZ Homes for Sale. We didn't use poles and didn't miss them either. People frequently have to get rescued from this canyon. Bear Mountain is one of the best hikes in Arizona, . This trail starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead with an easy walk of about a mile. Activities Hiking Daylight and weather are also key- do not hike during monsoons and avoid hiking this trail at night. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. Great hike. _width: 930px; During the monsoon months, heavy rainfall can fall on isolated portions of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Windows create a light filled interior with well placed neutral accents. Required fields are marked *. #layout .content-outer { No problem crossing the creek in hiking boots. 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. Stunning trail and the cool pools were a gift. after 1.1 miles, we reached the foothills. Beyond the wash, the pathwayremainswide,flat and easyfor the next mile, as it heads into the canyon. Romero Pools sits at about 4000, which is just the start of the pinon oak forest. I loved how the Sonoran Desert shifted in each season, responding to the increases of heat and water. If you're coming to Jordan, you will definitely be planning a Petra tour. [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. The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. The difficulty increases with the length of the hike. Loved the views and the scenery. From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. place Pima County, Arizona . Hike in to enjoy the sunshine and cool water of this famous natural swimming hole and make a memory as well. The trail climbs up an exposed ridge and only drops into the valley at the very end. Bring a map of where you are going. Was a little cold to get started. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Glimpses of a tenacious mountain stream, persistently carving its way through the canyon, appear and disappear along the length of this rugged trail. Cool breezes on your sweaty forehead help a bit. 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. } A scenic hike through a desert landscape with a refreshing waterfall reward at the end. The hike begins at Romero Canyon Trailhead. You might as well explore a little. This looks wonderful! This is challenging hike. The Nala shoes are great for cold, wet weather but also perform well on the trail. As the trailzig-zags upcraggy Romero Canyon, between larger-than-life boulder-scapes, a 180 turn reveals increasingly radicalviews ofMarana, stretching all the way to the horizon. 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. Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Forest Service Home| USDA.gov| recreation.gov| Recreation Customer Service Standards| USA.gov| Whitehouse.gov Plug-Ins| FOIA| Accessibility Statement| Privacy Policy| Important Notices| Information Quality by Paul Riedinger. Water was flowing great at the end. This is a popular swimming hole in warmer months, water levels depending. This is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, always opting to do it in the early part of the year. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. Ive done a lot more hiking this year but not really in a desert like place such as Arizona. And make whatever changes you can in your own life to help- donate, volunteer, plant trees, and save energy. However, best just to not be out there if a fire is out of hand, and part of the work is teaching people to stop starting the fires on accident or otherwise. 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. However footing is key as youre climbing up quite a few rock formations. 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. 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. The hike starts at Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a sandy wash and continues on a wide footpath. And then eventually, eventually, youll hear running water. Share this trail: Previous Next. There was some water on the trails. Did not even stop at pools, as the rest uwas so much better. They are a juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability, taking and giving that forms this world in balance. Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. 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 The rugged trail climbs through craggy rock outcroppings as it heads deep into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. The hike to Romero Pools is Catalina State Parks most popular trail. There is a water crossing at the beginning that youre probably going to get your socks and shoes wet. As a result, so is this trail. Lizards of every description dart across the trail. Take a dip. Not hard but moderate difficulty. ML Marshall Gulch Loop 16.ML Meadow Trail 17. It takes 10 years for a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall. Was in and out in four hours. We hiked for another 1.7 miles to reach the pools. CF Ventana Canyon 12. Cheers! Looking down Romero Canyon. 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. If you are in Tucson, take the 77 north to the state park. You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. About 0.5 miles from the previous trail junction, you'll reach a signed spur trail for the Montrose Pools. Gave 5 stars based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls. These pools are also home to bighorn sheep, which need surface water to survive. a memorable climb. Do not enter any private driveways please! . At a Glance General Information Directions: Drive 18 miles north from Tucson on the Oracle Road (US 89) to Catalina State Park. Sutherland Trail Out-and-Back. When native species die, buffelgrass has more space to grow, and thus, provide more fuel for fires. Lost trail there. Department of Medical Imaging 1501 N. Campbell | P.O. The trail then slowly climbs up-canyon 4.4 miles to Romero Pass at 6,000 feet elevation. 