I fully intended to get an earlier start, but I didn't leave Phoenix until about 8 AM. With a stop in Saddlebrook to pick up my Dad, it was about 11:15 before we got started on the hike up Romero Canyon, so the heat was already upon us. The view up this canyon is quite impressive as the ruggedness of the huge granitic (learned that from my Dad - the Geologist) formations loom at the top of the Catalinas.

The first mile or so of this hike is rather strange, as those doing trail maintenance have elected to put a very thick layer of sand on the very wide trail. I'm sure there is a purpose for doing this but it escapes me what it may be. The sand makes this a rather tough start. At the steeper part of this first mile, they have constructed steps with large pieces of wood as an alternative to fighting the sand. On the trail we noticed a set of bicycle tracks, and wondered just how tough it was to peddle in this. We found out soon enough, as at the end of the sand portion of this trail, is an area which looks down into Montrose Canyon. Here we found the owner of the bicycle tracks. A guy from Grand Rapids, Michigan who obviously is very proud of the University of Michigan. Introducing myself as someone who attended Michigan State, we agreed to bond by putting down the gloves to unite in our disdain of those pour soles from Ohio State.

From this point, the trail narrows markedly and there is no more sand - thankfully. This is where the climb also becomes a bit steeper, though steadily so. This is also the end of the trail for mountain bikes, as they are not allowed past this point. As we made our way up the mountain I spotted a cardinal and a rather good looking lizard (as far as lizards go). The fella was about 10 inches long with some brown spots on a light green skin with a little yellow around the head.

We hiked for about another 20 minutes until we came to a small saddle. From here I left Dad, as he had gone as far as he intended. We met a couple other hikers on the way up who mentioned having seen water, and sure enough, after hiking less than 5 more minutes, I was able to look northward down into a canyon that had a rather large pool of water in it. I'm sure there is a nice flowing waterfall just above this pool when there is runoff. Having found water I was happy to return to find Dad lounging in what little shade there is at about 1 PM with it in the 90s. Supposedly the Romero Pools (where swimming is possible) are further up the trail from where I stopped though I'm not sure just how far. We'll save that for next time.

We returned on the same trail in the midst of the heat. As we approached the car, I noticed there was only one other car in the parking lot. From the direction of this car ran a woman dressed head to toe in loose-fitting white clothes and a white floppy hat tied to her head. As she reached us, she asked whether we had seen a key on the trail. It turns out we had taken a different trail than she had, so there was no chance of us spotting one. She had dropped her car door key, and was contemplating hiking the trail again (up to 4 miles one-way) to find it. The problem was she had little water and this was about 2:30 PM. To make a long story shorter, we were able to take Shay to her house to get a spare key and then return her to the park.

Something I have chosen to do with my keys when I hike is to just carry my door key. I tie it in my boot laces with a double-knot. I've never had my laces come free, and subsequently never lost a key on a hike. I'd be curious to know if anyone else has any tricks to keeping their keys from becoming a part of the trail.

Getting there: From I-10, take Tangerine Road East. Turn right (South) on Oracle Road. Catalina State Park is on your left (East) about a mile down the road.

Tips: Fee to enter is 3 dollars per car for day-hiking. Maps are available at Ranger hut when paying.

Stats: Romero Canyon Pools is 6 miles round-trip. Ascent is 1000 feet.