Romero Pools
Tucson, Arizona
| Address: | Romero Canyon Trail, Tucson, AZ 85739, USA |
| GPS: |
32°25'32.1"N 110°54'28.0"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 5.60 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 1046 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.4-1.8 mi |
Trails State Park
Hike and Swim
Nestled in Arizona's Catalina State Park, just north of Tuscon, are the Romero Pools. The pools are accessible by a hike through Romero Canyon that takes an average of two hours. The hike gets progressively more difficult as you go along, making a dip in the pools all the sweeter. Although the pools are fed by a stream that dries up seasonally, the pools are there year round to enjoy.
It is advised to avoid the pools during rainstorms, as there is an increased risk of flash flooding. On the other hand, a few days after the rain, the pools will be more full. Due to heat concerns, this hike is also best used from September through May.
As this trail is located within a state park, an entrance fee of $7/vehicle (up to 4 adults) applies.
More Information
Romero Canyon - Wikipedia
Not to be confused with the Romero Canyon in the Los Padres National Forest of California.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romero_CanyonRomero Pools Hiking Guide
Overview Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. On the ascent, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Quick Facts Distance: 6.2 miles out and back Hike Time: 3 hours Elevation Gain/Loss: 1217 feet Fee: Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00 | Individual/bicycle: $3.00 Dogs: No Difficulty: Moderate. Trail is steep and in the sun for most of the day Description
https://backobeyond.blog/romero-pools-hiking-guide/Romero Pools Hiking Trail, Oro Valley, Arizona
A challenging route up and over to Romero Pools. Plenty of amazing views to the Santa Catalin range Near Oro Valley, Arizona.
https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7012508/romero-poolsRomero Pools Running Trail, Oro Valley, Arizona
A challenging route up and over to Romero Pools. Plenty of amazing views to the Santa Catalin range Near Oro Valley, Arizona.
https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7012508/romero-poolsSorry, you must be lost! - AFAR
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https://www.afar.com/404swimmingholes.org Arizona Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping o
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/az.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Tucson, Arizona
- Head west on E Broadway Blvd toward S Country Club Rd (1.0 mi)
- Turn right onto N Campbell Ave (4.5 mi)
- Turn left onto E River Rd (1.2 mi)
- Turn right onto N 1st Ave (2.9 mi)
- Turn left onto E Ina Rd (0.8 mi)
- Keep right to continue on W Ina Rd (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto N Oracle Rd (407 ft)
- Continue straight to stay on N Oracle Rd (6.2 mi)
- Turn right (0.7 mi)
- Continue straight (0.6 mi)
- Continue straightDestination will be on the right(0.6 mi)
The trail head starts at a parking lot; to start on the Romero Canyon Trail, cross the Sutherland Wash, and you'll be on your way.
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Maiden Pools
Tucson, Arizona
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Hike, Rock Climb, Swim 3.6 mi
Lemmon Pools
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8.9 miles EA steep, rocky 8.5-mile trek through the Wilderness of Rocks to hidden pools tucked in the Santa Catalinas.
Hike, Swim 0.5-3.8 mi
Hutch's Pool
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Hike, Swim 1.3-3.5 mi
Seven Falls
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Hike, Swim
Seven Cataracts
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11.5 miles SEA set of waterfalls deep in Willow Canyon near Tucson, reached by off-trail canyoneering scrambles — visible from the Catalina Highway pulloff after rainfall.
Canyoneer, Hike, Swim 2.4 mi
Sycamore Reservoir
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Hike, Swim 1.2 mi
La Milagrosa Canyon
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13.6 miles SEA hidden canyon east of Tucson with rock-climbing walls and a seasonal waterfall pooling into swim basins — best after fall or winter rain, with boulder scrambling required.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim 0.5 mi
Tanque Verde Falls
Tucson, Arizona
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Hike, Swim 4.4 mi
Chiva Falls
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18.9 miles SEA desert waterfall tucked in Coronado National Forest, best reached by mountain bike or motorized vehicle on rocky double-track — with a pool at the bottom to cool off in (check depth before diving).
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Cactus Forest Trail
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19.0 miles SEA flat, multi-use 2.5-mile desert trail through old-growth saguaros and cholla in Saguaro National Park East — welcoming to hikers, horses, and bikes, with the Rincon Mountains as a stunning backdrop.
Hike, Mountain Bike 0.2-4.6 mi
Frog's Hollow
Vail, Arizona
21.2 miles SEMultiple small pools and shallow waterfalls in a frog-filled Arizona canyon, best in fall through spring after rain — hike via the Arizona or Indian Springs Trail.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
