romero pools hike length

If its the only option, of course, go for it! 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). 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. You'll peak out after climbing 1000 feet. We kept saying that the trails were much rougher than we remembered as we slugged along. Your email address will not be published. 3.3 mi Distance 1 hrs 59 min Time terrain 187 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a easy loop trail in Catalina State Park. Beautiful looking hike. And then eventually, eventually, youll hear running water. Beautiful canyon. Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Pools is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. Back when I was in undergrad, I thoroughly messed up, and didnt enjoy the AMAZING hiking opportunities that abound in the Tucson area. The Romero Canyon Trail is moderate in difficulty and an out-and-back trail that's about 5.5 miles long. They are worth taking the short side trek down to see. Google Maps should be able to direct you to the park, and you can ask the rangers for directions to the trail when you arrive. We know our state well and we love it. It takes most people at least an hour and a half to get there and about the same to get back. The pools were just amazing and felt like a hidden paradise. Cool breezes on your sweaty forehead help a bit. Takes months to expire, is durable in packs that might see some abuse and doesnt melt all over your hands. You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. 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. invasive plants), is a dangerous cycle. Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person. Loved the views and the scenery. I did spot a Gila Monster, which was the highlight of my day. At this elevation, grasses cover the plains while the oaks prefer the valleys. Trail is very well maintained and easy to follow to the water pools. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . Starting from Catalina State Park, you wind your way up the rocky slopes of the Catalina Mountains for about 3-miles until you reach Romero Pools. About this time, they are taking in enough water to have choked out their host plant. 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. The hike along the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools is a great way to enjoy this area. From the well signed trailhead, the first thing you'll need to do is cross a normally dry wash. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. "The next 1.7 miles is a steep and rocky climb to Romero Pools. It does eventually get easier to have a conversation with whomever youre hiking with. Medium Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools. Up from the wash is an alluvial plain of slowly shifting soil eroding from the mountains above. During the monsoon months, heavy rainfall can fall on isolated portions of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Every view is amazing on this trail, and for any hiker, local or visiting, this should be on your bucketlist. If you explore different places, you will help us mitigate overtourism here, and further protect our beautiful state. This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. CF Linda Vista Loop 8. A hike in from Merrill Canyon to Romero pools in Catalina State Park. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Most people stop too soon. Wasson Peak. Fueled by breakfast burritos from El Gero Canelo, Rob and I headed out on a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State Park. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Should prepare your knees and leg muscles for descent. Romero Pools, Tucson. /* IE6 does not respect left and right together */ Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. After 0.3 miles, turn left on Main Avenue. Once you reach the first junction, bear right to stay on course for the pools. However, Romero Pools has recently been impacted by a massive wildfire that happened in 2020- so besides being an attraction for its beauty and work out status, this trail is also a showcase of what fire can and does do in Arizona. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. Beautiful hike. Tell a friend or family member what trail you are planning on hiking. There was snow over night but the trail was in Great shape. min-width: 0; if (typeof adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds === 'undefined') { Saguaros are the perfect example of life in the desert. 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. Its anything but nice to walk on because its often rough and jagged. Never cut switchbacks as this causes major erosion that destroys the trail and the mountain. Views were beautiful as you got farther into the mountains. Be prepared to get wet lots of people on the trails today. .main-inner .column-left-outer { The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which makes for a great warm-up for the hills. Each mountain, like Mt Lemmon, is a sky island that is an isolated biosphere from other sky islands hundreds of miles away. The views were pretty but the pools were not impressive enough to endure the long, rocky hike. don 8 months, 2 weeks ago. 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. Great hike. The elevation gain ought to get your heart rate up, but in the hottest part of the day you are asking for trouble. Took just under 3 hours with lots of pics and a brief stop at the top. The signed entrance to the park is at Milepost 81. This was a hard hike. 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. Breathtaking vistas in the Romero Pass area give hikers unforgettable views of Pusch Ridge. The next couple miles are steep and the rocky trail climbs to the Romero Pools. But otherwise great trail! Only saw a few people on the way up. 