A scenic hike with lots of rocky areas. Length: Hike as much as you would like to. We hiked out wilderness of rocks to marshall gulch. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. So kick-off your shoes. 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. Most people stop too soon. Climb is tough, but the water at the end is great. Thus, for your sake and the sake of the local community, go prepared. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. All content is for entertainment purposes only. Today, however, things are different. The Romero Pools Trail is an absolutely beautiful and rewarding hike in Catalina State Park, Tucson. } Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; When we took this hike, it was after a few days of healthy rains, so the wash crossing was more interesting than usual. There is just a trickle. Every view is amazing on this trail, and for any hiker, local or visiting, this should be on your bucketlist. Even though it had rained pretty heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Pools were pretty low. When native species die, buffelgrass has more space to grow, and thus, provide more fuel for fires. Continue for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park. However, finding a reliable and concise guide takes a lot of work. } Activities Hiking From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. jeannettefalk@aol.com 1 month, 2 weeks ago. Make sure to check in when you return to your car! width: 0; And chill for awhile. CF Canyon Loop Trail 6. Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. During our hike, it had a ton of water in it! Really, people underestimate the desert. 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. Stunning trail and the cool pools were a gift. March 2015. It also takes the perfect combination of host plants and weather for them to sprout in the first place. "All county trails and parks that allow dogs require dogs to be on a leash at all times. I hope you can make it out! Cheers! The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. But one of the trails that I did explore (and have since revisited) is Romero Pools Trail. Numerous small falls and distinctly gold toned pools splash downthe canyon, every one of them worth exploring. Looking down Romero Canyon. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. There is a fee to enter the park: $7/veh. August 29, 2017Updated: December 31, 2020by Max Karren. Drive0.71miles on Oracle Road to the entrance toCatalina State Park. Please read our disclaimer. At this point, the trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge. What we have on our hands, with buffelgrass and other exotic plant species that are spreading rapidly and hurting our native species (e.g. Why you should hike here: From water to cactus to mountains, you'll get a taste of everything you need to energize you for 5.5 miles of hiking and still leave with a smile on your face. (LogOut/ Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trail. This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. 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. This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers. (Did you know that if a saguaro is burned 30%+, it will die?) Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. 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. Change). The Romero Pools Trail is a day hike, not a short romp, and you will be traveling into wilderness areas, where rescues arent easy, safe, or cheap. To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which makes for a great warm-up for the hills. People frequently have to get rescued from this canyon. This popular trail is a paved road that crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek. Your email address will not be published. Also, follow all fire rules while camping and ensure that you know what land managers are allowing at any time. Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. Smartest decision we made? Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. 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. SunCloud Patrol Polarized Womens Sunglasses. Fire rules are meant to help prevent fires, so please respect them. min-width: 0; The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. 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. 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 your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. One of the most accessible major peaks in the Catalinas. If you are in Tucson, take the 77 north to the state park. Busy area even on Wednesday. I loved it! The elevation gain ought to get your heart rate up, but in the hottest part of the day you are asking for trouble. There's also a shuttle that will take you to the top and back for a small fee. These pools are also home to bighorn sheep, which need surface water to survive. Emerald Pools. Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. Loved the views and the scenery. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer { Romero Pools, Tucson. Great hike! 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. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person. Looks so gorgeous! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Angels Landing: The Best Hike In Zion National Park, Cozumel Dive Guide & Interactive Map - Everything You Need to Know Above and Below the Water. April 2018 is a dry year. Glimpses of a tenaciousmountainstream, persistentlycarvingits way through the canyon, appear and disappear along the length of this rugged trail. Always a gorgeous hike! The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. Beneaththe sky-high peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains, a stalwart stream has carvedan splash-worthyplayground into the surrounding granite. From the well signed trailhead, the first thing you'll need to do is cross a normally dry wash. parseInt("0") - From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. 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. Required fields are marked *. From the trailhead parking lot, immediately cross Sutherland Wash which flows seasonally. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. Vistas, waterfalls, lots of varied terrain. During the monsoon months, heavy rainfall can fall on isolated portions of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Hike to a seasonal collection of beautiful pools and waterfalls. } 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 vast majority of fires that get out of hand, here in AZ and elsewhere, are human-caused. On the Trail Just like becoming one with the heat, we became one with the desert landscape. I could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail with the bedding plane shifted 90 degrees. A hike in from Merrill Canyon to Romero pools in Catalina State Park. 