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A short loop trail within Catalina State Park with varied terrain, elevation gain & some shade.


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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.5

KM

Point to Point

2,768' 844 m

High

2,703' 824 m

Low

64' 20 m

Up

76' 23 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

Family Friendly A short loop with plenty to see along the way.

Description

From the main parking lot trailhead start SE along the Romero Pools and Canyon Loop Trail until crossing the first major wash nearby, which can have water during monsoons and after winter snow melt.

Instead of turning left (east) up the big hill there, take a right onto the Birding Loop, and you'll immediately be among the trees and one of the cooler sections of the park since the initial part of the trail follows the wash. This section begins a bit sandy until you start climbing up higher later on.

Before long you'll come to an intersection in the trail and either direction will loop you back around. This route is marked in the clockwise direction which will lead you across a small stream bed pretty quickly and then up a set of stairs built of railroad ties. You'll continue up a slight grade and traverse a ridgeline for a brief section before dropping back down another set of stairs and crossing a small wash again. Here the path again becomes sandy as you wind your way back to the intersection and back out towards the other trails.

Contacts

Land Manager: Arizona State Parks

Shared By:

Stephen Woodall

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 6 votes

#24980

Overall
  3.3 from 6 votes
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#818

in Arizona

#24,980

Overall
2 Views Last Month
331 Since Jun 23, 2016
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Photos

The rocks make it appear as if you can safely cross on them. Don't be fooled, your feet are gonna get wet!
Dec 1, 2019 near Oro Valley, AZ
One of two sets of stairs along this short, scenic route. Some stairs are steeper than others, and uneven.
Dec 6, 2020 near Oro Valley, AZ
Romero Canyon Trail
Dec 18, 2015 near Oro Valley, AZ
Primary wash crossing with winter snow melt. Photo Credit: @thorvaea
Feb 6, 2016 near Oro Valley, AZ

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 33 days ago
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Check-Ins

Dec 6, 2020
Eric Heise
Some damage from the fire earlier this year, especially at the start of the trail, but still a great hike with some parts left untouched.
Jan 14, 2018
Annarose Peterson
1mi
Jan 13, 2018
Mike Constant
May 29, 2017
Garrett T
Brought Zeus along... Stopped for three water breaks 1.1mi
Apr 20, 2017
Chad Fike
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