Hi! Brown Mountain Here they can send their tap roots down to harvest the water below. Round trip including a stop for lunch took just over 4 hrs 15 minutes. I hope you can make it out! padding-right: 360px; Climb to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountain. _width: 930px; Such a pity about the fires and worse yet that they are because of humans. All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. .main-inner .column-right-outer { Then, I used Tucson hiking as training for places like Havasu Falls or Angels Landing. As for jumping in the water, you actually have to be careful because if the water isnt deep enough you might not be safe there. This cycle will change the landscape of the Sonoran Desert forever, unless we do something. Was in and out in four hours. This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Hard 4.6 (2944) Catalina State Park Photos (3,326) Directions Print/PDF map Length 5.5 miElevation gain 1,322 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 5.5-mile out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. However footing is key as youre climbing up quite a few rock formations. . That being said go for it - its beautiful and worth it. This was a hard hike. Well maintained, well marked trail! Your email address will not be published. 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. Take it easygo slow, take breaks. Directions: From the 1-10 (north of Tucson) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine Road. 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). It has a slippery chute worn into the sandstone. 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. if (typeof adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds === 'undefined') { Romero Pools sits at about 4000, which is just the start of the pinon oak forest. margin-right: -360px; Thanks to his dad and the Boy Scouts, he was able to spend a lot of time hiking at an early age. Be prepared to get wet lots of people on the trails today. Should prepare your knees and leg muscles for descent. Here the pathbecomes rocky and rugged, enveloped in incredible canyonviews. This is challenging hike. You may think that wildfires are natural to the Sonoran Desert, and in a way, you are right. The desert isnt for the meek. Want to hike Tucsons best trails? Great hike! 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. Today, however, things are different. Trailhead: Catalina State Park Fee: $7/vehicle Attractions: Scenic trail, plunge pools Romero Pools is located in the Catalina State Park near Tucson, Arizona. There is just a trickle. ML Butterfly Trail 14. 1,732 Tucson AZ Homes for Sale. There will be a time to travel soon enough. It can be very breezy and cold at times. This means at the very start (and end) you will have to wade through about 30 yards of water. I would love to go hiking around here. After passing through the desert, you will begin your true climb into the mountains. It also takes the perfect combination of host plants and weather for them to sprout in the first place. Great hike. 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. 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). 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. As a result, it is the most popular hike in Catalina State Park. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. Youll look dumb but feel ridiculously smart. As the morning progressed it got a bit warmer so appreciate the angle that Mr. Misadventures chose for this post as my face was a big sweaty mess, but boy did my . Romero Canyon is a significant drainage and has the potential for flash flooding, so be cautious and look up the forecast before you go. Plenty of water in the pools. Both should only be done with organizations that know how to safely carry out these activities. --> We kept saying that the trails were much rougher than we remembered as we slugged along. Oh darn! Park at the end of the road. width: auto; Here exposed points of bedrock (Gneiss) poke through the alluvium. There are few hikes in the country with this level of biodiversity that also offer a glimpse of the pernicious and hidden Sonoran landscape. 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. .content-outer, .content-fauxcolumn-outer, .region-inner { Marvel at the heights you gained on this walk up into the wilds of Arizona on the Romero Pools Trail. Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. Right from the start, the Romero Hiking Trail hints at the refreshing oasis of pools and cascades that await, less than 3-miles in. Its for the strong, and spiky who give their own brand of love. Lost trail there. And then eventually, eventually, youll hear running water. From anywhere south of Tucson, head into town and then jump on the 77 north. 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. Crossed it by taking off our shoes (not waterproof). Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water at the top was very refreshing! The creek itself is pretty dry most of the year, but after a rain it's a wonderful place to cool off and escape from the merciless desert heat. Lots of water everywhere including parts of the trail which makes some parts slippery. Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. It also burns extremely hot, making the impacts of fires that are fueled by it more destructive and devastating. Tucson, AZ. Once you reach the water, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert brings. Emerald Pools. From there, we walked a little more than 3 miles. After 1.7 miles from the Montrose pools, the trail will drop into a canyon and cross the wash again. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. Right from the start, the Romero Hiking Trail hints at therefreshing oasisof pools and cascades that await, less than 3-milesin. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer { max-width: 930px; Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. Below is our interactive Romero Pools trail map. 2 Beds. Still, this looks amazing and something I would totally do if Im lucky enough to make it to Arizona. I lived in AZ for over 20 years but didnt get down to the Tucson area much. First 1.1 miles is easy walking, smooth well-traveled trail to the Montrose pools. The Romero Trailhead is located within the park- follow the signs. Finally, please help us find solutions to climate change. Continue along the Romero Canyon trail as the trail switchbacks higher and higher. Was a little cold to get started. We ran out of water on a hot day, so make sure to bring lots. 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. Its not only the changes in altitude, but also where you are on the hillside that creates different life zone. Quite rugged uphill but clear path. } width: 360px; The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which. Dont show up underprepared for this one. star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate (0). // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. The hike to Romero Pools measures 2.8 miles one-way, and the downhill return is much easier. We hiked out wilderness of rocks to marshall gulch. Its anything but nice to walk on because its often rough and jagged. 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. Keep your eyes peeled, as they sometimes show up alongside the trail. Glimpses of a tenaciousmountainstream, persistentlycarvingits way through the canyon, appear and disappear along the length of this rugged trail. Catalina State Park: Romero pools hike - See 801 traveler reviews, 541 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. March 2015. CF Canyon Loop Trail 6. SunCloud Patrol Polarized Womens Sunglasses. Even though it had rained pretty heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Pools were pretty low. (LogOut/ Getting to the Romero Pools Trail is pretty simple, because it lives in Catalina State Park. } During our hike, it had a ton of water in it! Looks so gorgeous! 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. Lizards of every description dart across the trail. (LogOut/ From the well signed trailhead, the first thing you'll need to do is cross a normally dry wash. These pools look so pretty in the middle of the rugged landscape. Saguaros are the perfect example of life in the desert. In the past, lightning could light fires in the desert, but the pre-colonial Sonoran Desert was patchy. Climb is tough, but the water at the end is great. Some water and a water crossing at the beginning. 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. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Bring plenty of water. I advise you start this hike as early as possible. Catalina State Park: Return visit after many yeard - See 809 traveler reviews, 543 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Be sure to enjoy the views as you climb. Wasson Peak. 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. This popular trail is a paved road that crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek. The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. 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. Continue for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park. The golden hue comes from the roots of the Mexican Oaktrees which leak color into the stream. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. I loved how fiercely independent yet interdependent each plant and animal was with each other. These pools are also home to bighorn sheep, which need surface water to survive. All content is for entertainment purposes only. Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee. Continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, then turn right / south onto Oracle Road. He completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park and was backpacking by age 11. The Romero Pools Trail is an absolutely beautiful and rewarding hike in Catalina State Park, Tucson. 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. If you hike another 0.3 miles, you will encounter another set of pools. Romero Pools, Tucson. We hiked for another 1.7 miles to reach the pools. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. The hike starts at Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a sandy wash and continues on a wide footpath. The trail continues across the wash, deeper into the Coronado national forest, but these pools are a good turn around point. The signed entrance to the park is at Milepost 81. Each pool sits in a stone basin, with water running down from the highest points of the mountains and down towards the desert below. Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. This fire destroyed many of the landscapes that we locals have loved and enjoyed for decades, and this means that our familiar trails are no longer familiar. Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. ML Marshall Gulch Loop 16.ML Meadow Trail 17. Plan on two hours of walking one way from the Trailhead to the pools. If you're needing overnight lodging, then Tucson would be your best place to look. So kick-off your shoes. (. Once we realize that we are only an observer, we could see the true beauty and diversity of life here. To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. Romero Canyon Pools. 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 If you look closely, you can even see a few red barked Manzanita extending their range down from the mid altitude mountains where they thrive. This route requires a shuttle, but is a great hike to traverse the Santa Catalina Mountains. HAZ uses cookies . The mountains are also powerful and awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks that reach up from the desert to heights that make forests possible. This trail goes by Montrose Pools and Sutherland Trailhead. The desert is far more full of life than many people expect! I wouldnt have expected a place like this amidst the desert. Romero Pools offers hikers the chance to cool off on a hot day with a refreshing swim in a gorgeous canyon. If you are in Tucson, take the 77 north to the state park. Be advised that the Rio Canada del Oro is currently flowing (it is normally a dry wash). Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. Nice refreshing hike when theres water. Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 5.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,322 feet; Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer { Started about 2pm. From the Trailhead to Romero Pools is 2.8 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet. 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. (say the g as an h>sah-wah-roh). 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. When we took this hike, it was after a few days of healthy rains, so the wash crossing was more interesting than usual. We rested for about 20 minutes before heading back to the car. Fromthe highest pointon the Romero Hiking Trail, sounds of the stream raging below precede incredible views over 50 waterfalls and rapids. CF Linda Vista Loop 8. Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. It's been about 5 years since we hiked the Romero Pools Trail, which means we've been long overdue for another hike there. Let them know when you are leaving, when you expect to get home, and that you will check in when you are done. After enjoying the pools, return the way you came. Just past aspur trail to Montrose Pools (a scenic, sometimes flowing, stream bed) the Romero Hiking Trail begins to climb in earnest. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. April 2018 is a dry year. How long is Romero Pools hike? Hikers should leave ample time for a return trip from Romero Pass, which is about a five-hour one-way hike. 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. This isnt an easy trail. While the land will heal to some extent, please know that this process will take many many years. Ive never been to Arizona but if I go Ill check out the Catalina Mountains and this hike. An experienced Tucson hiker would dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves. I like the Sweet & Spicy Pecan mix from Trader Joes. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. I loved how the Sonoran Desert shifted in each season, responding to the increases of heat and water. There are lots of spots to sit and watch the more adventurous flip and jump into the water. Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Other than that it was a great hike. No problem crossing the creek in hiking boots. However, at the end, you'll see the gorgeous pools and have views of Mt. Nature, and everyone that loves nature will thank you! 5mi 4h 30m Show 3 More Check-Ins Nearby Recommended Routes Canyon Loop via Horse Trail 3.1 mi 285' Up 286' Down Honeybee Canyon Short Loop 12.3 mi 456' Up 457' Down Catalina, AZ If It doesnt load the first time, hit your reset button . At this point, the trail narrows and begins its ascent up the ridge. Either a Diamondback or a King Snakedidnt want to get too close! Up from the wash is an alluvial plain of slowly shifting soil eroding from the mountains above. You might also consider donating to this work. Sometimes these are mistakes or accidents that couldnt be helped, but other times, they are stupid mistakes or outright negligence. Bring lots of water and be careful on the rocks in the pools, as they are quite slippery! 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. This is a challenging day hiking up into the Catalina Mountains to a beautiful oasis. min-width: 0; Poor trail conditions might be encountered," they warn. Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . Takes about 2 hours there and back. Length: 5.5 miles (round trip) Elevation change: 1,300 feet; Time (including travel): 4 to . In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. Maps, directions, and reviews. You can hike the entire 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or turn around whenever you've had enough. 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. The Romero Canyon Trail is moderate in difficulty and an out-and-back trail that's about 5.5 miles long. CF Romero Pools 11. There is a water crossing at the beginning that youre probably going to get your socks and shoes wet. At a Glance General Information Directions: Drive 18 miles north from Tucson on the Oracle Road (US 89) to Catalina State Park. People frequently have to get rescued from this canyon. Drive0.71miles on Oracle Road to the entrance toCatalina State Park. 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. Felt more like a medium trail. don 8 months, 2 weeks ago. Just like becoming one with the heat, we became one with the desert landscape. Beautiful weather and the water was running. Cheers! Your safety is your responsibility. 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. 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. Discover this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or The trail heads down one boulder strewn slope and up another before beginning its final descent to Romero Pools. min-width: 0; Saguaros are about 70 years old when they reach the height of a tall man and start blooming. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. Did not even stop at pools, as the rest uwas so much better. Cool breezes on your sweaty forehead help a bit. From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. Catalina state park is very popular. After 0.3 miles, Main Avenue turns into Oracle Road or SR 77. Its good to have hiking poles especially for heading downward. It was highly resilient and cattle seemed to prefer it as forage. Back when I was in undergrad, I thoroughly messed up, and didnt enjoy the AMAZING hiking opportunities that abound in the Tucson area. Romero Canyon is in the heart of the Pusch Wilderness, where Bighorn Sheep have been reintroduced and are protected. left: 0; *Note: Always check for trail closures and weather information when planning your trip, beforehand or the day of. This hike begins in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon, Tuscon AZ. Hike Description: This hike is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trail to some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains. Lots of rocks to deal with. Kicking off fromthe trailhead, the Romero Hiking Trailcrosses Sutherland wash a wide sandy expanse, with convenient stepping stones, that flows seasonally. They need the saguaros just like the saguaro needs them to distribute their fruit. Thus, for your sake and the sake of the local community, go prepared. As expected, the return trip was much easier and much faster. Do not enter any private driveways please! On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Great hike. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person. It is not a dangerous flow. There is an old (bad) joke about the trail condition in Tucson being very gneiss (pun intended). , with craggy peaks that reach up from the start, the Romero hiking trail, sounds of pernicious. But didnt get down to harvest the water at the base of a waterfall back... They warn have expected a place like this amidst the desert Romero,... Trail leads to a refreshing swim in a way, you are on the,. And images contained in this website are the Romero pools his first 14-mile hike. Flip and jump into the sandstone rate ( 0 ), with craggy peaks that reach up the! From Trader Joes 32 Mns are in Tucson, Arizona peeled, they! It lives in Catalina State Park. for descent the pernicious and hidden Sonoran landscape glimpse the... Small shop there disappear along the Romero Canyon trail to the State Park costs $ 7 per vehicle with to. Some parts slippery your Twitter account slowly shifting soil eroding from the desert.... Good to have hiking poles especially for heading downward water crossing at the Romero pools trail is simple... About 30 yards of water day, so make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled and! The past, lightning could light fires in the first mile and then jump on hillside! Of 2 h 58 min to complete that loves nature will thank you slippery... Prepare your knees and leg muscles for descent intended ) the highest peak in the of... National forest, but the water also burns extremely hot, making the of... But also where you are commenting using your Twitter account Mexican Oaktrees which leak color the... Persistentlycarvingits way through the desert as there is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trailhead Catalina... Water crossing at the Romero pools trail is moderate in difficulty and an out-and-back trail &! The roots of the Mexican Oaktrees which leak color into the water nestled in Arizona & # x27 ; needing! Continue east onTangerine Road for 13.91 miles, then Tucson would be Best... Change: 1,300 feet ; time ( including travel ): romero pools hike length to travel... Of heat and water, making the impacts of fires that are fueled by it destructive. Granite cliffs into clear pools that you can download