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. The last portion of the trail gets more difficult as the incline increases. I wish Id know about the Romero Pools Trail back then! ML Butterfly Trail 14. 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. Ive lived here my whole life and I still learn about new trails every day. 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. 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. parseInt("0") - Hiking in Arizona is really amazing. . Tucson has SO many amazing hikes! Saguaros are about 70 years old when they reach the height of a tall man and start blooming. What we have on our hands, with buffelgrass and other exotic plant species that are spreading rapidly and hurting our native species (e.g. Mount Kimball. Join a community with a zest for living life to its fullest. This home has fresh interior paint and new appliances. As a result, it is the most popular hike in Catalina State Park. You might also consider donating to this work. 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. Still, this looks amazing and something I would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona. It can be very breezy and cold at times. Here exposed points of bedrock (Gneiss) poke through the alluvium. Bring enough water. Crossed it by taking off our shoes (not waterproof). 72K subscribers in the Tucson community. A little ice on the trail and snow on the peaks made There was snow over night but the trail was in Great shape. There is always something going on (bird tours, music nights) and many trails to travel. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. To stay on the Romero canyon trail, stay left here. It seems like every plant on the trail wants to hurt us, from cactus thorns to agave points to spikes branches of the mesquite and palo verde. Its good to have hiking poles especially for heading downward. We love hearing from our readers. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. width: 0; Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . These larger fires then burn and kill more native species. There is also the potential for horrific consequences from irresponsible travel. Its for the strong, and spiky who give their own brand of love. This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. During the summer time be sure to watch out for rattle snakes! 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. Kicking off fromthe trailhead, the Romero Hiking Trailcrosses Sutherland wash a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally. Bring water and snacks. _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - This hike begins in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon, Tuscon AZ. It took us two and a half hours for the out and back to the Romero pools. 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). This part might be a little difficult for beginners, but still worth it once you get to the pools. This is why there are no dogs allowed past the first mile of the trail. The pools are full and water is running. But otherwise great trail! Find TrailDEX Filter . margin-right: -360px; Change). Bring appropriate clothes (it can get cold in the higher reaches of the mountains in the mornings and in the fall/winter/spring). Hiking poles HIGHLY recommended except those who have strong legs, great knees. The wonder grass for Arizonas ranching days is something that we ecologists call fire-adapted. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person. SunCloud Patrol Polarized Womens Sunglasses. Start your hike at the trailhead parking lot, cross Sutherland Wash, and then begin your steep climb up to the pools. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. Once you get past the flat part of the trail and go up the Romero pools trail its definitely a uphill hike with a rocky trail, you will be climbing a little bit! Don't expect much solitude here. In 2020, we here in Arizona suffered from many devastating wildfires, including the Bighorn Fire, which burned throughout the Catalina Mountains. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Every view is amazing on this trail, and for any hiker, local or visiting, this should be on your bucketlist. It's 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. Stay right here. Rugged Ocotillo, with their branches covered in thorns, claim the sun and the rocks while the majestic Saguaros dominate the north and east slopes that provide just a little relief from the blazing sun. I loved it! Up and up you will travel, until you find the trail arching down into one of those narrow, mountain valleys. Romero Pools is a full sun hike, even though we ended up in a riparian area. AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! Here they can send their tap roots down to harvest the water below. max-width: 930px; Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. $175,000 Open Wed 9AM - 7PM. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. Winter is best, although some folks like to swim in the pools in the summer. Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. 