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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Romero Trail #8
A desert canyon stream and great views of Pusch Ridge and
the Santa Catalinas await you along this popular trail. The hike starts
in Catalina State Park and uses scenic Romero Canyon as an access route
into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Even along its early stretches, this
trail offers good views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and of Cathedral
Rock towering over the pinnacles of Pusch Ridge.
The climb toward Romero Pass includes several sections
of steep switchbacks, some of which are rocky and rutted. Along initial
stretches of the trail, heavy use has made the route
hard to pick out
from a maze of opportunistic pathways that branch off
to random destinations. As you make your way toward the pass, however,
broad vistas continue
to increase in drama and occasional sightings of desert
bighorn sheep add an extra element of excitement to an already rewarding
hike. At Romero
Pass you have a number of trails to choose from. Connecting
trails provide routes to the summit of Mt. Lemmon, to the Wilderness
of Rock area, and
to the scenic Sabino Basin and Sabino Canyon area to
the south and east. Cathedral Rock Trail #26, a rugged and difficult
route, provides access
from Romero Pass to all the Front Range trails.
Attractions:
Great views
Waterfalls and wildflowers
Access to Sabino Canyon
Watchable wildlife
Trails to Mt. Lemmon & Pusch Ridge
Season: Fall, winter, spring
Length: 6.6 miles
Elevation: 2,800'-6,000'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Oro Valley, Mt. Lemmon
Access: Drive 18 miles north from Tucson on the Oracle
Road (US 89) to Catalina State Park.
The Romero Trailhead is located within
the park– follow the signs. Catalina State
Park charges an entrance fee.
Notes:
This trail is not recommended for horse
use.
5.6 miles of the trail are in the
Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Motorized and mechanical vehicles
and equipment, including mountain
bikes, are not permitted
in Wilderness. See the Wilderness
section of this guide for more
wilderness rules and ethics.
No dogs allowed.
The Romero Pools area has been
damaged by overuse. Please
take special care when you visit this fragile
area.
Romero Creek flows seasonally,
but water can be found in pools
year-round. Purification
of water
is recommended
prior to use.
Before using this trail, call
the Santa Catalina Ranger
District for current trail conditions
which can vary
with season, weather and
maintenance status.
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