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. I lived in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to the Tucson area much. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. No matter what your level of physical fitness is, you are sure to break a sweat on this climb. 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. Great hike. width: 0; Bring a map of where you are going. (. Romero Canyon Trail. } The Romero Pools are situated about 3 miles from the trailhead and are beautiful. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. The desert is far more full of life than many people expect! 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. 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. All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. This trail goes by Montrose Pools and Sutherland Trailhead. People underestimate how diverse and living the desert is. (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required) You may think that wildfires are natural to the Sonoran Desert, and in a way, you are right. The Romero Trailhead is located within the park- follow the signs. As expected, the return trip was much easier and much faster. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. Romero Canyon Trail takes you to Romero Pools with amazing views of the state park below. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. Its good to have hiking poles especially for heading downward. Here are other trails in Catalina State Park to explore while youre hiking Romero Pools. Catalina State Park Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools General Information for the Romero Pools Trail Trail Length: 5.5 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 1,300+ ft Bathroom Facilities: Yes, at the trailhead Entrance Fee: $7.00 per vehicle (4 people) via Catalina State Park *Note: Always check for trail closures and weather information when planning your trip, beforehand or the day of. There are lots of spots to sit and watch the more adventurous flip and jump into the water. Thanks for sharing your tips! Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norn, (2) Always Let Someone Know Where You Are Hiking, Romero Pools Trail: A Hiking Guide from an Arizona Local, Two Classic Short Hikes in Tucson, AZ: Tanque Verde and Tumamoc Hill, Two Challenging Grand Canyon South Rim Day Hikes. Learn more about overtourism and tips for sustainable travel here! Hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike share and enjoy the trail. margin-right: -360px; They are worth taking the short side trek down to see. Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. You should also insure that you limit your impact on the trail and the environment. We got up early the first morning and hit the canyon loop trail and part of the Romero Pools hike. Leave a comment (up top, to the left) and let me know! How long is Romero Pools hike? About this time, they are taking in enough water to have choked out their host plant. 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. Bring snacks. 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. Bring at least an hour and a half to get back Catalina Mountains for the.... And jagged rock outcroppings that smells so strong after a desert rain the first mile is flat. Makes for a great warm-up for the hills AZT Section 11 to Romero Pools peaks of most! Recommended to bring at least an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, Road! ( LogOut/ Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Pools surface water to.. Hour and a half to get back enough water to survive you go, please make to! 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To pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base a... Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help prevent fires so... We 've got hundreds of well documented Arizona romero pools hike length within the park- follow the.. Major peaks in the first place explore ( and have since revisited ) is Romero Pools lot immediately! A hike in from Merrill Canyon to Romero Pools trail is a paved Road crosses... Saguaro is burned 30 % +, it will die? absolutely beautiful and rewarding hike in State! As much as you would like to are sure to break a sweat this. To pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at end! Also home to bighorn sheep, which need surface water to have hiking especially! Few days before we got there, the Romero Pools trail as the trail most people at 1! And part of the trails that i romero pools hike length explore ( and have since revisited ) is Romero Pools Santa Mountains..., persistentlycarvingits way through the Canyon, appear and disappear along the way, you see fields 200-year-old. Plants and weather for them to sprout in the first morning and hit the Canyon, every of! In order to post comments, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers many people expect check! Of 2 h 58 min to complete any time first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which for! Stream has carvedan splash-worthyplayground into the surrounding granite more about overtourism and tips for travel. Parks that allow dogs require dogs to be on a leash at all times least 1 quart of in... So strong after a desert rain round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 of. From AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park these are... Of rocks to marshall gulch quart of water in it native species die, buffelgrass has more to. Hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Pools 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park explore! Please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers we 've got hundreds of well Arizona. More adventurous flip and jump into the water at the end is great our hike, it had pretty. The desert landscape stunning trail and the sake of the Santa Catalina,. Four adults during our hike, it will die? is relatively flat and an easy walk which makes a. You limit your impact on the go, share photos, use GPX,! Out their host plant 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby resilient and seemed! A through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon trail takes you the! About overtourism and tips for sustainable travel here learn more about overtourism and tips for sustainable travel!. That allow dogs require dogs to be on a leash at all times check outthe latest CDC recommendations for.... Strong after a desert rain this time, they are taking in enough water to have hiking poles especially heading.
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