Mount Lemmon Reviews

We took some time to drive up the mountain and see the sights. We hiked a little bit at the top. Beautiful drive and it was fun watching the cyclists. We stopped in Summerhaven for a very Nice lunch. Made for a very enjoyable day. Downloaded the Mount Lemmon app and it is very interesting and educational.

I go up to Mount Lemmon often. I go with family or friends or take my dogs but mostly myself. I go to get out of the heat and read. I love it and am so thankful it is so close to Tucson. It is the only way to get out of the summer heat and be outside. There is a lot that you can do up there. Hiking, Fishing, picnics and just relaxing. If you haven't been you must go. I don't go to the very top usually but you can and they have a restaurant, some shops and the cookie place.

Beautiful escape from busy city life and summer heat of Tucson. Friendly atmosphere combined with fresh air!

best place to go to beat the heat. nice drive to top of mountain. good places to eat at the top great view

Mount Lemmon is a magical place, you start seeing sahuaros, rocks, desert psissages and as you climb you see a radical change in vegetation, you end up seeing pines and firs and enjoying without doubt a beautiful landscape in this beautiful Mountain!!

We have been visiting Tucson for decades but always in the winter, so we never ventured up Mt. Lemmon. We certainly feel foolish to have been visiting all these years and not seen this remarkable park. We drove up the magnificent Mt. Lemmon highway and stopped at most of the overlooks. The change in climate and vegetation was remarkable as we rose from 2500 ft to over 9000. You leave the heat and Saguaros behind in exchange for a very Coloradan scene of pines and snow. The hoodoos are also amazing. You get terrific vistas looking down on the city of Tucson and Sabino Canyon. A totally different perspective on Tucson. We did not have time to hike but obviously the trails would be fantastic. We also saw many bikers, struggling up or sailing down. The town of Summerhaven is not attractive, apparently due to a terrible forest fire. The ski slope is tiny but the views from the ski lift would be fantastic. Note that it really is 30 degrees colder as you get above 6000 feet so bring warm clothes no matter how hot it is in Tucson. Don't wait 30 years to see this beautiful place!

Camped at Spencer Canyon, during Fourth of July weekend. Something about the Pine trees and the starry sky! Perfect weather, and the Scenic By-way is still breath taking. Yet the upkeep of the roads, should be top priority. Mt. Lemmon is one of Tucson's main attractions. It must be a taken care of, and protected for future generations. Still, a wonderful retreat into Nature. Transformative for the Psyche. A must visit (at least, once a year)!

Great picture taking area! Many hiking trails along with camping. Great for a day trip for the family. Winter trips have the added bonus of snow much of the time.

We live here and never get tired of going up the mountain, especially when it's hot down below. Only takes about hour to get to top. Beautiful drive up with different change of scenery around very corner. Starts with desert at bottom and finishes with pine trees at top. Good places to eat. Try the Iron Door at Ski Valley, then ride ski lift to top of mountain, fun. Also another really good place to eat as your driving into Summer Haven on the left hand side, can't remember name. Keep room for the Cookie house, yum.'

Mount Lemmon is conveniently located very close to Tucson, Arizona so if there's anything -including medical services- that you need anytime, everything is near you. It's about 8000 feet high, smells beautifully, and its quiet and restful. If you want to stay for a day there's picnic areas throughout the whole place with restrooms that are really clean...buy the day pass or you'll be in trouble 'cause there's ranger checking those up every ridiculous day ;) If you want to hike there's plenty of small paths to follow, it's really beautiful and weather is great Summer or Winter. During Winter there is snow, but just enough not to make you uncomfortable and you can ski at Ski Valley at the top; also at Ski Valley you'll find lodge, food and entertainment. We've lived in Tucson for 18 years and still go there every now and then just to relax and reboot our lives. Enjoy!

Diferetn kind of roads, wonderful views, it is an incredible experience to enjoy alone or with your friends

Mt. Lemmon is a perfect get away in the summer for locals. At 8000' the cooler air is so refreshing. There are a couple of nice places to eat too and if you want to picnic even better! There are places to walk and a nice lake to swim in. Views are spectacular!

If you come to Tucson and expect only cactus and hot desert, think again. Mount Lemmon travels from the desert floor through several ecosystems .It is one of the 'sky islands'. Look up 'sky island' on the internet. You'll be amazed. Also check out other sky islands in the region, by doing an internet search for 'sky islands of southern az'. Another wonderful thing about Mount Lemmon is that it is a good place to escape the summer heat! But in winter, you can go skiing! Enjoy!

Mt Lemmon is a great place to go during the hot summer months of Tucson. There are hiking trails all over the mountain. Also there are some nice camp grounds. The ride up is amazing and if you get a chance to do it via a motorcycle you will not be disappointed. Once at the top you can head to Ski Valley or head to Summerhaven. Both places are nice to visit, but Summerhaven offers more shops and places to eat.

Outstanding place for a summit hike and to seek relief from the Valley's summer heat. The views are so outstanding that they seem unreal. It is God's work on display!

We targeted Mount Lemmon as a destination day trip. We're so glad we did. Our goal was simple -- drive to the top of the mountain, stop along the way to admire the vistas, have lunch at the top, and head down. Mt. Lemmon is a high point in the Coronado National Forest. Although the mountain is a bit higher than 9,000 feet, the road to the top stops at about 8,200. Mt. Lemmon is apparently a destination for the Tucson locals when the temps high those 100s in summer. Our drive to the top was beautiful. There were plenty of places to pull over, get out, and admire the scenery. We appreciated the small pullouts that allowed slower traffic to give faster drivers the opportunity to safely pass. We commented several times that the speedier drivers must be those who had visited in the past, or they didn't mind missing some great scenery and rock formations! At the top of the mountain we stopped for lunch in Summerhaven, a small ski-type village that offered a few restaurants, visitor center, and small shops. The streets were crowded, surprising for a sunny weekday in January. Our drive down the mountain after enjoying a nice lunch in Summerhaven presented us with additional vistas, both due to seeing the scenery from a different direction, and because the afternoon lighting provided a much different 'look' to the scenery. If you enjoy simply beautiful scenery that you won't see everyday, Mt. Lemmon needs to be on your 'to-do' list when you visit Arizona!

What a wonderful and beautiful drive, who knew that Arizona had these wonderful rock formations and mountain views. AND the cookie shop at the top is a must stop. It is a great place to hike, view the landscape from the pull outs, take wonderful photo's, and enjoy nature. I highly recommend the drive.

One of the real bright spots of southern Arizona. The nation’s southern most ski resort and offers a cool respite from the desert heat of Tucson. Go up, have a cookie, a pizza, a piece of pie, hamburger, cool off before you’d down the mountain. Unfortunately, the Aspen fire took it’s toll, but the area is still beautiful and fun.

Always fun to return to the mountain for the beautiful scenery, good shopping and eating as well as the cooler temperatures .

Using mapquest we found this amazing scenic drive outside of Tucson. We drove approximately 23 miles up and experienced beautiful views. You will go from 3800 ft to almost 9000 feet above sea level. The amazing changing landscape coupled with much cooler temperatures (78F on June 27, 2016) is a plus. Lots of turn-outs for taking pictures as this drive is very driver friendly. A Coronado Visitor's Center visit will give you lots of material on the area for hiking and cabin rentals. They are at approx. mile marker 10. Many areas to hike and explore. We saw two deer and many little critters. At the end of the drive are several cool shops and eating places. Mount Lemon Cookie Cabin serves awesome cookies (giant for$7.00 for one or sample cookie for $12.00) along with pizza slices. This little cafe is dog friendly with lots and lots of patio seating. Check out the fudge shop and other little shops. (Most at mile marker 27.)

My husband and I drove part way up to Mt Lemmon. The scenery was beautiful, but nothing spectacular. Originally from Vermont, we frequently have ridden on curvy mountain roads with beautiful views. We might have found the mountain more interesting if we could have hiked the area, but we are unable to.

Who would have ever guessed that you could be in hot Tucson and within 20 minutes you can be in the beautiful mountains of Tucson. Crazy but true, Walk through the tall pines and enjoy the eats at the peaks restaurants.

I read a review on this site stating it's a "must do" drive. Well, it's correct! Beautiful, stunning views at every turn! My favorite part of Tucson trip, period!

