Hike Mount Lemmon via Romero Canyon and Sutherland Loop Coronado National Forest, AZ

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Mt. Lemmon has always been on my radar, but there have been so many fun trips near Tucson that I wanted to do before going for this near-marathon hike loop that starts from the desert floor and ends in the coniferous summit of Mt. Lemmon. My hesitation to do this was because of the theme online claiming the Sutherland Trail was overgrown, and after lots of time bushwhacking the last week or so, I was feeling adventurous and thought it would be worth the risk. Coincidentally, an Arizona Conservation Corps trail crew was working on the trail, so even though the second half was a little rough (but still not bad at all), the top bit was newly renovated! I assume they'll be finishing the trail within the next few weeks.

Starting from Catalina State Park, take the Romero Canyon Trail up past Romero Pools and onward through a lesser-traveled, but well-cairned trail, crossing the creek a few times before gaining elevation and meeting Mt. Lemmon's south ridge. The trail meets with the Mt. Lemmon Trail / Arizona Trail and becomes excellent from here, leading along the ridge to the summit of Mt. Lemmon (or as close to the summit as you can get without trespassing on the observatory's property). I did not find a spicket to refill my hydration pack, despite being told there was one up here, and a nice family gave me some – the 12 miles back would have been miserable without it.

From Mt. Lemmon's summit, head back partially along the south ridge until you hit a junction with the Sutherland Trail. There were burn area warning signs here when I did this route. Take the Sutherland Trail until another junction, pointing you left to stay on the Sutherland Trail along a pretty ridge all the way down to a dirt road, which you follow for a few miles before a sign points you west along a trail leading back to Catalina State Park. Arizona sunsets are incredible.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Mount Lemmon

9157 ft

5157 rise

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Starting up the Romero Canyon Trail.

Romero Canyon below in the center.

Approaching Romero Pools.

Romero Pools.

Romero Pools close-up.

Continuing up Romero Canyon.

The Romero Canyon Trail gains some elevation in open desert, eventually getting above this incredible section of narrows.

Close-up of some narrows along the Romero Canyon Trail.

Continuing up Romero Canyon, Cathedral Rock visible top right.

Romero Canyon begins getting more lush and crosses a stream multiple times.

Forested section comes in.

Gaining elevation up to the saddle, and the trail becomes a little overgrown, but nothing crazy.

At the Mt. Lemmon - Cathedral Rock saddle looking north toward the ridgeline to Mt. Lemmon. Join the Arizona Trail.

Looking back toward Sabino Canyon, the opposite side of the saddle from Romero Canyon, and Cathedral Rock on the far right.

Along the Arizona Trail.

Along the Arizona Trail looking back toward Cathedral Rock.

Lots of false summits on the way up to Mt. Lemmon.

Along the Arizona Trail looking back toward Cathedral Rock.

Mt. Lemmon comes into view!

Some cool rock formations along the Arizona Trail.

Forested section nearing Mt. Lemmon summit.

Forest road leading up for the last bit. You start to see more people around here.

Along the Meadows Trail.

Looking back, Cathedral Rock in the center.

Approaching Mt. Lemmon summit, true summit blocked by an observation tower.

Headed back down, on Mt. Lemmon Trail #5, with nicer views.

Mt. Lemmon Trail #5.

Junction with the Sutherland Trail.

The Sutherland Trail follows this ridge for a bit heading west.

Sutherland Trail splits off from the ridge and starts to follow another ridge headed southwest.

Looking back toward Mt. Lemmon along the Sutherland Trail.

Views of Cathedral Rock on the Sutherland Trail.

That flat area? Yeah, still have to get way down there.

Looking back up the general route of the Sutherland Trail.

Sutherland Trail becomes a dirt road once you leave the mountainside.

Follow the dirt road for a long time.

Eventually, a trail marker points west off the dirt road, where the Sutherland Trail becomes single track again.

Table Mountain visible in the distance along the Sutherland Trail.

Close-up of Table Mountain, Bighorn Peak, Pusch Peak (left to right).

Final stream crossing of the day before arriving back in Catalina State Park.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!