This cycle will change the landscape of the Sonoran Desert forever, unless we do something. Only attempt this trail if you know that you can do so safely, and turn around immediately if the hike becomes dangerous for any reason, at any time. 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. This is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, always opting to do it in the early part of the year. Round trip including a stop for lunch took just over 4 hrs 15 minutes. 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. Bring lots of water and be careful on the rocks in the pools, as they are quite slippery! min-width: 0; . Other than that it was a great hike. .main-inner .column-right-outer { Creek crossing in 1st 50 yards. Drive north out of Tucson on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. Required fields are marked *. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. They are old and slow growing. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers Journey was great not necessarily the destination. (LogOut/ And it is here, that you will begin to see the pools for which this trail is named. Edit Sights to See Sutherland Trailhead Montrose Pools Add a Report donnasitesrealtor 1 week, 6 days ago dudic.gary 1 year, 10 months ago Lots of water everywhere including parts of the trail which makes some parts slippery. 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. Wear ankle hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. Don't expect much solitude here. 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 . This moderate trail out of Catalina State Park will give you sweeping views of Oro Valley and cool pools you can dip your toes in at the end. The trail will become steeper and steeper and the hills will shift into the towering expanses of Catalina Sky Island. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). Romero Pools sits at about 4000, which is just the start of the pinon oak forest. I loved how fiercely independent yet interdependent each plant and animal was with each other. Discover this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. Your email address will not be published. Hiking Romero Pools is a tried and true Tucson classic. parseInt("0") - Overtourism can lead to overcrowding, environmental damage, and cultural disruption. Ample parking is available as are bathrooms. They need their host plant when they are young, which they eventually kill as they grow. If you hike another 0.3 miles, you will encounter another set of pools. jeannettefalk@aol.com 1 month, 2 weeks ago. The views were pretty but the pools were not impressive enough to endure the long, rocky hike. This is why there are no dogs allowed past the first mile of the trail. Like blood flowing through a body, the water brings life, warmth, and nourishment to a variety of desert plants and animals. 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. All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. 945 Sq Ft. 816 S Langley Ave Unit 204, Tucson, AZ 85710. The first part of the trail is pretty easy, but it increases in difficulty after that. We ran out of water on a hot day, so make sure to bring lots. 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 We also put in points of interest to get you around Catalina State Park. The Nightborn Travel team was born and raised in Arizona. If you have a trailer, ensure that your chain isnt able to touch the ground. Beautiful looking hike. From the Trailhead to Romero Pass is 7.2 miles with an elevation gain of 3,300 feet, about a five-hour hike one way. If you're needing overnight lodging, then Tucson would be your best place to look. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. min-width: 0; We weren't allowed to interact with sea lions at t, You know how the saying goes - when life gives you, This was my first sunset of my first @UnCruise in, Rickwood caverns might be Alabama's most adventuro, It's finally time for me to start my first UnCruis, We're excited to try UnCruise, because, at Coleman, 15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Petra Jordan, Understanding Overtourism And How To Travel Responsibly, Comprehensive Luxury Jordan Itinerary - Experience the Best of Jordan, the latest CDC recommendations for travelers, Trailhead: Catalina State Park. If you are out of shape, this could be gut wrenching but perseverance is well-rewarded. It is not a dangerous flow. If you live in the area or are here for a while, consider volunteering for invasive plant management activities- these might include removals or treatments. You can download the trail layer to your GPS, or navigate right off your phone. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. 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. Start your hike at the trailhead parking lot, cross Sutherland Wash, and then begin your steep climb up to the pools. Is Tucson Mountain Park dog friendly? We could have taken the Romero Trail all the way to the top of Mt Lemmon (it goes). On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Smartest decision we made? Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee. Tucson, AZ. We didnt feel like the incline was all that difficult. 4 hrs This rocky trail follows yet another of the many gorgeous canyons climbing into the Catalinas. Follow along for practical tips and inspiring advice. Want to hike Tucsons best trails? To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. ML Babad Do'ag Trail 13. Area/Length : 6.6 miles Elevation : 2,800 feet - 6,000 feet Started about 2pm. This is where the sagebrush grows that smells so strong after a desert rain. max-width: 930px; //