*** Canceled *** in favor of holding the potluck at Rio Verde Park

How about a little hiking before our picnic feast?!!

We'll meet at the trailhead at 11 a.m. This should give us plenty of time to do the round trip and hang out for awhile at the pools if we care to. See the description of the hike below. Hike at your own risk (no liability or responsibility is assumed on the part of the organizer). Please bring plenty of water and raw trail snacks ;)

Also, you will probably want to bring a cooler to keep your raw potluck fare cool in your vehicle while we are hiking.

Total Length 5.6 miles
Highest Elevation: 3700 feet
Lowest Elevation: 2720 feet
Elevation Change: 980 feet
Difficulty Rating: C
Best Seasons: Spring Fall Winter
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Dogs: Dogs not allowed

Trail Description
Romero Canyon Trail, FS #8
Catalina State Park to Romero Pools: This section of trail is very popular since it is very scenic, not too hard, and leads to the natural waterpark of Romero Pools.

There is a parking lot and large signs at the trailhead, so there should be no problem finding that. The trail starts across the street from the parking lot. There is a trail junction right at the trailhead; follow the sign straight ahead on the Romero Canyon Trail. A sign here says that no dogs are allowed one mile beyond this point.

A short distance in you cross the streambed (wet in winter, dry in summer). At the trail junction on a sign says that Romero Canyon is to the left. Take this trail.

About 10 minutes in there is another signed trail junction. Follow the arrow pointing to the Romero Canyon Trail. A few minutes farther there is another signed junction; once again you take the Romero Canyon Trail, which is to the left.

Up to this point the trail has been over the desert floor, but now it gets very rocky and starts to climb steeply up the north side of Montrose Canyon. About 45 minutes in from the trailhead you get to the top of the ridge between Romero and Montrose canyons, and then head upcanyon at or near the top of the ridge. This area on the top of the ridge is very beautiful, since it has rock formations, great views, and it took some work to get up here.

The trail winds its way through the rocks at the top of the ridge for about 20 minutes, generally climbing, but with some short descents, until you drop down to the stream crossing at Romero Pools. There are pools and waterfalls up and down stream from this point. To continue on the Romero Canyon Trail turn left and cross the stream at the first opportunity; do not stay on the trail as it parallels the stream without crossing it. On the opposite side of the stream follow the trail that climbs up and away from the stream.

Hope to see you at the trailhead!