If you cross the stream and continue on about a half mile or so maybe a little less you get to see some more pools and water falls, A beautiful short day hike ending at beautiful cool pools of water and several small waterfalls. From the Trailhead to Romero Pools is 2.8 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet. Just past aspur trail to Montrose Pools (a scenic, sometimes flowing, stream bed) the Romero Hiking Trail begins to climb in earnest. They are a juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability, taking and giving that forms this world in balance. This was a hard hike. 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 water at the pools is usually very cold, which can be really nice on a hot day. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your When we took this hike, it was after a few days of healthy rains, so the wash crossing was more interesting than usual. Here they can send their tap roots down to harvest the water below. Total Distance: 2.8 Miles To Romero Pools If you're into waterfalls, the Romero Pools hike is a must-do. Search, find, map and plan hikes for AZ & beyond! If you hike another 0.3 miles, you will encounter another set of pools. Once you reach the water, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert brings. In each of these zones, an entirely new set of plants animals live. 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. Also, thanks to the Good Samaritans who gave my wife some items to hold her shoes together when they both broke about 2 miles in. Lizards of every description dart across the trail. Read More Download the Outbound mobile app Fire rules are meant to help prevent fires, so please respect them. Lots of water everywhere including parts of the trail which makes some parts slippery. We got up early the first morning and hit the canyon loop trail and part of the Romero Pools hike. Length: 6.5 miles to the pools and back. Crossed 1st Romero pool on rocks. 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 Im sure there are things to be cautious of, but especially if its hot and closer to the summer. 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. March 2015. The Canyon Loop trail is an easy hike through the foothills that begins and ends at the Trailhead parking lot. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. Edit Sights to See Sutherland Trailhead Montrose Pools Add a Report donnasitesrealtor 1 week, 6 days ago dudic.gary 1 year, 10 months ago .content-outer, .content-fauxcolumn-outer, .region-inner { _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - 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. 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. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. At this elevation, grasses cover the plains while the oaks prefer the valleys. On the Trail 4 in deep at most today. 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. The hike starts at Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a sandy wash and continues on a wide footpath. The trail now starts to gain elevation more aggressively and steadily for the remainder of the hike to the pools. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. Look closer at an old saguaro to see all kinds of cracks and holes that animals live in. Also, follow all fire rules while camping and ensure that you know what land managers are allowing at any time. For instance, if you develop blisters and/or hot spots, you can use your supplies to prevent further damage to your feet and continue moving. 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. And make whatever changes you can in your own life to help- donate, volunteer, plant trees, and save energy. But one of the trails that I did explore (and have since revisited) is Romero Pools Trail. Explore more of our guides to get an inside view on the best places to visit and explore in our state. Your email address will not be published. Id estimate 1.8 of those were pure elevation gains, baby. As an added bonus, the Pools themselves are a unique sight in the desert. Even though it had rained pretty heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Pools were pretty low. 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. This is our third time conquering this moderately strenuous day hike, always opting to do it in the early part of the year. The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. Either a Diamondback or a King Snakedidnt want to get too close! Trail then starts to climb and get more challenging. 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. To reach Romero Pools, hike the Romero Canyon Trail within Catalina State Park. They are old and slow growing. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. Each pool sits in a stone basin, with water running down from the highest points of the mountains and down towards the desert below. Sutherland Trail Out-and-Back. Remember that grass I mentioned earlier, buffelgrass? star rate star rate star rate star rate star rate (0). Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trail. And of course, Climate change makes this worse by shifting our rain patterns, and making our droughts worse. 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. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. The water was deep enough to cut off the trail right at the start. All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. Romero Canyon is a significant drainage and has the potential for flash flooding, so be cautious and look up the forecast before you go. And it is here, that you will begin to see the pools for which this trail is named. Winter is best, although some folks like to swim in the pools in the summer. The elevation gain ought to get your heart rate up, but in the hottest part of the day you are asking for trouble. "All county trails and parks that allow dogs require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Romero Pools is a full sun hike, even though we ended up in a riparian area. Drive0.71miles on Oracle Road to the entrance toCatalina State Park. Flora here is pure Arizonayoull see prickly pear cactus, ridiculously spiny cholla cactus, saguaros with arms reaching up to the sky and tall yucca plants. The first mile is relatively flat and an easy walk which. This is typical sonoran desert hiking as you'll see plenty of your favorite cacti. Youll stretch your legs up and over steep steps, hop from rock to rock and carefully balance close to the trails edge.