I drove all the way from Scottsdale AZ to the Mt. Lemmon . I will advice people to go only on 4x4 car and go in group. The mountain had dirt road and it is good for hiking and not driving
I am a senior and went alone in the car. I drove only 7 miles on the dirt and turn around back home safe and sound . Secenry is definately beautiful.

Go to Apache trail, mesa,AZ beautiful. !!

We have traveled to Mount Lemmon at various times of the year. Late spring and early fall are best even though other times are fun as well. This is relatively high elevation so people with breathing problems should be careful.

We have driven up there for no other reason than to have a late lunch and the beauty of the drive.

Our evening trips included Mt. Lemmon most days. Each trip provided such picturesque views and fun trails to go out on! Must see!

Atomosphere and food was excellent. Very popular place but not real large so patience is needed to be served but it is worth the wait.

Mt. Lemmon is only an hour from most places in Tucson and 20-30 degrees cooler. The mountain has several restaurants, lot of picnic areas and a plethora of hiking trails. You can even ride the ski lift!

The drive up to the top of Mt. Lemmon on its own is worth the trip. You will find hiking trails,scenic overlooks,and picnic areas ( with washrooms)all the way to the top which comes to an end in the town of summerhaven. Enjoy

This is an annual tradition. Can't get up there in winter when there is snow as you need chains, a residence permit (sometimes depending on the amount of snow), and/or traffic. It is a beautiful drive and there are a number of decent restaurants.

A great place to go close by to get out f the extreme heat in Tucson but if you go all the way up it is rather depressing because of the fire damage that took down dozens of houses and gutted the business district. Many have been rebuilt but it is still a mess.

What do desert rats do when the heat and monsoon humidity become oppressive in Tucson? Head up to Mt. Lemmon on the Catalina Highway. When the saguaro cactus are in your rear view mirror, you can turn off your car's AC and open the windows. Ahh! It's even better when the aspens and pine trees crowd the sides of the road. There are so many great trails to follow up the mountain that you can't go wrong. Today we chose to drive through Summerhaven to the end of the road and took the trail up the mountain to the right. We followed a small creek and enjoyed Indian paintbrush, lupine and columbine along with bird songs and a refreshing breeze. Even though it was a weekend there weren't too many people on the trail. Starting about 8,000 feet elevation and climbing to about 9,000 feet is strenuous hiking but definitely doable, even for kids. Just bring drinking water and a snack or two. Enjoy nature in all its glory!

We loved our drive up Mt Lemmon. There were lots of places to pull over and look at views. The info boards at the stops added interesting facts. At the top you can eat lunch, ride the chair lift and buy yummy fudge. It was a day well spent!

Who would have thought that just outside Tucson in the Sonoran Desert, Mount Lemmon would offer relief from the heat in the summer and the southern-most ski area in the US for recreational skiing in the winter? Go for a picnic or go for a hike. The scenery is spectacular.

Great drive, scenery and views. Cool restaurant top of the mountain Iron Door At Mt Lemmon Ski Valley

30 degrees cooler than Tucson. Pleasant ride up the mountain. 45 minutes drive up. Two restaurants and numerous hiking trails. Visit the ski lift in the off season for a scenic ride up the mountain.

Lived there in the early 70s, kids went to one room school house. Over the last 50 years have gone up several times of the year. We love it. I recommend packing a lunch though,as the fare is limited, and fairly pricey. I love going all the way up, beyond the ski valley for a quiet hike overlooking oracle.

Whether you are an avid cyclist, hiker, rock climber, or simply want to escape the city or the heat with a picnic, this is a true treasure and fabulous place to get stunning views of the valley. One hour out of the heart of Tucson takes you to this alpine retreat and tens of degrees cooler temps. The Sawmill Restaurant is a great place to hang, especially if you are craving a cool drink after a fabulous hike. Trails range from strolls to challenges, all with lovely vistas of the surrounding valleys. There are a few small shops in the village, but the true value of this amazing escape into the clouds is the respite from scorching summer temperatures. Look for rentals if you have the time to soak up the cool air!

A Summer retreat away from the 100 degrees weather. No wonder it is called Summer Heaven. We are truly blessed in Tucson to have this mountain provide us a quick get away from the heat!

Let's just put it this way. The Southern-most ski area in Continental US. On January 7, 2016 there is a couple of feet of snow at the top. That's about a 45 minute door-to-door drive for us natives. We love going up to feel actual snow and bring home a snowman in the bed of our trucks. In Summer the temperature drops about 20 degrees from the valley floor. There's a couple of lakes, lots of good hiking trails and the change of vegetation as you drive up the well paved Mt. Lemmon Hwy from the Old Pueblo.

It's simply beautiful and a short drive away from the central part of the city. It's one of the best places in southern Arizona to experience snow.

I always like to take a drive up to Mount Lemmon, especially in the summertime where the temperatures are awesome and the views are too. My wife and I like to take a small picnic with us and find a spot in the trees to have a lunch.
When in the Tucson area, you really should take a drive up the mountain. Just be careful on the windy road.

A very scenic, windy road. But save. Wide lanes. The entire drive up and down we felt save. I usually drive up in the winter time after snow fall. Along the road you will find wonderful areas to stop for the view or a picnic some have a rest area. Trees, and wonderful paths you can walk for hours. Winter time, especially after a snow fall is a crazy time to go up there. I don't recommend it over the weekend, but at times, because of snow, you have no choice, you go when you can. The last part that takes you all the way to the top is a narrow two lane road. A bit harder to drive when snow has just fallen but not impossible. Once up there the ski lift will be to your left and a small restaurant to the right. No public restrooms. Good amount of parking but if you come later in the day, forget it. They will turn you around, back. Your second choice would be Summer Haven. Some stores, restaurants. And public restroom. Terrible parking availability. During peak time it is almost impossible to find a spot. And now you are driving in the snow, hard to just do quick stops and turnarounds. Police is available to manage traffic and also tell you to leave the parking spot quickly. Shop owners are not polite. They will yell at you to get off the parking spot and ask you to leave the store and wait outside in the cold if the store becomes busy. Coolies expensive as well as the pizza. Long wait. But I don't go up there for the food. I learned that lesson. I bring our food and items. You do it once and you don't have to do it again. Your choice. Tucson is all dry and hot. This is a nice little break for the hours you spend there. We usually park on the shoulder, side of the road at one point and then walk into the woods. During snow season they let you park along the road as long as you don't block it. Again, the roads are not narrow. Lot's of fun. Easy to get to. If you leave later in the afternoon, to get up there, you may not make it up. When it becomes crowded, they stop people from going on, especially when it is closer to the end of the day and it will be dark in a few hours. I have seen police closing off the drive up and long line of cars waiting to be allowed up. So perhaps going early or mid day would be your best bet. Especially on the weekend. But a nice place to visit and to spend a fun time outdoors.

We made the drive up to the top of Mount Lemmon. Warning: There are times when driving up the windy road on the side of the mountain when it can get a little scarry, especially for those who are afraid of heights. There are look-outs / places to stop to take photographs all along the road. You must ride the chair lift at the ski hill and visit the 2 stores in the little village. This is basically an all-day trip depending on how much you take pictures and do.

I love the trips I have taken Mt Lemmon. It's cool in summer, crisp in the fall and cold in the winter. Going up early in the morning and cooking breakfast, priceless.

A breathtaking adventure every time I visit ... Love the ambiance of the mountains; all of the views of the canyons and the gorges ...The year round ski lift...; and of course the very quaint & cozy Mt Lemmon Cookie Cabin You've got to have at least three of these huge homemade C-O-O-K-I-E-S !!!!

We had beautiful day to do this drive and it was one of the highlights of our time in the Tucson area --- not to be missed. The road is beautifully engineered and easy to drive with lots of opportunities to pull over for pictures, There are three distinct climate zones ending with the ski area in a pine forest at the top. Its about a 45 minutes drive to the top with a few photo stops.

We visit Mt. Lemmon at least 4-5 times per year. The weather is much cooler than in Tucson and there are many hiking trails in addition to Rose Canyon Lake. I highly recommend visiting there!

Living in Tucson, this is our get away place from the heat! During the summer you will enjoy the 70ish degrees after being in town where its 110. During the winter you can enjoy the ski and snow boarding because our Mt.Lemmon actually gets snow. Hiking is a plus so many different trails. And definitely a place for cookouts with designated picnic areas. Restaurants are good. The cookie cabin has delicious pizza!