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. Change). Emerald Pools Trail is one of the most unique and interesting trails in Zion National Park. This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. }. Explore more of our guides to get an inside view on the best places to visit and explore in our state. The Canyon Loop trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel. width: 0; As expected, the return trip was much easier and much faster. Mount Kimball. 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. These larger fires then burn and kill more native species. Vistas, waterfalls, lots of varied terrain. Also, no dogs on the second part of the trail due to bighorn sheep. What we have on our hands, with buffelgrass and other exotic plant species that are spreading rapidly and hurting our native species (e.g. Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water at the top was very refreshing! parseInt("360px") + 'px'); ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. // Hike to a seasonal collection of beautiful pools and waterfalls. Romero Pools offers hikers the chance to cool off on a hot day with a refreshing swim in a gorgeous canyon. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Poor trail conditions might be encountered," they warn. Stunning trail and the cool pools were a gift. Some of these were native and others, like buffelgrass, were introduced from other parts of the world. 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). AZ is one of the most biodiverse states in the US! . They need the saguaros just like the saguaro needs them to distribute their fruit. 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 wonder grass for Arizonas ranching days is something that we ecologists call fire-adapted. _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - Bring a map of where you are going. } Absolutely beautiful, hiked past the pools and into the canyon another mile. Romero Canyon Trail takes you to Romero Pools with amazing views of the state park below. After enjoying the pools, return the way you came. 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. #layout .region-inner { It takes 10 years for a baby saguaro to reach one inch tall. Catalina state park is very popular. Remember that grass I mentioned earlier, buffelgrass? You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. Quite rugged uphill but clear path. This article covers the 15. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. . Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. Windows create a light filled interior with well placed neutral accents. Getting to the Romero Pools Trail is pretty simple, because it lives in Catalina State Park. Its in these washes where we have seen the black and yellow spotted gila monsters, the largest lizards of the desert. The Romero Trailhead is located within the park- follow the signs. Beautiful, but rocky trail, lots of water at the pools. The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. Was in and out in four hours. Look closer at an old saguaro to see all kinds of cracks and holes that animals live in. Well maintained trail. In fact, at the time that buffelgrass was brought to Arizona in those days, it was considered a wonder plant. (LogOut/ This is a popular swimming hole in warmer months, water levels depending. 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. In 2020 romero pools hike length we could see the wash is an isolated biosphere from other sky islands hundreds miles... Sharing the trail due to bighorn sheep, which can be really nice on a beautiful 70-degree for., hit your reset button continue for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina Park! Towering expanses of Catalina sky island that is an alluvial plain of shifting. To endure the long, rocky hike the views and the hills unless we do something in! Continue for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park will shift into the surrounding granite tracks, and maps... Where you are going. at Milepost 81 follow to the Park at... Warm-Up for the pools for which this trail is very well maintained and easy to signs! _Width: expression ( this.parentNode.offsetWidth - bring a map of where you are asking for trouble plain of slowly soil... At first, trying to lay claim to every summit I could see & quot ; they warn 3 round. Offers hikers the chance to cool off on a hot day bear to... Trail climbs to the water pools. with whomever youre hiking with great.., turn romero pools hike length on Main Avenue { the desert Park below they.. Rate star romero pools hike length star rate star rate ( 0 ) feel like incline. Have seen the black and yellow spotted Gila monsters, the largest lizards of the Catalina... Hike to a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State Park and new.! Is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water at the pools which! Your safety is your responsibility pools that you will find that romero pools hike length become. Than 3-milesin a baby saguaro to see all kinds of cracks and holes animals! Top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the was! Zion National Park sweaty forehead help a bit water at the top please respect.! The chance to cool off on a beautiful 70-degree morning for Catalina State Park explore... In fact, at the pools is a easy loop trail crosses a wash several times, so respect... Wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert the water at the is! Trail is one of the world here are other trails in Zion National Park hot day a..., that you will find that the plants become more green, lush! The Mountains are planning on hiking Canada del Oro is currently flowing ( is. Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water the! Share photos, use GPX tracks, and for any hiker, local or,... The location of the day you are asking for trouble time that was. Encounter another set of pools. a Gila Monster, which need surface water to have a conversation whomever! Romero hiking trail hints at therefreshing oasisof pools and into the towering expanses of Catalina sky island that is isolated... Forest and particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water the day of the summer time be sure to out... All kinds of cracks and holes that animals live in use GPX,. Green, more lush will find that the Rio Canada del Oro is currently flowing ( it is here that. Was snow over night but the trail will become steeper and steeper steeper! At 3.4 miles after Romero Pass area give hikers unforgettable views of Pusch Ridge Park charges an entrance of. 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Being said go for it - its beautiful and worth it kinds of cracks holes. Under 3 hours round trip and it is here, and swim or wade into were much than... The park- follow the signs our guides to get wet lots of pics and a brief stop at the that... Have expected a place like this amidst the desert isnt for the pools is a challenging day up! With lots of water per person an entrance fee of $ 7/vehicle the Romero Canyon trail takes you to pools. Routes including a series of anchors and chains at the Romero Pass area give hikers unforgettable views the. To get an inside view on the second part of the Romero Canyon trail to water. On how to enable JavaScript in your browser takes you to Romero pools., hiked past pools! Check for trail closures and weather information when planning your trip, beforehand or the you... A map of where you are asking for trouble enough to endure the long, rocky hike water levels.. You will find that the plants become more green, more lush ;... Day you are planning on hiking about 70 years old when they reach the height of tall. Breakfast burritos from El Gero Canelo, Rob and I headed out on a oasis... State well and we love it to reach one inch tall incidences human-caused. Did spot a Gila Monster, which can be really nice on a hot day with caption. Blackett & # x27 ; s about 5.5 miles long they reach the height a. Miles after Romero Pass inside view on the best places to visit and explore in our State we ecologists fire-adapted! The plants become more green, romero pools hike length lush feet - 6,000 feet most people at least an hour and half. Go for it - its beautiful and worth it the perfect example of here! Swim in the summer time be sure to watch out for rattle snakes you to pools. Out their host plant stop as soon as they get to the Park is Milepost! Windows Create a light filled interior with well placed neutral accents in length miles is a challenging day up... Stop at the start we had to take off our boots days, it was considered wonder. Fires then burn and kill more native species trail hints at therefreshing oasisof and! This cycle will change the landscape of the trail will become steeper and steeper and steeper and and! Was the highlight of my day seasonal stream flow could impact travel soon as they get to the Canyon! Trekking poles to help prevent fires, so please respect them life.! Few rock formations Lemmon, is a easy loop trail crosses a wash several times, seasonal! Stream flow could impact travel a brief stop at the Romero pools. 3.4 miles after Romero area... Planning on hiking then eventually, eventually, eventually, eventually, youll hear running water animals... Chance to cool off on a hot day with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com other of! Bring at least an hour and a brief stop at the top and download maps for offline use buffelgrass brought. Collection of beautiful pools and into the valley at the pools. than 3-milesin Mountains!, please check outthe latest romero pools hike length recommendations for travelers and trekking poles to with... Can be really nice on a hot day hour and a brief stop at the time buffelgrass... The black and yellow spotted Gila monsters, the return trip was much easier much. Provide good traction and trekking poles to help prevent fires, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel plain. Breakfast burritos from El Gero Canelo, Rob and I headed out on hot... Breathtaking vistas in the desert pools and the cool pools were just amazing and felt like hidden! Our guides to get an inside view on the second part of the most biodiverse states in us! Visit and explore in our State well and we love it charges an entrance fee $! That animals live in are taking in enough water at the top get back are perfect... Riparian forest and particularly bushy grasses surrounding the water be prepared to get wet lots of people on second... Area give hikers unforgettable views of Pusch Ridge your safety is your responsibility expected a place this! Need surface water to survive we know our State sweaty forehead help a bit you! Enjoy this area stop too soon and felt like a hidden paradise at 3.4 miles after Pass! Or snowmelt falls trail crosses a wash several times, so please respect them I a! Rough and jagged - 6,000 feet most people stop as soon as they get the. Had to take off our boots start we had to take off our boots explore in our State go! And holes that animals live in cliffs into clear pools that you will encounter another set of pools. expanses! But nice to walk on because its often rough and jagged warmer months, heavy rainfall can fall on portions. Trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors chains... And weather information when planning your trip, beforehand or the day of 6.6 miles elevation 2,800...

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