Near Romero Canyon Trail
Primary wash crossing with winter snow melt. Photo Credit: @thorvaea
Near Romero Canyon Trail
Looking north from one of the saddles on the way to the Romero Pools. Incredible views and desert vegetation can be found along this whole trail.
Near Romero Canyon Trail
One of the stream crossings at Romero Pools.
Near Romero Canyon Trail
The rocks make it appear as if you can safely cross on them. Don't be fooled, your feet are gonna get wet!
Near Romero Canyon Trail
Looking east at the Catalina's on one of the many slightly sloping, wide parts of the trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Romero Canyon Trail

4.7 (15 Ratings)
A fairly exposed trail with beautiful mountain views as you ascend the pass.
6.8
mi
Distance
3,690
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Dogs are not allowed in the bighorn sheep management area; all of this trail beyond the first mile or so is within that area, so if you'd like to rxh with your dog, stay on the lower sections of this trail and follow posted signs.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.83mi
Distance
3,690ft
Elevation Gain
350ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
6,057ft
High Point
2,715ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Your climb begins with your very first step onto the trailhead. You leave behind the wide sandy path and begin on your singletrack journey through a few saddles and down to Romero Pools. Watch your footing as several sections of trail to this point involve scrambling over fairly steep sections of rock. After you continue past the pools, you'll gain even more elevation as you weave your way into the canyon and up to Romero Pass. Relatively flat or gently sloping sections alternate with rocky climbs. As you continue to gain elevation, you can see significant changes in the plants and animals around you, from dry scrubby ridges to lush oak and juniper glades near the creek. The last mile of climbing as you approach the saddle is particularly challenging. This is a wonderful trail with a lot of elevation gain, and the views make it well worth the challenge.

Route Conditions

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Nearby Hike Routes

Canyon Loop Trail

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Canyon Loop Trail

Views
moderate
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+191 ft
Romero Canyon Trail

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Romero Canyon Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
6.91 mi
+3,690 ft
Romero Pools

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Romero Pools

Birding
strenuous
5.47 mi
+1,363 ft
Catalina Birding Trail

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Catalina Birding Trail

easy
1.26 mi
+75 ft
Romero Trail

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Romero Trail

Waterfall
easy
1.1 mi
+344 ft
Canyon Loop via Horse Trail

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Canyon Loop via Horse Trail

River/Creek
moderate
2.89 mi
+251 ft
Contributors
Niall Murphy