Mount Lemmon is a nice place to visit if you live in, around or plan on visiting Tucson.
Located in the Catalina mountains, Northeast of Tucson Mt. Lemmon serves host to a couple of different possible activities. In the Winter there is Skiing on the mountain, its beautifully covered in snow as you overlook tucson from 3000+ elevation. In the fall and even the summer its beautiful, theres hiking and mountain biking trails and plenty of cliff faces if you're a rock climber. Theres also the sky center telescope, dedicated to public viewing. Programs tend to last 4+hrs for a possible day trip. My family and I simply enjoy the visit just to overlook the city and relax.

There's not a great amount to do at the top and the parking is very limited. However, the drive up is well worth the trip. And remember the temperature will be about 20 degrees cooler at the top so be prepared!

Oh my goodness what a gorgeous view of mountains in Tucson AZ. As you travel up to mount Lemmon there are a lot of pull off places where you can take photos of the magnificent views. One you get to the top you can go camping, fishing, hiking, stay at the lodge or in the winter go skiing. It is 8000 feet in altitude. If you are visiting Tucson do not miss the incredible drive up this mountain, you will not be disappointed.

Great place to hike and see Tucson for mountains for miles! Need to visit during monsoons season and you can see the rain moving in waves. Awesome rock formations and great trails. Be aware of cyclists coming down the mountain and roads are very narrow. Only negative is I believe the park needs more park rangers keeping up with area and facilities. Have not traveled up during the winter months, but have heard it can get pretty messy. Great place to go in the Summer when it is hot. It can be over 30 degrees cooler on top of mountain. Be prepared and aware of pedestrians at all times while driving.

Mt. Lemmon has something for everyone and it is a perfect day to spend with your family. Nature abounds around every corner or tree! Good food and shopping for everyone. Lots of places to have a picnic as well.

Lovely and cool when the rest of Tucson is sweltering. The restaurant has a ski lodge feel to it, nice mountain views, and when we went they were offering free lift tickets (summertime) with a meal. I had the quiche, so cheesy and delicious! Good place to go on a hot day.

First visit to Tucson and our friends took us on this beautiful scenic drive. It was breathtaking. A must see when visiting. The views are phenomenal.

You travel from the desert to the tundra in that short time. Beautiful scenery looking at the valley below, it is almost ten thousand feet. A lady by the name of Lemon hiked from the bottom to the top, so it is named after her. Once had a prison camp half way up, ruins still visible.

Mt. Lemmon is an amazing area. You can go from 100 degrees to 70 degrees in such a short time. You see the Saguaros and greenery on the way up. Enjoy!

It;s a nice little get away from the City. It's cooler up in the mountains. Enjoy it !!!
When we went, we saw a country music band, they were good. We saw the Firefighters museum, they have a little gift shop, lots of Beautiful scenery. On the ride up a lot of photo opportunities.

Cool weather. Nice views from the top. Nice to see the roadside rocks of different shapes & also the cactus that is very rare in my country.

What a beautiful half day adventure. Every mile brought new views and great photo opportunities. Great pull off areas and occasional rest rooms (which we did not know about, but were glad to see)!

Plan your timing and check what's open the day you plan to go. We chose a Tuesday when the ski area was closed, the Ironwood restaurant was closed and the Sawmill was an hour wait because....no place to eat once you get to the top!

All this said, we will definitely do the drive again on our next visit, and plan it well in advance!

Really nice drive! Make sure you download the podcast before you start-you’ll learn a lot about the history of this place. So much fun. Highly recommended. Beautiful area!

I love mount Lemmon, with all that green and high altitud make me feel wonderful, happy, great. It is a place to scape and let your soul be free, in winter you can enjoy the snow.

A great place for a hick or a picnic. Many trails for various levels of endurance, Good place to take some pictures. Interesting rock formation, scenic views and mountain in to valley views. Get off the road and there a many interesting trails with scenery.

A Close-by escape from Tucson in the summer. Within an hour of Tucson, you drive through spectacular scenery with many lookouts over the valley below. The highlight is the village of Summerhaven at about 8000 ft. altitude. Summer temperatures in the 70's and a couple of small cafes for lunch.

We drove up Mt. Lemmon for a day hike on the Lemmon Rock Lookout Trail. Unfortunately the road was closed beyond the ski area, so we hiked the Butterfly Trail instead. For an early February hike, this was a great spot to go. It took us out of the desert and into high country - elevation of around 8,000 feet. The trail itself was in great condition with just a few small signs of snow melt. We really enjoyed hiking away from desert conditions during our 10-day trip to Tucson/Phoenix.

Summer haven has a general store where you can buy souvenirs, little knick knacs, and awesome fudge. Ski valley is a great place to spend your day. They have ski lift that takes about 1/2 hour to the top of summit and back.

The drive up and down is breathtaking, several places to stop off and take in the views across the area, and some have trails to follow away from the parking for some piece and quiet, BUT watch the edges and wildlife. We drove up to the Saw Mill Cafe and had sandwiches etc for lunch

Breathtaking ride up to Ski Valley (13,000 feet?). Many stops along the way with views of the city way down below. I personally won't drive it myself, but love being the passenger. If you like mountain driving this one is for you.

Wanting to go on a day trip, I remembered seeing Mt Lemmon/Summer Haven on a local PBS show called Arizona Highways. It was quite a scenic trip. The road is well maintained but very windy and not for the faint of heart if you have height issues. The view is worth it though.
It is around 9000 ft. high and you go through several different terrains. Each has it's own type of plants and amazing rock formations!! There also numerous outlooks, parking pull outs, hiking areas and rest areas.
We didn't go to the ski area as we decided to have lunch at a fabulous resteraunt in Summer Haven called Sawmill Run then the turn home. The food and staff were wonderful. We'd go back just to eat there. I had a Smoked salmon club and hubby had a really juicy burger. The fries were really good. They have barbecued items which I would try next time.
The trip was about 3hrs from Queen Creek. It is closer to Tucson.

We drive from San Tan Valley as a day trip. Highway 79 was far more scenic than taking Hwy 10 and only an extra 5 minutes. Drive through Florence and had a quick peek at the state penitentiary.
From the bottom of the mountain to the top was about an hour or so and lots of spots to pull off and take pics. Tons of people on bicycles which would looked pretty tough since you are going up to 9000 ft elevation.
Cool to see the ski lift up top when there is no snow but there was still a bit of snow in some spots even late April. Vegetation really changes as you go up. Cactuses are flowering this time of year which is beautiful.
There were a few places to grab lunch at the top but they seemed very much like tourist traps so we decided to pass on eating.
Take the drive for the majestic views.

A great place to cool off and get a view of Tucson from higher up! Crisp fresh air, beautiful plnts, and wonderful wildlife await you with lots of photographic opportunities.

If anything else, this is a very scenic car ride to the top of the mountain and back. Two to three hours. Very nice when the sun is out. Gets a little cooler at top of mountain so take a jacket or sweater just in case. Had a cookie at one of the bakery shops up top.

We drove up the mountain to do some birding, photography and geocaching and had success on all three. As we climbed up to 8000 feet in elevation, the temperatures dropped by 30 degrees and the flora changed continuously as we rose in elevation. Snow at this time of year at the higher elevations is common and we did indeed find several areas with light snow cover. Suggest wearing layers as the temperature variance is pretty extreme.

Went to see the Oktoberfest and took the long 50 mile round trip drive to the top. The town is interesting, but more touristy than I would have liked. The Oktoberfest was featured the day I visited and there was food and beer for sale, and a Tuba player with an accompaniment of two others, no one was dancing or seemed to be overly interested in dancing to the Um Pa Paa Paaa, which may have been more of a reflection on the visitors than the musical group. The snow had not yet arrived, but the ski lift was open for 'paid' rides to the top. There are some side roads to the top of the mountain where one can find a picnic area and several hiking trails. Restrooms are situated along the drive, but poorly marked until the last minute, which makes for some dangerous driving maneuvers. The Pima County police do patrol and do have 'radar' at strategic points. There are many turnouts along both sides of the roadway for those that need a break from the many turns, or just want to see the great views of the Tucson Valley Area. The NPS has a gift shop and small museum, but no restroom at that building which is about half-way to the top. There is an observatory at the top, but you need to apply for and be invited as it is fenced off and private most of the time.
All in all, a nice day's ride if you enjoy clean air, somewhat challenging driving, lots of great views, and perhaps a tour of several gift shops and eateries.

