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| Hiking | 12.50 Miles |
7,050 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.50 Miles | 8 Hrs 50 Mns | | 1.60 mph |
| 7,050 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Trail Report
Romero Canyon Trail: George A. would proud, as this trail has been reworked and is no zombie. In fact, it greatly exceeded my expectations and memories from 2011-2012 when I was here a few times. Recent work included retreading eroded areas, removing dead and down (only one fresh tree was encountered as I recall), new switchbacks and erosion mitigation, and probably a few other things not noticed or remembered. Water was abundant for pretty much the length of the trail from the winter snow, and there was even a little trickle in the last creek crossing which is about 1 mile or less (I think) from Romero Pass. Most importantly, the last stretch to the pass was in excellent shape.
If you were upset about the Bighorn Fire and fear this canyon was destroyed, rest easy knowing that the majority of the shade canopy is intact, and very little has changed. This does mean poison ivy remains, but it isn't terrible. What I expected and encountered were very different, and it was a pleasant surprise.
Mount Lemmon Trail: Also in great shape. I don't recall much work, but this didn't need it. Lots of AZT use likely keep it in good shape. The forest on this trail took more of the fire damage than the canyon bottoms as it was blowing uphill, however a lot of the pine in the middle elevations was more or less unchanged. Only the upper elevations were bad, as noted 2 years ago [ photoset ] here. However, things look much better after 2 wet summers. Yes, higher elevation "old growth" was mostly lost, but some remains. Views are abundant, as always, and the removal of more forest is enhancing them, if you need a silver lining. There is no water to mention on this trail beyond the upper Quartzite Spring, which Preston and I calculated to be discharging at 4 to 5 gallons per minute, and seeps along the trail above that, but these are not usable.
Our route was the shorter one, and we did not use the Wilderness of Rocks Trail or Lemmon Rock Lookout Trail.
Brain, James, Preston (near the top), and I were able to hike another big Catalina hike that while quite challenging, was great to hike once again. I'll never do the massive 25 mile 8600' AEG up and down version of this again, but this is one that is fun to do every so often! In many ways, I wish they could all be like this. Mostly up-hill with almost no downhill is a lot easier than 4500' of AEG up and 4500' down. The last few miles didn't hurt! Lots of breaks and rest made it more enjoyable, and we spent some time enjoying the view at the slabs overlook above Romero Canyon. Once we topped out, a quick trip to touch the gate sufficed (Preston and I stood on the true Summit in January) and then we had our "descent" to the parking area just down the road.
We had really great weather for this. High in town was on the mid to upper 80s, and it was about 60 on top. Probably 65 to 70 to start the hike. Light breezes, too. Never hot, never cold: Goldilocks hiking. In the end, it doesn't get much better. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Most low and middle zone stuff is done, and high elevation flowers are not here yet. |
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Cascade Spring |
Dripping |
Dripping |
| | | probably more of a seep unless harvested. |
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Quartzite Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| | | 4 to 5 gpm calculated. tasted great, too. |
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Romero Pools |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Lots of water the entire way. Still cold and clear. | | _____________________
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