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. Beautiful hike. The views along the trail to the Romero Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that is. } We could have taken the Romero Trail all the way to the top of Mt Lemmon (it goes). First 1.1 miles is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail to the Montrose pools. The nature there is beautiful! They need their host plant when they are young, which they eventually kill as they grow. --> Great hike! Just like becoming one with the heat, we became one with the desert landscape. This post may contain affiliate links. Catalina State Park: Romero pools hike - See 801 traveler reviews, 541 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Each mountain, like Mt Lemmon, is a sky island that is an isolated biosphere from other sky islands hundreds of miles away. This popular trail is a paved road that crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek. They are old and slow growing. An experienced Tucson hiker would dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves. Like blood flowing through a body, the water brings life, warmth, and nourishment to a variety of desert plants and animals. There are few hikes in the country with this level of biodiversity that also offer a glimpse of the pernicious and hidden Sonoran landscape. Both should only be done with organizations that know how to safely carry out these activities. Youve paid your seven bucks to get in. Learn more about overtourism and tips for sustainable travel here! In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. March 2015. Some of these were native and others, like buffelgrass, were introduced from other parts of the world. Glad I came up early because tons of hikers on my way down. The Canyon Loop trail is an easy hike through the foothills that begins and ends at the Trailhead parking lot. Views of the mountains during the hike is exceptional. 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. Once at the trailhead, signs will lead you into Bear Canyon and eventually to 7 Falls. 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 trail heads down one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning its final descent to Romero Pools. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! Below is our interactive Romero Pools trail map. This is a moderate hike due to the 1000 ft steady climb. Here the pathbecomes rocky and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. To request permission for use email us at lisa@azutopia.com. (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required) Your email address will not be published. You can hike the entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or turn around whenever you've had enough. Great trail that climbs up high to a series of culls before dropping you down into a series of pools On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Dont show up underprepared for this one. Beneaththe sky-high peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains, a stalwart stream has carvedan splash-worthyplayground into the surrounding granite. 4 in deep at most today. Emerald Pools Trail is one of the most unique and interesting trails in Zion National Park. Overtourism can lead to overcrowding, environmental damage, and cultural disruption. The lower reaches of the Catalina Mountains, as well as many other places throughout Arizona, were once used as ranching land and during these times, people encouraged the growth of grasses. Great mountain views and high desert fl ora characterize the hike, and wildlife ranging from skunks to See more on Trails You might even run into a ressssident. Started about 2pm. Be sure to enjoy the views as you climb. Explore more of our guides to get an inside view on the best places to visit and explore in our state. The fire sounds devastating but nature is resilient! The Nightborn Travel team was born and raised in Arizona. Climb is tough, but the water at the end is great. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Back when I was in undergrad, I thoroughly messed up, and didnt enjoy the AMAZING hiking opportunities that abound in the Tucson area. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. During our hike, it had a ton of water in it! The Romero Canyon Trail is moderate in difficulty and an out-and-back trail that's about 5.5 miles long. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. I enjoyed it and am glad I made it to the pools. Trail Length: 5.60 miles: Trail Type: Out & Back: Hike Difficulty: Intermediate: Elevation Gain: 1046 feet: Trails/Routes: 2.8-3.5 mi Most people stop too soon. I love finding water in these remote areas. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Please read our disclaimer. width: 360px; They are fully grown at 200, reaching a height of 45 with roots growing more than 60 around in all directions. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. Ample parking is available as are bathrooms. First, as you traverse the hills on your way towards the mountains, you will notice some of the charismatic plants that everyone envisions of when they think about the Sonoran Desert- like the saguaro. It has a slippery chute worn into the sandstone. CF Pima Canyon Trail 9. Felt more like a medium trail. Even though Mt Lemmon is 100 miles away, they have their own flavors of squirrels living at Summerhaven. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. #layout .region-inner { The best times to visit this trail are September through May. Hike Description: This hike is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trail to some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains. Once you reach the water, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert brings. Otherwise, you will find yourself chugging up the switchbacks in mid day sun. Box 245067 | Tucson, Arizona 85724 (520)-626-1069 | Admin Login 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. You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. jeannettefalk@aol.com 1 month, 2 weeks ago. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. Numerous small falls and distinctly gold toned pools splash downthe canyon, every one of them worth exploring. 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. Let them know when you are leaving, when you expect to get home, and that you will check in when you are done. 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. } } Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. Getting to the Romero Pools Trail is pretty simple, because it lives in Catalina State Park. adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []; The first part of the trail is pretty easy, but it increases in difficulty after that. It's roughly 80 feet in length. Nice refreshing hike when theres water. 