What's not to like about Mt. Lemmon? Perfect 45 minute drive up to cooler temperatures, beautiful sky, trees, and pull offs along the way. Summer Haven is quaint, with a couple of restaurants, and gift shops. Winter provides opportunity for snow, but always check first to make sure roads are open. Mt. Lemmon is not heavily commercialized. Although there are homes/cabins, its low key and relaxed. Lots of trails to hike, a ski lodge, and plenty of nature to consume. Only a few times have we gone and it's been too busy. A beautiful getaway!

when I need relief from the summer heat I always head up the mountain. It is such a mind boggling experience. At a certain point all cacti disappear and you have the conifers to enjoy. Have breakfast at the Old Sawmill restaurant and walk to the general store for a piece of fudge! Be ready to pull into the turnouts for picture taking!

So, if you come from a place with mountains and trees and snow, and you're visiting Tucson, Mt. Lemon might not seem all that spectacular. But for Tucsonans, the ability to take a beautiful drive and in 60 to 90 minutes be in a different world - well, it is a favorite destination. It's usually much cooler in he summer, and can be snowy in the winter, and actually look like winter. What could be better than a motorcycle ride up the mountain to a descent if overpriced lunch? If you like beautiful scenic views, camping, hiking, or pie, this is highly recommended.

Thanks to climate change, it's getting hotter than ever in Tucson. Today is was 116, near the record 117 degrees set only last year. Mt. Lemmon is 90 minutes away by car and offers dramatically cooler temperatures, nice pet-friendly hiking trails, a couple of little restaurants and an exquisite escape from the heat. If you like pine trees and high elevation, this is the place for you in the summer.

Fantastic drive both up and down with great views all round. Just be careful of the cyclists, some like to take the shortest route and end up cycling down the middle of the road. Just take your time, stop off at all the viewing points and use the passing places to let faster drivers past.

Definitely a place to visit if coming in from out of town. Temperatures 10+ degrees lower than the Tucson valley below. Easy drive with many pull-outs having great views of the valley. Summerhaven at the top of the mountain has several shops and restaurants. Take a drive, you will not be disappointed!

Both long and short hiking trails with public restrooms. food, and gift shops. The whole family can enjoy this trip with scenic look outs along the way up and down the mountain. Camping sites are also available.

I took my family coming from Texas they loved it. On a hot July day mount Lemmon is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Tucson they enjoyed it. Will be back soon!

Really nice & scenic drive from Tucson. Made such a nice contrast as far as weather and terrain with Tucson. The restaurant is very nice.

Its a little bit of a dive out of Tucson. But its definitely worth it. Gets you out of the summer heat during the summer and is a perfect place to go sledding during the winter. Once you get to the top you have to stop by the Cookie Cafe for a hot cup of apple cider. Its a beautiful view of nature at its finest. Lots of places to hike and enjoy the quite away from the hustle and bustle of Tucson.

109 degrees in Phoenix and a cool 73 degrees at the top of Mt Lemmon. What a nice treat to take a beautiful scenic 25 mile drive up the Catalina Highway to the small town of Summerhaven at the top of the mountain. We ate a relaxed lunch on the patio of the Saw Mill Restaurant and I had one of their delicious pastrami sandwiches and home made pecan pie ... ala mode. We had time for some hiking afterwards. Next time we'll get their earlier as the parking for the best vistas was crowded and we'll have more time for hiking. If you go make sure to plan some time to stop a few times as you go up or down the mountain as stops such as Windy Point Vista (restrooms) and Seven Cataracts Vista are quite pretty.

An easy drive from metro Tucson, 45 minutes from sun to fun. A short drive on a winding mountain road.

4 wheel drive required! Beautiful views as you climb higher and higher! Be SAFE! totally worth the experience!

This is the road taken to get to Mount Lemon. The day I went it was 104 degrees on the desert floor and 68 degrees at the top. Nice restaurant on top.

Our first trip to the area. Very interesting scenery. We drove up the mountain and stopped to watch the sunset. Took lots of very pretty pictures! Would also probably be a good option on hot days as it is cooler the higher you go. Interesting to see how the flora changes as you drive higher.

i loved going to girl scout camp and exploring the beautiful mountains it was just beautiful and magical.. I loved the wilderness and the smell of the air

Everything I read was on point! The drive is relaxing, the views are breathtaking and the fun part: going through multiple seasons! We made a day trip out of the drive and stopped at the Cookie Cabin for lunch. Lots of hiking trails on the way up as well as camp sites:) traffic wasn’t heavy and at times we were alone with the mountains:)

I can see the observatory at almost 10,000 feet of Mount Lemmon from my backyard! It is one of the reasons I have enjoyed living in Tucson for the past 34 years, as of 2015. No matter how torrid the summer heat, one can be at the top for a ski lift ride in an hour or less! Unlimited hiking and camping as well as skiing! Love it with me!

We took the back road up to Ski Valley on UTV's to go to Oktoberfest in early October. The back fire road is very bumpy in several places especially the last 6 miles. It is not a good road for regular vehicles. Cars and trucks should take the main road up there.

This was the second time we were up there for Oktoberfest. We had a great time up there in the cool weather. The brats and German beer were reasonable and delicious. The German band was also nice (even though they played mostly polkas) and added to the ambiance. The ski lift is usually open depending on weather if you want to take a ride.

We usually take a couple of trips up there during the year with our motorcycle club for lunch and to get out of the Tucson heat. The scenery and hiking is great.

First time I saw and touched snow was on this mountain. Very special. It was years ago, on a January 1st, we decided to go the ski resort and in was soo crowded, line was long and couldn't find a parking spot. So we decided to turn around and enjoyed the rest of our day in one of the picnic areas on the side of the mountain. It was spectacular.

Most people unfamiliar with Tucson don't realize they can go from the the Mohave desert to an alpine atmosphere in just an hour. And it's a great way to get away from the heat of the summer. There are numerous picnic and camping spots to chose from, surrounded by soaring Ponderosa pine. It's a beautiful place to camp or just go for the day and take a break from the city. We try to make it several times a year when we can.

Self-Touristed's Getaway! Mount Lemmon is one of the tallest peaks overlooking the city of Tuscon, Arizona. At over 9000 feet in summit elevation, this mountain provides breathtaking views and great temperatures as the desert below is sizzling hot! Located in the vast Coronado National Forrest, this mountain receives snow even amidst her arid and hot climate.

Living in Tucson, we see the mountain everyday. We decide to journey up her trails twice a year. This year we went on January 1, 2015. Our journey was met by snow and cold windy conditions.

Anytime of the year, there will always be traffic going up and down the mountain. Self-touristers helpful hint: please watch out for bicycles! Many bicyclers are on their way up and down as well so share the road and drive with care!

Directions: consult a mapping gps site for directions from your location to the destination. Usual roads are: Cataline Highway. General Hitchcock Highway/Mount Lemmon Highway. Ski Run road. Summerhaven.

On the way there are several viewing vistas to admire the city of Tucson which is sparkling below. At the mid section, the city is much smaller. At the top there is a ski lift, a ski school and a small restaurant. We ate the Sawmill In and another restaurant, which I will review in separate listing. These little attractions are nothing compared to the fresh air, sense of empowerment and enjoyment, sense of drive, and sense of calm that you will and can experience on the mountain top.

The small town of Summer Haven is also at the top. You may park along the main road which ends at a small parking lot where hikers and all visitors get out and start their foot adventure. You can go along the road and view the beautiful winter homes or go to one of the tow or three restaurants. There is a community center and a fire house as well. There are a couple of turnoffs so you don't have to encounter many tourists. I would say on the top there can be upwards of nearly 500 tourists at one time. Although this may seem like a lot, there is plenty of space and many people are just enjoying themselves as well. No problems seem to ever occur when I am up there.

I just feel people are there to enjoy the scenery, reconnect with themselves and nature, and get an overall sense of enjoyment and happiness from their environment and from the other happy visitors around them.

When we ere there in the winter, there were activities such as : snowboarding, hiking, ski surfing, ski lift open, skiing.

I wold suggest getting out, walking around, going down the other couple of roads to find the other restaurants near the ski lift (if you parked near the community center), and inviting yourself to take your own journey. I could write much, but I think each person's adventure and each family adventure is there for them to discover and write. The main thing is to get out and explore!

