Romero Pools

The first part of the trail is a wide and sandy path crossing the first main wash and leading you to the Romero Pools trailhead. After you join the singletrack trail up to Romero Pools you'll climb up and into the mountain. This section is the hardest part of the entire journey, but is worth the challenge. You'll not only have views of Mt. Lemmon to your east, but you'll have sweeping views looking west over Oro Valley and Tucson. The descent into Romero Pools is a nice breath of fresh air that gives you a chance to use other muscle groups. A few days after a big rain is one of the best times to explore this trail!For those looking for a longer hike, there is the option to start at Catalina State Park and finish at Sabino Canyon (parking fee required). This route requires a shuttle, but is a great hike to traverse the Santa Catalina Mountains. 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. Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. You have the option to follow either follow the North Upper Sabino Canyon Road or Phoneline Trail to exit at the Sabino Canyon visitor center.