Mt Lemmon

Tucson is lucky to have this gem. In the summers the weather here is a good cool down from the desert heat. In the winter it’s a snowy wonderland. Crazy roads going up, but once you’re at the top it’s one hell of the view. My favorite thing is Ski Valley in the fall. Not too hot, not too cold. Just perfect. It feels like you’re in a different state!
A must visit when you’re in the tucson area.

I just moved to Tucson a year ago and going to Mt Lemmon is one of my favorite things to do with my friends out here. I just turned 18 and my mom was super skeptical about me driving up a mountain without her but honestly the drive isn’t bad. all the roads are railed and guarded and the drive is smooth. I’ve driven up there 3 – 4 times no problem. However cell phone reception is extremely hard to get!!! So if you need to keep in contact with your kids or family good luck lol

Gorgeous scenic drive. Also, the temperatures at the top of the mountain were about 30 – 40 degrees cooler. This was a great way to escape the Arizona heat and witness 25 miles of beautiful scenery. Be sure to gas up, and bring a good camera… and possibly a sweater.

Beautiful! What a scenic, but semi-​frightening, drive up the mountain side. We had a great hike to the lake and back to our cabin. Would love to go again and try other trails.

Great place to escape the hellish heat. Lots of hikes, look-​outs, picnic tables and most importantly… cool temperatures. Check out the babad lookout point and observatory.

OMG 9 mile hike kinda wanted to kill myself. Some of the views were BEAUTIFUL, but really the mediocre review is simple for the massive amounts of rocks on the trail. Was tough… or maybe the 3 stars is more about my finesse/​fitness. I’m sure if I had have been more prepared it would have been a better experience.
Some of the bathrooms on the trails are horrendous (I’m looking at you Gulch trail), but other’s aren’t too bad. Use the one at the community center anyway; nice and clean.
Did some convoluted loop starting at the power generators by the ski resort, down to Sutherland, across the Mt. Lemmon trail, over the Wilderness in the Rocks (or something of the sort), and then back up the other Mt. Lemmon trail straight up for 2 miles. That was rough. Also got caught in a bit of a storm with lightening, so that wasn’t too fun, but managed to make it out alright. EVERYBODY along the trail was super friendly!
Ok, I convinced myself to give it 4 stars! It’s beautiful, and make sure you go out to the Mt. Lemmon Lookout!

What a great ½ day drive… that you could easily stretch into a full day if you go for a hike on one of the many trails along the drive up. You’ll first pass through an area dense with Saguaro cactus… then as you ascend, you’ll see some great rock formations. Some look pretty scary as they are rock atop rock atop rock… and I’m not talking about little trail marker stones. These are huge boulders and stones. Being from California, the thought that an earthquake could easily dump the boulders onto your drive comes to mind. But not to worry, they been there for many, many years and still haven’t tumbled over. Your drive will eventually take you into a region of pines. You’ll be driving to over 8,000 ft in elevation so if you drive up in the winter and it is snowing (or might), you should carry chains if you’re not in a 4×4. There are numerous view points along the drive. Near the top, the views change from the Tucson side to the back side. You may encounter some bicyclist riding up the road, so be watchful. Near the top, there is a restaurant if you’re looking for something to eat/​drink. I highly recommend the drive… you’ll be glad you did!

Love meadow loop. Great place for hiking, mtb, night drives, and in the winter, snow. During summer, cooler weather. Love it.

A long and winding road … pull off at viewing vistas to break up the drive.
Watch out for the crazy suicidal bicyclists … nutso.
Amazing views as you climb in elevation.
The actual ski area is super small.
Bring your own drinks and snacks and a chair to sit and enjoy the views.
Nice break from the desert.

I LOVE Mt Lemmon! I have frequented the Peppersauce Caverns many times in these mountains. I have also camped there quite a few times and have always had a great time. There is an abundance of wildlife and the caves are magnificent.
If you make it to the caves you must visit
The Big Room
The Book Room
The Lake
Make sure to bring plenty of water, some snacks, flashlights and extra batteries. This is a self guided cave.

Mt Lemmon is a great ride whether you are riding up on a motorcycle, bicycle or driving up in your car. There are many places to stop and hike along the way. Just remember to get a day pass or annual pass to stop anywhere along the way. You do not need a pass to stop in Summerhaven or Ski Valley.

When most think of Tucson snow does not come to mind… but come winter time Mt Lemmon can satisfy some of your snow cravings and is only a short 45 minute drive from the city. Sure the snow isn’t the most perfect powder but good enough for being so near by. During the spring/​summer Mt Lemmon is the perfect spot for hiking and camping.
Many look-​out points along the drive up to let you take in the breathtaking view of the city of Tucson. Once to the top in Summerhaven, there are a few restaurants to eat at and numerous cabins to rent out. There is an observatory at the peak of the mountain as well. Although Mt Lemmon used to be nicer, the fires of 2003 caused a lot of damage which was never restored to it’s original. Either way, drive up Catalina Highway and continue on until you reach this beautiful Tucson treasure.

WTF People, the last time I was here was like when there was hella snow and i was like 6, before the Lodge burnt down, before it got too popular, and before the magic of a ski season had long since been a jaded ideal.
This place is so beautiful. We went up to collect fire wood, and while we were walking around thunderclouds rolled around us and brought us in to this eye of the storm sorta deal, and 300 foot towers of plasma wer blasting like BOOM, it rocked… But there is a lot of are to hike if your super adventurous, as in dont give an EFF about PARK BOUNDARIES and are not afraid of the green mountain fuzz… PLus i found lots of super cool quartz, and even a small piece of marble, im sure you could find even sweeter rocks here…