Any time of day you can find unique views. If you would like to ascend the mountain at night, pay extra attention to all road signs and other vehicles such as bicycles. If it is in our winter season, please be aware that you may want to check the mount Lemmon website to check for possible road constructions, restrictions and closures for the main road. During our ascent on January 1st, we were greeted by an Arizona state trooper who made sure all drivers felt comfortable to drive the slick road and their vehicles were able to make the trip. The road can be monitored at certain passes, and please be aware that tourists may have stopped for any reason at some of the view vista points, which are merely a car wide spot off the side of the one way road. People can be walking around their vehicles which are very close to the road, crossing the road at unseen spots and hidden corners to get better views from a different vantage point, and even rocks can be falling, so make sure you take care.

Though summer is beautiful, I found winter to be the best time to ascend the mountain. I think a nighttime ascent is good, but the city will be flickering lights. I am sure there may be a couple of places to bed down for the night, but your best bet is to bed down in Tucson and make you single or multiple journeys as you will. Staying in the city will be just as enjoyable as you can enjoy our natural scenery on the way to the mountain.

Check these sites for local weather in tucson and mount lemmon road closures:
http://emol.org/tucson/mtlemmon/
http://www.tucsonwebcam.com
http://weather.weatherbug.com/AZ/mount%20lemmon-weather/weather-cams/local-cams.html

All facilities, such as bathrooms, wheelchair access, etc are up at the top of the mountain. If you stop at a vista point, please take care and ensure you are staying out of the roads and oncoming traffic. If you are needing restrooms, there are two located on the drive, but be aware, they are maintained, but may not be fully maintained to your liking (my niece found the cleanliness of one of the bathrooms we went to good, but she found spiders inside, which deterred her from using the facilities, forcing us to find the other located near the entrance (about 2 miles into the drive on the right as you are coming back down, on the left as you coming up, I have forgotten the name but it is obvious it is a bathroom), and making her trip in our summertime trip somewhat marred. You can use the facilities that nature has provided but be aware where you stoop and please don't litter or leave your trash as a token for others to clean up.

There may be sights for hunting or shooting, but you should check with local authorities for permission to do so. Many people are on different parts of the mountain and is not safe to conduct hunting or shooting activities.

Please do not make fires. If you do please take great care to put them out and ensure they are out. The mountain suffered huge losses at a forrest fire in 2003, and many fires have ravaged the mountain, forcing the general highway, General Hitchcock highway to be closed and putting mountain residents and animals at great risk.
Most of all--enjoy!

Happy travels!

Leigh

There are wonderful views at every turn (with easy and convenient parking pull-offs) on the ascent to Summerhaven. This is also a great way to experience the four seasons within an hour of Tucson, AZ--and to escape the summer heat. Driving to Mount Lemmon is well suited for sight-seeing without leaving your car, as well as for beginners and more experienced hikers.

You wouldn't think, coming to the Sonoran desert (the *only* place in the world to see saguaro cacti) that in less than an hour you can feel you're in Canada. But it's true: From the bottom of the mountain (elevation about 2,000 feet) there's a splendid paved highway all the way to the top (elevation just over 9,000 feet). It takes you through all the ecosystems you'd encounter driving from Tucson to Banff. In the heat of the summer, when it's easily 105 on the desert floor, you end up in a beautiful pine forest (one of our "sky islands") where it's in the 80s. Catch magnificent views from pullouts all the way up. (Safe though it is, it's probably not a drive for the acrophobic!) Several nice eateries and shops in the village. In another 5 minutes you can be at the base of the ski slope (ski-able snow is, admittedly, a sometime thing), where the lift will take you another several hundred feet up; worth the ride even in summer. (We also like the Iron Door restaurant here.)

The cool destination for everyone looking to escape the AZ heart, find some relaxing hiking or just wanting to chill out for a bit. A brief 45 minute drive to the pines provides scenic stops and views, changing topography and climates, and the sense of being in another state, even during the heat of the summer months. Great place to visit in every season, oh so close to town, and ready with camping, rentals, or just a day visit.

Mt Lemmon offers so many things to all that it would take something to the tunes of "War and Peace" page wise to describe. We go there at all times of the year simply because we can and it's only 40 minutes to the top for us. It never disappoints. Once in the little village (Summerhaven) I always stop in for a quick bite as they always have great food, or, a picnic is also something super fun as there are so many varieties of places to do so. Being a photog, I love the variety of possibilities whether in winter, during the monsoons, or spring when everything is in bloom.. it is always a treat!

Well worth the trip up. Beautiful observational overlooks and nature walks but suggest that holiday weekends are avoided. The traffic is horrendous during peak times but make sure to stop along the way and explore. Windy point has restrooms. Bring plenty of water to drink, make sure you have a full tank of gas and good brakes. No retail opportunities til you reach the top and usually no cell service. Bring a sweater because it can get cool even in summer months.

We visitied Mount Lemmon during first days of August, had a great time with kids, before going up to the mountains We bought some snacks and subways to arrange a picnic once up. We spotted a nice picnic area with a little creek and surrounded by trees it was so beautiful and relaxing. Then We went all the way up to sky valley and finished having a nice cup of coffee at Summerheaven local shop. Mount lemmon is a great place to visit to spend your day and specially if you want to get away from Tucson´s high temps and specially in this time of the year after several rains there are creeks everywhere.

Still beautiful after the wildfire a few years ago. The drive from the valley in Tucson to the top is just gorgeous. There are many stops along the way, which reminds one of almost every place in the US, from the desert and wild flowers, to a canyon lake and fishing area, to the top where it's always cooler, there are many food venues available at the top, and a wonderful ski resort in the winter, and magical views in the summer. Bring a picnic if you don't want to eat in a restaurant, but enjoy the picnic areas as you take in the sights of this beautiful mountain. A must do and see place when living or visiting Tucson, AZ.

The drive up to Mount Lemmon has been greatly improved, and it is quite easy to make a day trip up the mountain. At the top are a few restaurants, and a gift shop. Ski lifts operate to see the magnificent views even when there is no snow.

We had a lovely lunch at Iron Door Ski Valley Restaurant. Summer Haven has a great Visitor Center with history that includes attractions and activities. Mt. Lemmon has camping, Rose Lake, hiking, great views, and many will ride their bike up/down the mountain. Great for all ages.

I love Arizona! The landscape can change so drastically in just a few miles of driving. I highly recommend a trip up Mount Lemmon for any visitor. You get to see the high desert change to mountain forest in an easy day trip.

What a view from 8,500 on the top of mount Lemmon awesome it was a awesome drive up to the top we also had lunch on mount Lemmon also nice

A wonderful place to take out of town guest. Mount Lemmon is like being in another state within just a few minutes. Be aware of the temperature changes as generally about 20 plus degrees from the valley floor. One can be in the city of Tucson and within one hours be in a different part of the world. Many fascinating stops along the way to appreciate looking down at the desert floor. A must place to visit.

If you have any interest in astronomy, I think you will enjoy this program. It was exhilarating to be up at the summit at night with clear views of the stars. I only have two criticisms. First, I think I was expecting it to be a bit more organized. We really only did 4 things: got oriented to the grounds, ate dinner, watched the sunset, and viewed objects in the telescope after dark. In between those activities, the instructor (Vannessa, who was an amazingly kind, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable host) mostly relied on Q&A sessions to fill time. I would've liked more of a lecture format to help me understand the concepts. Another example is that the choice of what objects to view was left up to the group, rather than there being a plan (I hought the facilitators would've planned more objects in advance since they are so experienced and actually know what objects exist and will be visible enough). My second criticism is that I think the program should probably start 30 minutes to an hour before sunset, instead of 2+ hours before. I think the program could very comfortably be done in 3-4 hours, rather than 5+.

Originally one of my favorite get away's, you need to check out where your cabin is in reference to where the fire several years ago scorched the landscape. The town has rebuilt, but it doesn't have the beauty it once had since all the tall pines are gone in the main part of town. There are still plenty of areas that weren't touched, so please take the time to check it out and enjoy many of the areas still green and lush including ski valley.

A great way to escape the heat AND catch a great view of the city. Have enjoyed the sunset and afterward the beautiful city lights, A must if you are visiting Tucson!

What a Trip!, Mt. Lemon offers an amazing trip from the desert floor to the Ponderosa Pines. On the 45 minute drive up the mountain you will pass through every geography in the continental US. Scenic overlooks provide great views and spectacular scenery. Don't miss it when you visit Tucson.

We had only lived in Tucson for a few months when visitors wanted to go up to Mt Lemmon, we had dinner right across from the ski lift. The drive up is stunning, incredible views, we hiked a few trails. Take the day and enjoy!