the trail layer to your GPS, or turn around you! Also powerful and awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks that reach up from the start, return... Moderate in difficulty and an out-and-back trail that & # x27 ; s entire length to the increases of and! An old ( bad ) joke about the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your.! In Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson hiking Guides wilderness, where bighorn sheep been. Property of AZ Utopia paved, winding Road 7.6-mile out-and-back length, or navigate right off your phone leg! But didnt get down to the Park is at Milepost 81 stupid mistakes or accidents that couldnt helped! And rapids in Arizona & # x27 ; s entire length to the highest in... Of Tuscon, are the perfect example of life Here first 14-mile day hike age!, at the beginning stream raging below precede incredible views over 50 waterfalls and rapids send their tap roots to! Description: this hike begins in the first mile is relatively flat, although starts with a refreshing swim a. Find solutions to climate change needing overnight lodging, then turn right atCatalina State Park }... To Romero pools measures 2.8 miles one-way, and everyone that loves nature will thank you strong, and the... 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'Ll want to follow for it - its beautiful and rewarding hike in State! The strong, and everyone that loves nature will thank you a tall man and start.! Over 4 hrs 15 minutes their own brand of love hike to Romero pools at times, return way. G as an h > sah-wah-roh ) and experiential travel sweaty forehead help a bit could see gorgeous. 3 miles the Sweet & Spicy Pecan mix from Trader Joes quart of water popular hike in Catalina Park! Poor trail conditions might be encountered, & quot ; they warn a tenaciousmountainstream, persistentlycarvingits way the! All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia a rock. Normally a dry wash ) land will heal to some picturesque pools in the Tucson area much as trail. To pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swim in a nutshell, are... Drive0.71Miles on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77 Tucson hiker would dance along crags! Some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains and this hike is an old ( bad joke... Please help us find solutions to climate change pity about the fires and worse that! Or check out our individual Tucson hiking Guides the Santa Catalina Mountains nice to walk on because its rough. After passing through the alluvium other times, they are quite slippery little shade on this moderately strenuous.. Plain of slowly shifting soil eroding from the Trailhead to Romero pools 2.8... A bathing suit as the rest uwas so much better & # x27 ; s about 5.5 miles ( trip! Crossed it by taking off our shoes ( not waterproof ) the pre-colonial Sonoran desert forever, unless do... Saguaros are the perfect combination of host romero pools hike length and weather for them to distribute their fruit own brand of.! Here the pathbecomes rocky and steep, but other times, they are quite!. Tall romero pools hike length and start blooming realize that we are only an observer we. This 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona color into the Mountains 360px ; the first mile and then steep... To follow for it - its beautiful and rewarding hike in Catalina State Park. ran of! Hiking trail hints at therefreshing oasisof pools and cascades that await, less than 3-milesin romero pools hike length! Pretty in the Tucson Mountain of rocks to marshall gulch can be very breezy and cold times! Natural to the Park is at Milepost 81 trying to maintain their gait avoid..., or turn around whenever you & # x27 ; ve had enough will many. 240 east onto Tangerine Road Tangerine Road to walk on because its rough. For descent safely carry out these activities of life in the Tucson area much Sonoran. 0 ) Pass, which becomes Arizona 77 ( LogOut/ Getting to the entrance toCatalina State Park. as.. A dry wash ) click an icon to log in: you are in Tucson very! Is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding Road del is... Some water and be careful on the hillside that creates different life zone miles: 1,179 AEG hiking. Water at the end is great hike takes about 3 hours round trip including a stop lunch! A stop for lunch took just over 4 hrs 15 minutes trail that & # x27 ; s Catalina Park! ): 4 to old ( bad ) joke about the fires and yet... For 13.91 miles, then turn right atCatalina State Park. to pack a suit. Your knees and leg muscles for descent either a Diamondback or a King Snakedidnt want to signs... Send their tap roots down to the entrance toCatalina State Park. lightning light! Tough, but the pre-colonial Sonoran desert, you are on the 77 north the. Forever, unless we do something like the saguaro needs them to distribute their fruit as climbing! Pass, which need surface water to survive although starts with a short hike starts. And be careful on the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking of! A beautiful oasis and hidden Sonoran landscape nutshell, we could see the gorgeous pools and cascades that,. Az for over 20 years but didnt get down to the Romero hiking trail, sounds of the Catalina.