Mount Lemmon
4.8(1.7K)google
4.5(118)yelp
Hiking
Overview
Soaring to an elevation of over 9,100 feet, this dramatic sky island mountain provides a cool, alpine escape from the surrounding desert heat. The scenic mountain highway takes travelers through multiple distinct ecological biomes, ending in an alpine forest village featuring the southern-most ski resort in the continental United States, cozy cabins, and famous giant homemade cookie shops.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration4-8 hours
Best TimeMay through September serves as a perfect escape from desert heat (temperatures are 20°F+ cooler at the top), while late October brings golden aspen foliage. Arriving after 3:00 PM is highly recommended to drive up the Catalina Highway and catch panoramic sunset vistas of the desert basin below from various pullouts.
Getting ThereA long, alpine mountain pass requiring private transport. From eastern Tucson, navigate E Tanque Verde Rd and turn left onto E Catalina Highway (also known as Mount Lemmon Highway). Follow this paved, well-maintained mountain road up the Santa Catalina range for 25 winding miles to reach the Summerhaven village at the top.
Travel Tips
- Driving the Catalina Highway to the 9,157-foot summit causes a sudden temperature drop of over 30 degrees Fahrenheit; carry winter jackets even in summer. The access road beyond Mt Lemmon Ski Valley closes seasonally for winter snow.
- All designated day-use picnic sites and major vistas require an 8 USD per-vehicle daily fee payable via recreation.gov or onsite drop-boxes; these are concessionaire-managed, meaning certain standard annual forest passes are invalid.
- The 30-mile Catalina Highway features non-stop steep grades and hairpin switchbacks with zero fuel stations along the route; refuel at Tanque Verde Rd before ascending. Large travel trailers are strictly banned on narrow summit spurs.
Reviews
Positive
- Driving from desert saguaros at the base to pine forests at the summit offers a dramatic contrast in temperature and ecology within an hour, making it a perfect summer escape.
- The scenic overlooks along the scenic byway offer unmatched vistas, especially at sunset overlooking the Tucson basin night lights, and the road is an absolute joy to drive.
- The small town of Summerhaven at the top has a cozy vibe; its famous Cookie Cabin serves legendary, massive warm cookies paired with ice cream.
- The mountain boasts a great variety of well-marked trails, catering perfectly to both casual walkers and hardcore hikers with well-maintained park facilities.
Heads up
- Traffic gets incredibly heavy on weekends and holidays; parking spaces in Summerhaven are notoriously hard to find, and parking near popular trailheads is heavily restricted.
- The mountain road is full of sharp, steep switchbacks, and winter snow can make it icy; drivers without mountain experience or those with vertigo might find it nerve-wracking.
- Due to supply logistics, food and gas at the summit are noticeably pricier than in town, and most public restrooms are vault toilets with rustic upkeep.
- The high-altitude weather is highly unpredictable, with sudden afternoon thunderstorms or high winds that can abruptly disrupt outdoor activities without early warnings.