We visited Mount Lemmon on our road trip an found it awesome. The drive up takes about two hours and some care is needed as there are some switch-back turns on this road although it was reasonably quiet in October. There are many places to stop clear of the road and take photos or just absorb the views. We spent some time at the Iron Door restaurant and then started back down stopping halfway to observe the sunset. This was the highlight of the visit, an unbelievable panorama of all colours of the spectrum as the sun slowly set in front of us. It was hot at the base of the road but cool at the summit (about 8,000 feet) so take a coat.. The sunsets are the thing, try and time a visit to encompass one, you will not regret it.

Even thought the area around Summerhaven was burned badly, it has been many years ago lot of the burn impact has been rectified and it is quite nice now. There are so many trails, ones for all level of hiking. A nice restaurant has great food and the cookie place is still the best.

After visiting Sedona and the Grand Canyon, we thought our trip to Mt Lemmon would be a little disappointing. NO WAY. We were amazed by the views and the unique rock formations. We never expected to see so many "balancing rocks", or the dramatic views from the switchback roads. Absolutely loved the drive! I suggest that you visit Mt Lemmon mid week (the ski resort is closed ) when traffic is lighter. There is an active ski area at the top so weekends can be busy, and the last thing you want to be watching on that road is traffic. The Iron Door restaurant near the top on Ski Run Rd is casual but good, they serve a nice lunch and they have a great fireplace.

Always a beautiful drive up and down the mountain. Great escape from the summer heat with picnics, hiking and great views. Town of Summerhaven great place to eat and do some light shopping. Include on your trip to Tucson and you will find many locals there too!

Amazing view! Perfect place to escape from heat during the summer in Tucson. You can go coldest like 20 degrees.

Going to Mount Lemmon involves driving for 28 miles from the Sonoran Desert at the bottom to the pine forest at the top. Before we began going up the mountain we downloaded a free audio tour app produced by the University of Arizona College of Science. It lasted the entire time that it took us to get to the summit and was so informative. It made the drive even more interesting. Worth the drive.

Mount Lemmon is a wonderful place to get away from the heat of town for a few hours or a nice weekend camping! The drop in temperature is just wonderful :)

Cooler temps in the higher elevations. Nice for a day trip. There's a State Park with a lake where you can camp overnight with knowledgeable and helpful. Clean grounds and picnic areas. Eco friendly with more than adequate disposal containers strategically located to keep you safe from wandering animals. Clean restrooms. An overall nice get away.

Beautiful get away for hiking and relaxation. Loved it and we'll be back. We were lucky to be there for their first snow, and they take great care to clear the roads.

I am so glad i visited Mount Lemmon. I would recommend this place as a must visit attraction in Tucson. Advisable to arrive early to get the best view of before and after sunset.

It’s a short drive to this point, but the views are fantastic, and make sure you time it to see a sunset. It’s dog friendly too.

Maybe this isn't the most impressive natural feature on Earth, but it's probably the most impressive one in Tucson. This is a great place to get away from the heat, to get away from the town, to have a moment's peace if you're a Tucson resident.

Gorgeous views, cute town and shops and great weather! At least 10 degrees cooler than Tucson. Great escape for a day trip or weekend away.

Our whole family caravanned up to the top of Mt. Lemmon, stopping at each pullout, showing some out of state members some very beautiful views of Tucson. The weather was cool and refreshing, hard to believe, just about 20 miles away it was in the 100's.

Only ca. 45 minutes away from downtown, it takes you to alpine elevations, offering breathtaking views. The road takes you from the desert floor to pine forest on top. In winter a lot of ski opportunities, in summer a wonderful refreshing opportunity.

Very great drive. The vegetation changes from sonoran desert, to semi-desert grass land, to oak woodland, to ponderosa rine forest, then to mixed conifer forest. Very beautiful view of Tucson city.

The drive up to Mt. Lemmon is so very interesting. Great views. Great stopping places. You go from desert floor to pine forests. Be sure to go!!!!

It's always nice to take a leisurely drive to the top, pausing along the way to look at the views and see the different ecosystems as you climb in elevation. Stop at the top for bite to eat at the Sawmill and enjoy the sounds of the breezes blowing through the pines. Relaxation at its best!

We stopped at several of the vistas along the road to the summit where you get great views of the mountains, valleys, and Tucson. Many of the vistas have information about vegetation, animals, and minerals that can be found on or in the mountains.We went up to Summerhaven where a few shops and restaurants are located. There is definitely a 30 degree difference in temperature between Tucson and the mountain top.

Mount Lemmon is a wilderness retreat in the Santa Catalina Mountains in the Coronado National Park, 27 miles north of Tucson. The drive alone is worth taking for the interesting vistas and rock formations. We hiked the Marshall Gulch Trail #3 and the Aspen Trail #93 loop which is considered a moderate hike. Both trails are in good condition and easy to follow. The temperature was a pleasant reprieve from the heat in Tucson but we didn’t expect the downpour we experienced that lasted about an hour on the descent. The trails fill up with water quite rapidly to the point of having no bare path. The upside was that the rain brought out the beautiful burnt reds, oranges and yellows of the stone as well as the vibrant green of the vegetation.

A winding mountain road brings you up to a little town in the Santa Catalinas along the northern edge of Tucson. It is a very scenic drive with many pullouts along the way. While traveling the Catalina Highway be sure to stop at the visitor center on the way up for more information and restrooms. There is usually a "ranger" on duty to answer any questions. Do not skip the major turnouts as you might catch rock climbers at play along with clear views of Tucson and surrounds, and/or New Mexico. There are several drive-up campgrounds, and a fishing lake for the kids. But keep in mind, if considering camping, the campgrounds fill up fast on summer weekends.

It's hard to believe you can wear a jacket and build a campfire in AUGUST in ARIZONA!! Normally, we are sweating to death up in Phoenix in 112 degree heat but this time we went camping on Mount Lemmon and we will never hang out in Phoenix in August again!

We stayed in the Rose Campground which had towering pines - awesome for hanging hammocks. The campsites were spacious with a fire pit and grill and a cement picnic table near a bear box. This was perfect for the 7 of us who camped two nights.

The campground hosts were gracious and helpful! They kept the bathroom near us clean and smelling nice!

We took hikes, relaxed in hammocks, visited the lake and the Cookie Cabin for a head-sized cookie with 6 scoops of ice cream! We also drove to the ski resort - there's lots to explore and we will be back to do more exploring!

Beautiful site, greenery mountains, wonderful smell of freshness. cool and relaxing. The beautiful view of Az. city limits.

There are lots of desiganated pullouts to stop and take pictures. The tree leaves really never change color in Tucson, so we drive up here to see this beautiful event every year. There is a nice general store with delicious treats and a gift shop.

At an elevation of over 9000 feet, Mount Lemmon is likely best known as a refuge from Tucson's blistering summer heat. However, Octoberfest is not to be missed. Crisp fresh air, polka music, beer, brats, and German potato salad create an Alpine-like ambiance. For those seeking more adventure, the ski lift operates year-round. The Sawmill restaurant in Summerhaven and the Iron Door at Ski Valley offer other dining options. Unfortunately, since the 2003 Aspen fire destroyed the hotel, only privately-owned cabins are available for lodging. The hour-long drive from Tucson is worth the effort at any time of year.

I love Mt Lemmon as the highway has lots of pull offs for taking in the view. There are great places to eat, relax, bird watch at Summerhaven. Some good picnic areas and hikes to take at many points en route to the top.

Escaping the Phoenix heat for a day, we headed to Tucson to Mount Lemmon. The drive is beautiful, The mountain Rock formations are breathtaking. We drove to the Ski Valley Lodge and took the sky ride up to the top and walked a bit and took the ride back down. There are a lot of Trails and car lookouts to stop at.

I need to look for some of the trail maps in the area. Looking forward to hiking next time.

Great views and a fantastic ride up to Ski Valley, pull over at some of the stops and take it all in. It was 116 in town and by the time we got to the top the temp was 82 and beautiful.

When visiting Tucson don't miss this outstanding drive as you travel upwards throug various climatic zones. Wildlife , views and great hikes await you. Complete with a gondola ride at the ski lift and an excellent lunch and a glass of wine

We drove tot he top of Mount Lemmon while we were in Tucson and it was beautiful. Besides being free it was a nice change from the desert to almost 10,000 feet and cool temperatures. We worth the drive if you have an extra hour to spare.

