Romero Pools

Highlights:  Getting out of the city, swimming, cliff diving, water source
Near:  Tucson, AZ and Oro Valley, AZ
Scenery:  ****
Distance:  5.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: about 1000 ft
Time:  About 5 hours
Difficulty:  Moderate to Strenuous
Traffic:  Zero
Adventure: Out and Back

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Summary: This was an extremely fun trip done in late October when our weather has been pretty dry. The pools were still full enough for people to swim and even cliff dive from surrounding boulders.

After entering Catalina State Park, drive to the very end where you will see a large parking lot. The trail is very well signed the entire way. It's mostly uphill until you reach your first saddle, from there it some downhill and some uphill until you finally descend to the pools. Coming back to the trail head is a good deal faster than getting to the pools.

There is a fee required for entry into Catalina State Park. Check their website for current fees.

I made a 3 day 2 night retreat out of this trip but most hikers do this as a day hike.

Colossal Cave

Highlights: Getting out of the city, Rincon Valley Country Store, Caving

Near: Tucson, AZ and Vail, AZ
Scenery: ****
Distance: About 50 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1453 ft
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Traffic: More than I would have liked
Adventure: Out and Back

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Summary: This was a great ride at around 50 miles from central Tucson with some good climbing to get your heart rate up. The traffic can get a little annoying during commuting hours, so go when folks aren’t commuting.

The ride mostly climbs out of the city to Saguaro National Monument East, then dips into Rincon Valley, then starts climbing again until you get to the cave park (fees apply). Coming back home is a good deal faster than getting to the park.


Make sure to stop off at Rincon Country Store (12660 E Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85747) for food, drinks and shaded patio tables.
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raison d'etre

This blog is so named to remind me to leave the city and have an adventure when I witness human vehicular douchebaggery.