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| Backpack | 20.96 Miles |
6,007 AEG |
| | Backpack | 20.96 Miles | 53 Hrs 30 Mns | | 0.58 mph |
| 6,007 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Got a small group together for an abbreviated front range traverse. We left two cars at Gordon Hirabayashi, and Bob drove us to Catalina State Park in wifey’s minivan.
I’d never hiked Romero or West Fork above Hutch’s Pool. Romero Canyon was a treat. We hung out at Romero Pools, had lunch, got water, and chatted with the parade of day hikers. The water was flowing strong after the big rains the week prior.
Past the second set of pools we saw no one the rest of the day. Camped at the first of the two campgrounds. I knew of Old Trail Camp but still am not sure if it’s the first or second, but it ought to be the second because it’s way prettier.
The first night was chilly but not too bad. We got a nice fire going that was practically smokeless.
Next morning was a slow start, and the sun didn’t climb above the mountains till late. We packed up and hit the trail by 10. Romero Canyon is beautiful. At least until you get to the burned area at the final push to the pass, then it’s not too spectacular.
We had heard many warnings about poor trail conditions above the camp site, but someone had done a lot of work recently as the trail was in great shape all the way to the pass.
We stopped for lunch at the pass, which wasn’t windy but had a lovely breeze. After taking photos and chatting with a couple AZT section hikers, the first people we saw on the day, we headed to Hutch’s Pool. West Fork was in good shape tread-wise but definitely in need of a haircut. We heard water in side canyons further up, but no water in the canyon bottom except in a couple trickling pools about halfway to Hutch’s Pool. We tanked up there.
We were worried Hutch’s Pool would be crowded but passed a couple guys headed west who said there was no one there as of 3pm. Sure enough, when we arrived about 45 minutes later we had the place to ourselves. With fall colors the Pool seemed even prettier than usual. We set up camp below the main pool. It was much warmer the second night, and we didn’t bother with a campfire. I was sweating in my sleeping bag. 
It was much easier to get going the next morning with the sun up earlier and the warmer temperatures, which was good because we needed to get to the cars by 2:30.
The hike out to Gordon Hirabayashi was quite enjoyable. Our group drifted apart as we had different paces. Ellen and I were ahead. On the way down from Shreve Saddle we saw tracks in the dried mud that looked like they were left by a mountain lion taking down a pronghorn or small deer. 
We reached the cars just after 2 and headed home after a most satisfying trip. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Really pretty around Hutch’s Pool. |
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Hutch's Pool |
76-100% full |
76-100% full |
| | | Big waterfall and good flow through it. |
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Romero Canyon |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Plenty of cool, clean water with falls and pools galore. |
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Romero Pools |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Water, water, everywhere and plenty to drink. | | | |
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