Driving up to Mount Lemmon is an occasion for all; people take their kids up there to play in the snow; it's a long and windy road; very scenic; very historic; there's skiing when there's snow; great views of Tucson and surrounding mountain ranges. Good pie and eats at the top; gift shops.

Stop halfway up at the main lookout point and walk out among the rocks for a breath taking view. Great for the dogs as well. Plenty of awesome photo opportunity. Heading up to the Ski Valley resort you can take the ski lift up for a great view and a walk along the trail at the top. Stop at the Iron Gate Restaurant across from the Ski Resort for german food which is very reasonably priced and good.

It is a beautiful winding drive from the bottom of the foothills to the top. Once at the top you can ride the ski lift, whether snowing or not. Have lunch in town or at the ski lift area. It is all good.

It is only 25 miles from our house in Tucson to the top of Mt. Lemmon (about 9,000 ft elevation) where one can cool off on a hot day. The change of landscape from the desert floor to the top is so amazing, as is the geology. We are from Colorado and can feel like we're in Colorado by driving up the Catalina Highway. Some winters there is enough snow to allow skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowball throwing - a real treat for Tucsonans - but it doesn't always last long, so one needs to be ready to go! Tucson is surrounded by 5 mountain ranges and Mt. Lemmon is part of the Catalina range in the Coronado Forest.

Spectacular views. Excellent road to the top, at least when without snow. Parking near vista points may be crowded when there are lots of visitors. Campgrounds available. Restroom facilities limited. Experienced a 30 F change between temperature at the base and the temperature at the summit. Great for getting away from the heat for the day in summer.

Mt. Lemmon is located in the Santa Catalina Mountain range. I live at the base of the range and travel there frequently The Sonoran Desert museum likens the the drive up the mountain as equivalent to driving from Mexico to Canada, in terms of biodiversity. Tucsonans flock to Mt Lemmon in the summer months for the cooler weather (usually 25-30*f cooler) and to enjoy the spectacular views. Mt Lemmon has a small village called Summerhaven, mostly made up of second homes, but there are still some full-time residents and a handful of businesses. The village and the terrain were dramatically altered by the Aspen wildfire in 2003. There are many hiking trails on the mountain. There's also a small ski resort with a ski lift that operates year round. I recommend stopping frequently along the way to check out the different views. If camping is your thing, there are several campgrounds and even a small lake stocked with trout. Campgrounds fill up quickly. If you go to Mt. Lemmon, go early in the day. It gets crowded up there, especially on weekends and holidays. I've seen it where the mountain is closed at the base due to capacity. The Sheriff's Office won't allow anyone up until someone comes down. That can be a very long wait, so skip the hassle and go up early in the day. Better yet, go up on a weekday and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Nice scenic drive, and so much to see on the way up to Summer Haven. If you stop at every pull overs, it can be an all day trip. The restaurant and the gift-shop in Summer haven is a great place to take a break before start driving back.

We hiked for several hours and really enjoyed ourselves. The trails aren't really difficult and the views are amazing.

Great way to get away from the summer heat. You can be refreshed by the green, cooler temperatures, instead of the browns and pale desert colors and baking heat of the desert floor. The ride up is windy and if you get dizzy or car sick you might want to reconsider the drive.

Great ride up the mountain. If you are a cyclist, ride your bike to the top. . Wonderful food at the iron door restaurant at the top. Ride the sky lift and do some hiking at the top.

We hiked near the top of this beautiful, very tall mountain. Quite a ride up to the Marshall Gulch Trailhead and then we saw even more spectacular views. Weather was pleasantly cooler than in the valley and the vegetation was much more lush. Treated ourselves to ice cream in Summer Haven afterwards.

Picnic areas up in the area. Good restaurant in the town of Summer haven with pizza and general store.

Tucson has Mount Lemmon, and the Summerhaven village at the top of it. Tucson also has Winterhaven, which is a delightful community in the desert. Summerhaven is a respite from the unrelenting heat of summer in the desert. Most of the houses up there are privately owned, but there are a few rentals. The village is very cute, and you can take the ski lift to the top and freeze your toes in July. Quaint.

A must to do in Tucson! Half the fun was taking in the breathtaking scenery . Once your up to the top there are wonderful restaurants that you have to try! Don't forget to take the ski lift up if your not afraid of height like I was! However I drove the way up and I rode the ski lift anyway! Well worth it!
Live in the moment!

Great views, cooler temps, nice little shops at the top. It is nice to getaway from the "mainland" and just exist in nature for a few.

Lots of good eateries, and shops. not to mention many hiking paths! our favorite place is the bakery1

If you are visiting Tucson during warm months, this is a wonderful place to stay cool. The highway drive is beautiful, with several stops along the way to admire the scenery. You can get some eats at Summerhaven near the top or drive a bit further to the ski area and ride the chair lift for even better views. Of course, in the winter, you might be able to ski.

Wonderful Views. Great overlook of Tucson. Good camping and hiking areas. Some fun mountain top concerts to attend. You can ride the ski lift in the summer or winter. Ski area in Tucson.

Summer or winter Mt Lemmon has some fantastic views. A "must see" while in Tucson. They have a ski lift that goes to the top. To really "feel" the surrounding beauty of the views you must ride to the top. Traveling to the top of Mt Lemmon is a black top road. You will many opportunities to pull off the road to take in the beauty of the countryside. I recommend that the driver should not be watching the views too much while driving (hard not to) as it is a long way to the bottom. In 2003 they had a pretty big fire and you can still see the remnants but the mountain is coming back fast. A must take trip for you and if you have guests visiting. Oh yes, take a lun
ch!

We loved this drive through the windy roads going up to the top of Mount Lemmon! It is great that there are numerous pull-outs along the way to stop and take pictures. The rock formations looks like people, things, animals, etc. The views into Tucson and beyond are outstanding! Be cautious of cyclists there are a lot of them!

My husband and I have lived in Tucson for 26 years. Recently we took a drive up Mt Lemmon for the first time in about 15 years! It is such a beautiful drive and a nice escape from the Tucson heat and dryness. I have no idea why we waited so long to drive up there! We are going to make it a regular outing from now on!

Not much to do in the summer but enjoy the coolness of the mountain. October fest is fun and the Sunday music is enjoyable. Again, not much to do, so just relax, take the ski lift if it is working and take a picnic linch

This poor mountain is the only nearby respite that you can go to, to cool off. BUT, everyone goes there. The cabins that burned in the big fire and weren't all that visible, Now insurance money rebuilt cabins big and fancy. All mismatched and not very attractive. It's crowded, its flattened down, its trashed, you can't stop and use the portapotty unless you pay the fee. It's just boring and crowded. There are other hidden gems for respite that are so much nicer.

Beautiful drive through rock covered passes, lots of places to pull in and admire the view. Places along the way to get out and walk on the rocks, great photo opportunitys everywhere. Further up the road, shops and restaurants well worth a visit

Seriously! I didn't believe that a 45 minute drive from Tucson would lead us to cool mountain breezes. A must if you are in Arizona, you literally go from desert to mountainous sites. The scenic drive is so inviting. The Living Rainbow honestly was the only retail shop that had flavor in my eyes. Go inside so much to find!

This 25 mile drive up the mountain is beautiful with jaw-dropping vistas and many safe places to pull off and enjoy. It's about 75 minutes to the top. Build in and extra hour to get out and absorb this extraordinary landscape. There are many hiking trails and facilities all along the drive. A real change of pace from the desert floor.

Only about an hour drive to the top, this is well worth the drive. There are a lot of pull outs with beautiful views of the surrounding area. You pass through forests of saguaros and than pass up into the fir trees and finally end up in the snow. There are places for picnics, hiking and camping. there are restaurants in Summerhaven for a rest and something to eat. This would be a fun way to introduce your children to the snow. A special way to spend an afternoon in Tucson.

You can never complain regarding trip to Mt Lemmon it has beautiful views from vehicle any time of year or go hiking and enjoy more!

The breath taking scenery is well worth the trip. It's not far from Tucson, but it's a whole different world. You'll see rock formations that only an imagination could dream up. Excellent trip and whether you're going up to ski or just have a good cup of soup, this trip a must to do when in the Tucson area.

I visit often. Must do Marshal Gulch Trail. At the end, of the US forrest service road, trail head. Hard to believe your in the desert. Its like time travel.

