Catalina State Park - Romero Ruins Trail

Just a short jaunt was all I had time or health for this week, but it is an ideal trail if you want a nice sunset hike one evening. I arrived at Catalina State Park (Tucson, Arizona) just after 6pm. I had my eyes on the beautiful late day light and shadows on the Catalina mountains and was looking for a good place to get a little exercise, but mostly view the sunset. The Romero Ruin trail is less than a mile and takes you around a small ruins with historical guidance along the way. The ruins isn't very impressive after you've visited someplace like Mesa Verde, but I took the hike to look at the mountains so that didn't bother me. One thing I really found impressive was a massive saguaro that was along the trail (above photo); I can't imagine how old that plant must be. One things for sure, the world has changed a lot since that thing was just a little sap. I was excited to see the cholla blooming as well as buds showing up on the saguaro. I found a peaceful, pretty spot to setup the camera for a few shots. The earlier clouds of the day had mostly disappeared, leaving a pretty sunset but not of the intensity of my last trip. It just became a still meditative evening to sit on a bench and watch the sunset, gaze at the sliver of moon, and feel the gentle, warm breeze blowing. A nice way to end the day.

If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
Click here for Catalina State Park information.

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Catalina State Park - Romero Canyon & Pools Trail

Another nice desert day and I'm off to hike the highly recommended trail to Romero Pools in the canyon of the same name that is accessible at Catalina State Park. The hike started fairly easy with a wide sandy/gravel trail obviously used for horseback riding. The Lord blessed me with a great hiking day with mild temperatures and wispy cirrus clouds overhead for much of my walk. A little over a mile in, the trail changes dramatically to a fairly narrow, winding, rocky climb. From that trail junction on it would alternate between brief easy stretches to boulder climbing rocky areas with quite a grade at times. The trail worked its way quickly to dramatic views of a rugged canyon with glimpses back towards civilization. The trail is popular but with it being a weekday the numbers of other hikers I encountered was fairly small. The trail can be very busy on weekends and holidays despite being a fairly challenging 2.8 mile trip to the pool access. On arrival I was pleased by the stillness, being able to take in the sounds of water, wind, and an occasional hummingbird flying around. They seemed rather excited over the blooming ocotillo that are one of the few abundant flowers at present. The Romero pools stretch for a good distance through the canyon and include some nice ripples and a waterfall, adding to their attraction. As I scoped out the area I could see further up into the canyon, which I'm sure will become a future hike - Not today - Today I am content to watch and listen to the water tumbling over the rocks, sit in the shade and just take in the beauty of this place. After an enjoyable, relaxing afternoon I slowly began the return hike. Dark clouds were rolling in, creating a striking contrast with the rocks. Occasionally, they splashed me with some rain, but not much. I walked with my camera out, capturing numerous images of the golden late day light illuminating the canyon walls. The grand finale of this stunning hike was an intense sunset of blazing orange and pink tones highlighting the dark clouds. Yet one more great hiking spot in Tucson.If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
Click here for Catalina State Park information.

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