Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
where you turn left (north-northwest) and cross Box Canyon Stream, seeking cairns
to guide you. Boulders in the stream may help keep your feet dry if the water is flow-
ing high.
Beyond the stream, the trail heads generally west and, after a few hundred
yards, switchbacks suddenly and turns north briefly before continuing west-northwest
through golden fields of poppies in March and April, or grasslands and bushes the rest
of the year. A few hundred yards farther, you'll pass a football field-sized flat area to
your left that has stone fire rings where people have camped. Sabino Creek is nearby.
Beyond, the trail enters thick riparian woodlands and follows the right bank of the
creek. Canyons, streams, grasslands, and now woodlands—this hike certainly offers
variety.
Roughly 1.25 miles along the West Fork Trail, cross to the left bank of Sabino
Creek, using stepping-stones or possibly wading after monsoon storms. Cairns show
the route. Continue on the left bank for 0.3 mile and look for a 1.5-foot-tall pile of
rocks on the right of the trail: This marks the turnoff to Hutch's Pool, barely 100 yards
away but not visible from the West Fork Trail. If you miss the turnoff and start climb-
ing steeply, you'll be on the 5-mile-long trail to Romero Pass, so go back and look
again.
The year-round pool is hidden in a secluded slot canyon, with a tiny beach for
wading at the south end and small cliffs and a pretty little waterfall at the north end,
where the water is reportedly up to 15 feet deep—check first before plunging in. In
winter and spring the water is bracingly cold, but it warms to just-right in summer,
when the hike is extremely hot (carry plenty of water). At any time, this attractive
high desert pool makes an excellent destination for lunch, after which you return the
way you came.
Nearby Attractions
See
Hike 10
, Sabino Canyon Road.
Directions
miles up Sabino Canyon Road to the trailhead.