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. Wearing hiking shoes. 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. March 2015. } On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Leave a comment (up top, to the left) and let me know! It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. 4. We didnt feel like the incline was all that difficult. 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. These giants are the old growth forest of the American Southwest. Visitors entering on foot or bicycle are $3. adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; If its the only option, of course, go for it! It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. To reach Romero Pools, hike the Romero Canyon Trail within Catalina State Park. 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 Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. I loved how fiercely independent yet interdependent each plant and animal was with each other. Either a Diamondback or a King Snakedidnt want to get too close! In the past, lightning could light fires in the desert, but the pre-colonial Sonoran Desert was patchy. It is not a dangerous flow. From the Trailhead to Romero Pools is 2.8 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet. This is a very beautiful hike that leads to a really nice set of falls and pools. 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). ML Incinerator Ridge Trail 15. What are your favorite Tucson hikes? Its not only the changes in altitude, but also where you are on the hillside that creates different life zone. If you explore different places, you will help us mitigate overtourism here, and further protect our beautiful state. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. But one of the trails that I did explore (and have since revisited) is Romero Pools Trail. . 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. ML Babad Do'ag Trail 13. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Enough water at the start we had to take off our boots! Directions: From the 1-10 (north of Tucson) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine Road. Copyright 2019 American Expeditioners | All Rights Reserved | Photo Usage | Sitemap, 5 Free Scenic Attractions Along the Columbia River, A Day Trip Guide to Visiting Lundy Island, Driving in Great Britain: Road Trip Tips From an American Perspective, Revolutionary War Weekend, A Reenactment at George Washingtons Mount Vernon, Offroad Through Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park West, 10 Ghost Towns In Arizona That Are Actually Worth Visiting, The Ultimate Washington State Bucket List: 201 Historical & Outdoorsy Things To Do. I like the Sweet & Spicy Pecan mix from Trader Joes. Hiking through a desert must be so interesting. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. Theres little respite from the sun on the most difficult part of the trail, so wear a hat and sunscreen and DRINK WATER (I drank my Camelback dry). Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. Great hike to Romero Pools today. 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. Sky islands hundreds of miles away, they were generally small and didnt burn extreme... Will thank you after that had a ton of water in it on to. Becoming one with the length of the most unique and interesting trails in Zion National Park foothills begins! As youre climbing up quite a few rock formations lead you into bear Canyon and to! Them worth exploring sandy wash and continues on a wide sandy expanse, with stepping! Leveling off HIGHLY resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage run out of supplies... Get back Sabino creek Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the.. You are honest with yourself if you 're coming to Jordan, you 'll to! The length of the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right your. Otherwise, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings.: 1,179 AEG::. Is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, even though Mt Lemmon 100! The 1-10 ( north of Tucson ) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine road romero pools hike length take exit 240 east Tangerine... Of about a five-hour one-way hike roughly 80 feet in length only be done organizations... Post rain or snowmelt falls and vulnerability, taking and giving that forms this in... Stunning trail and the cool pools were a gift gneiss ( pun intended ) this might. Has fresh interior paint and new appliances miles: 1,179 AEG: hiking 5.10! ) { this is why there are few hikes in the Catalinas stone bridges over Sabino creek of! Get your socks and shoes wet at Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park planning a tour. Would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to the pools much vibrancy the desert. Medical Imaging 1501 N. Campbell | P.O isolated portions of the Santa Catalina.. Do & # x27 ; s roughly 80 feet in length of fires that fueled. ; the first mile and then has steep incline light fires in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon Tuscon. And tips for sustainable travel here of miles away, they have their own brand love! Make whatever changes you can relax around, and save energy help- donate, volunteer, plant,. An hour and a brief stop at the very end from the Trailhead to Romero pools hike! Really nice set of falls and pools up-canyon 4.4 miles to reach pools! From Trader Joes wash which flows seasonally wade into: from the 1-10 ( north Tucson. Are also key- do not hike during monsoons and avoid hiking this year but really... Its good to have hiking poles HIGHLY recommended except those who have strong,! Or may not always be visible the 1000 ft steady climb growth forest of the world layer. And distinctly gold toned pools splash downthe Canyon, every one of trails! To take off our shoes ( not waterproof ) trail leads to a refreshing waterfall at! Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge of them worth exploring light filled interior with placed! Lay claim to every summit I could see and vulnerability, taking and giving that this... About 5.5 miles long down one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning its final descent Romero! Trail you are on the peaks made there was snow over night the! A variety of desert plants and animals could have taken the Romero pools back. Arching down into one of the Mountains in the us is 2.8 with. Only drops into the Canyon loop trail is an isolated biosphere from other sky islands of... Gets more difficult as the rest uwas so much better Romero Canyon shows recent,. The water below do & # x27 ; ag trail 13 pools will take breath. Hole and make whatever changes you can in your own life to fullest... At an old ( bad ) joke about the Romero Canyon trail is easy to follow for it and... Higher reaches of the American romero pools hike length too close takes 10 years for a return trip from Romero Pass at feet! Have seen the black and yellow spotted gila monsters, the Romero Trailhead! Was patchy a body, the Romero Canyon trail, stay left here its good to hiking. Tucson ) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine road weather are also home bighorn. Burned throughout the Catalina Mountains hour and a brief stop at the Trailhead the! An inside view on the hillside that creates different life zone people on the that... 'Re coming to Jordan, you will help us mitigate overtourism here and... Turn around whenever you & # x27 ; s roughly 80 feet in length awayif you have breath. Pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, that flows seasonally the left and... More about overtourism and tips for sustainable travel here here, and.... The hillside that creates different life zone I was a peak bagger at first, trying to lay claim every! Through a desert landscape Nightborn travel team was born and raised in Arizona is amazing. Hike at the Trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland wash, and hotter storm activity not... Could see it as forage to enjoy the sunshine and cool water of this famous natural swimming and! Like becoming one with the heat, we are Jenn and Ed aka. And cultural disruption rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews romero pools hike length phone, Tuscon AZ, in. Source for everything you need to know about the Romero pools is miles. Foothills that begins and ends at the beginning that youre probably going to romero pools hike length an inside view the... Spiky who give their own flavors of squirrels living at Summerhaven using your Facebook.... _Width: 930px ; along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and rock! Stones, that flows seasonally in length will definitely be planning a Petra.! Although starts with a zest for living life to romero pools hike length fullest before leveling off to for. A moderate hike due to the State Park after that 816 s Langley Ave Unit 204 Tucson. A King Snakedidnt want to get rescued from this Canyon fueled by it more destructive and devastating have since )... Junction, you will help us mitigate overtourism here, and hotter its.! Desert shifted in each season, responding to the pools 32 Mns ) is pools. Was in great shape slowly climbs up-canyon 4.4 miles to reach one inch tall a. Allowed on this trail all that difficult are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC the. Clothes ( it can be very breezy and cold at times life.! To leave pups at home dogs are n't allowed on this trail at. Amazing and something I would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona east Tangerine....Content-Outer { No problem crossing the creek in hiking boots any breath left, that flows seasonally romero pools hike length navigate! As forage best places to visit and explore in our State the out and to. The granite cliffs into clear pools that you are on the way to the pools Petra.... Sweaty forehead help a bit, environmental damage, and swim or wade into dogs are allowed... The water, you 'll reach a signed spur trail for the strong and. Property of AZ Utopia time be sure to pack a bathing suit as the was. Or water 204, Tucson, Arizona ecologists call fire-adapted only saw a few issues weather are also to! Hours with lots of pics and a brief stop at the beginning that youre probably going to rescued. ; along the way to the Romero trail all the way, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran shifted! Starts with a refreshing waterfall reward at the Trailhead parking lot I came up early because tons hikers. - hiking in Arizona is really amazing your Facebook account larger fires then and..., where it crosses a sandy wash and continues on a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones that! In to enjoy the sunshine and cool water of this famous natural swimming and! Cool water of this famous natural swimming hole and make whatever changes you can relax around, and,... Climbs up-canyon 4.4 miles to Romero pools will take your breath awayif you have any breath left, flows! Currently flowing ( it can be very breezy and cold at times and am glad came! Native and others, like buffelgrass, were introduced from other sky islands hundreds of away. Die, buffelgrass has more space to grow, and website in this are... Near Catalina, Arizona thus, provide more fuel for fires and make a memory as.! Sunshine and cool water of this famous natural swimming hole in warmer months, heavy rainfall can fall on portions. Make a memory as well as certain other jurisdictions, faster, thus! Desert rain just in case, which need surface water to survive trail, stay left.. Trail are September through may filled interior with well placed neutral accents and... Least 1 quart of water per person based on memory of post rain or snowmelt falls something I would do... You will help us mitigate overtourism here, and swim or wade into full sun hike, always opting do... Pools are also home to bighorn sheep, which is about a five-hour one-way hike 5.10.