Search results
The 27 mile drive goes from the desert floor to a mountain top ski resort, with everything you could possibly imagine for terrain in between. The views are beyond spectacular, with lots of opportunities to stop and gawk and take photos at a number of scenic viewpoints.
- (3.3K)
- Attraction
- Tucson, Arizona
Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is ranked #4 out of 20 things to do in Tucson. See pictures and our review of Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway.
Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway. Basics. Location: About 15 miles northeast of Tucson in the Catalina Mountains. Setting: Mountainous. Surface: Paved. Suitable Vehicle: Any Vehicle. Length: 28 miles oneway. Time: 1 to 2 hours. Season: Drivable year round, but winter storms cause restrictions.
Visit this mountain retreat to cool off in the warmer months and to enjoy a snowy playground in winter. Download the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour app for a narrated guide to the top of 26-mile Sky Island Scenic Byway, with suggested vista stops along the way. Top cyclists from around the world come here to train on one of the best tests of climbing ...
- Start Getting Excited!
- What to Expect
- Budgeting
- Safety
- Start Packing!
- Shaka Guide’s Mount Lemmon by The Numbers
- To Leave No Trace
You’re about to experience one of the world’s most amazing drives - a scenic tour of Mount Lemmon- but there are a few things you should know about the tour before you get started. 1. The tour begins in Tucson just after turning off East Tanque Verde Road at the Safeway and onto the East Catalina Highway. 2. Mount Lemmon is part of the Coronado Nat...
To See Incredible Vistas
Most of the time, we recommend going as early as you can, but this tour may just be a rare exception. If you time it right, you may be coming down the mountain just in time for sunset at Windy Peak, and while it’s pretty any time of day, you really will be in for a treat at sunset. If you’re hiking, however, it’s best to go in the morning so there’s plenty of daylight while you’re on the trail.
To Spend 2 to 6 Hours Here
Unless you’re going to just drive through, stopping only for the briefest of selfies before heading on, you’ll want to spend some time here. Even if you’re a non-hiker, you’ll want to allow a bit of time on some of the easier trails, as there’s a lot to see and learn. Moderate to serious hikers will likely want to hike Marshall Gulch, a lovely loop hike at the summit.
To Be Active
View from Mt. Lemmon / Image from Unsplash There’s a lot to see here, and some of the nicest viewpoints and some of the coolest attractions require a bit of trail walking. Wear good-fitting, comfortable shoes, and clothes that protect you from the sun, and again, pack plenty of water.
Of course, a lot of the costs will depend on what you choose to do, what you want to eat, where you stay, and so on. But here are our estimates to help you plan: 1. Park entry: $8/car if you’ll be parking 2. Lunch: $10-20/person (Important: there are no restaurants until you get up to Summerhaven, at the summit, and even then, there are only a few....
For the most part, you’ll be doing things that are fun and safe for all ages, but keep a few important things in mind: 1. Water: Bring plenty of water and drink it. Dehydration can happen long before you’re really thirsty. 2. Sun: Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Many of the trails have no shade. 3. Cacti:Getting poked is no joke. At low...
Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 1. Car charger 2. Phone car mount 3. Sneakers/hiking shoes 4. Hiking Clothes 5. Water Bottle (it is the desert after all), EXTRA water (1 gallon per person per day) 6. Bug Spray 7. Sunscreen 8. Sungl...
Let us break it down for you! This tour features: 1. 1 9,000+ foot Peak 2. 1 Excellent Visitor Center 3. 2 Giant telescopes 4. 3 Scenic Hikes 5. 5 Scenic Spots 6. 9 Life Zones (What’s a Life Zone? Find out on the tour!)
Tourism lets us venture into places very different from our homes but for locals, this mountain is home - and leaving trash or disposing of food causes problems. Be a steward here and make sure you bring all your trash with you or use marked disposal bins. If possible, leave the mountain cleaner than you found it. The next traveler will thank you f...
People also ask
Is Mount Lemmon a scenic drive?
How do I get to Mount Lemmon from Tucson?
Is Mt Lemmon a good drive?
Where is Mount Lemmon?
The 27-mile Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is a gorgeous drive—with ample pullouts for photo ops. This elevation gain of more than 6,000 feet creates a 30- to 40-degree temperature drop, which makes Mt. Lemmon the perfect respite from summertime heat. It’s also an excellent year-round training destination for cyclists, runners, and rock climbers ...
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway. 3,259 reviews. #1 of 488 things to do in Tucson. Scenic Drives. Write a review. What people are saying. By FancyFree55. “ Deserves the Number-One-Attraction Status ” Dec 2023. If I had to choose one stop as my favorite, I'd highly recommend the Windy Point Vista. By Chrissy. “ Stunning views ” May 2023.