I posted a review on the mount Lemmon scenic byway and I can't say enough about the beauty of taking the time to drive up to the top. It's a breathtaking drive the entire way with countless opportunities for award winning photos. If there's snow on top Rush up to enjoy the beauty!

My husband & myself took a drive to the top just to see the different views & what was available for newcomers, which we were. We had just started our winter getaway from IL. We went up there around March, so it was a little cool, & still had a little snow in & around the ski lifts. Only 1 restaurant was open at the time, so we had a very nice lunch, reasonably priced for the ambiance, cozy with a fireplace, excellent service.. On our drive back down, we noticed a lot of cabins & houses in the trees & secluded areas along the mountain range. Picnic areas with tables, a general store & gift shop which were not open at the time, & also another larger restaurant which was being remodeled to reopen in the summer months. Two years later, we went back with relatives, in July, in the 90's in the valley, but upper 60's, 70's at the top, beautiful weather, The larger restaurant (Summerhaven) was now open for lunch, you could eat in or outside on the deck, comfortable atmosphere, service very good, reasonable prices for sandwiches, soup, burgers, fruit plate, etc., We did inquire about the house & cabin rentals, but no one was available to show us , It was still an enjoyable day trip, beautiful scenery.

Always a nice get away from the heat. A few good places to eat at Summerhaven but go for the hiking.

We have driven in many beautiful mountain areas both in North America and Europe. The drive up the Catalina highway compares with the best of those drives. The desert and mountain views are spectacular. Many picnic sites and viewpoints to stop at. We had a wonderful picnic surrounded by some beautiful birds including a woodpecker.

The drive may seem long but once your are up there you see wonderful view of the city. If you need a place to camp, there are plenty of places here.

We had the most enjoyable afternoon and evening. Had cookie and ice cream at the Cookie Cabin and visited family at their campsite.

Wonderful vistas along the road up the mountain. Great hikes and picnic areas. On the infrastructure, we got lucked out. The Restaurant at Ski Valley had had a fire and was closed. The pizza joint in the village had an issue with the pizza oven and the main restaurant in the center had a one hour wait for tables. We opted for a take away pie. Nothing to write home about unless you like an overdose of sugar. Nevertheless had a great time enjoying nature. A word to the wise, bring your own picnic.

Was fantastic..views were outstanding. We played on the rocks and sky area got might cold. Hiking was great

A perfect way to connect with nature for the entire family. If you do not wish to hike transport to the top is available.
It's easy walking down and making stops for scenic areas or the transport is available for that as well.
Informative gift shop/museum.

Mt. Lemmon is an alpine get-a-way 45 minutes from Tucson, AZ located in the Coronado National Forest. Hikers, campers and Sunday joy-riders are all drawn to the mountain for the stunning scenery and a "cool off" from the desert heat. Bicyclists from across the US come to train on the Catalina Highway-the only paved access-which passes through the Sonoran desert, grasslands, oak and juniper forest before reaching the top. At 8000', Summerhaven is a small community which sits atop the mountain offering cabin rentals, a few restaurants and limited parking. My family has been going there for 20 years to enjoy all of the above. Gas up in Tucson, as there are no gas stations available on the mountain. Mt. Lemmon, AZ is a gem!

Fun drive on excellent roads, beautiful views of Tucson and plains areas. Lots of pullouts to enjoy great views, a picnic, or get out of the way for people in a hurry. Good way to get out of the desert heat; bring a light jacket as it's chilly at 8,000'! NOTE: All of the picnic table pullouts are controlled by the US Nat'l Forest System and require a day-use permit (unless you already have an annual or permanent pass...). There are some picturesque spots to park and picnic tho, if you don't need a table...

What better place for a Sunday picnic or weekend visit than Mount Lemmon, especially if you live in Tucson. Great place to chill, hike, bike or lollygag.

I totally enjoyed this scenic Mountain Drive! It is very impressive to see the giant cactus along the road then they suddenly disappear and your in the mist of the pine trees! The road is very well maintained however many of the trails are not very well maintained. The turnoffs are well marked but the trails are not and they almost disappear in spots along the way which can be tricky when trying to safely hike!

A great summer drive close to Tucson. The road are curvy but in very good condition. We like the ski lift area with its shops, restaurants and scenery. We also eat in town where there are gift shops and restaurants. Take your time a relearn how to relax.

70 degrees in July. 30 miles up the mountain. The road on the Tucson side was built by Japanese POWs and conscientious objectors (JWs). The old way is still viable but 4 wheel drive is needed for the last 10%.
Marshall Gulch is my favorite spot .

This is a nice way to get out of the summer heat and let the kids prune and turn blue in the lake. If you like to hike, this will make you reasonably happy. Pretty views of the valley on the way up the mountain. Winter has actual snow, usually. Summer has actual forest fires, usually. It depends on where you're coming from - the Alps or Kansas, but either way it would be hard to have a bad day here. Except for the fires...

I didn't like the idea of having to pay a fee to go up the mountain for a drive and lunch. I understand the area is a little over 30 miles up from Tucson, however, I felt the food prices in the main restaurant(s) was too high. Will go with picnic lunch in the future.

Not a bad drive and some beautiful views. The drive past Windy Point was just okay and the peak didn't offer any views, at least not easly accessible ones. It was homes and businesses and less of a sightseeing stop.

You need to time your visit for when the bicycle riders are least likely to be on the highway to Mt. Lemmon. They defy your right to share THEIR road.
The coldest part of the winter is the best time to visit the mountain if you don't want to be confronted by militant bicycle riders going to and from the mountain. They're viciously defiant against motor vehicle drivers because THEY FEEL THEY OWN THE ROAD up and down the mountain. You'll never know when you go around a switchback curve and there'll be an oncoming bicycle rider demanding YOUR driving lane.
Other than that...if you can negotiate the bicycle gauntlet up/down the mountain, you'll find the village of Summerhaven rather inviting. Of the two restaurants, you'll find The Iron Door (across the highway from Ski Valley) the better of the two.
There are two places on the mountain to get the best fudge......the General Store in the village and the little-tiny-hardly-can-get-inside-the-door candy place just outside the Ski Shop at the ski area. BOTH ARE YUMMY (according to my friends and family because my cardiologist forbids by participation in that analysis) and neither place is related to the other for fudge.....
The Cookie Cabin has chocolate chip cookies the size of a dinner plate. YOU decide if you like it, love it, can't live without it....or .........whatever. My opinion? My cardiologist forbids by participation in that analysis.
The hiking trails are wonderfully visual and most camera friendly. In the summer be sure to carry more water than you think you can drink in two days. Despite the cool elevation it's VERY dry and you can easily become dehydrated quickly. Hiking in the summer is only for the most experienced of outdoorsmen. YOU MUST CARRY ONE LITRE OF WATER PER HOUR WHEN YOU ARE HIKING IN THE DESERT!!!!
Yes, Mt. Lemmon is still in the desert at 8,000 ft.

Put off trekking up Mt. Lemmon because we knew it would be at least. 6-hour venture. Wow! Kicking ourselves for waiting! What a spectacular drive and amazing vistas! And the detour to Rose Canyon Lake on the way was wonderfully serene. Enjoyed a picnic lunch there and had the picnic area to ourselves on a Wednesday.
Terrific day trip!

Good for rock climbing if you like to climb rock. Drive along the hill, scenery is beautiful. Road maintenance condition is very good.

The whole drive up was beautiful so many places to pool out and take photos .make sure you drive to the top and not half way the scenery on a clear day is amazing1 There are tons of trails to do need more then one day to hike .I was their in July and the weather was perfect .I would recommend carrying a rain coat because it does rain up there and make sure you have very sturdy shoes some trails are very steep and watch our for mountain lions they are all around .Make sure you stop at the famous cookie cabin half way up .

We drove up the road just to visit and enjoy the cool weather. It's a lovely, easy drive. Highly recommended.

Mt Lemmon is a true jewel in the Tucson summer heat. When it's 100 + in town Mt Lemmon draws you like a magnet. A casual walk around the town and a stop at a local eatery is a real treat. Then in the winter time you can go and walk around town in the snow and even take the ski lift to the top even if you aren't ready to tackle the slopes. Refreshing break any time of the year. If you are lucky enough to live in Tucson (or visiting) you can play in the snow, then come down to town and swim in your pool.

The family drove up to Mt. Lemon to see how much snow we had gotten this year so far. The road is really nice since it has been re-built after the fire. The store is open and the ski lodge is closed (not enough snow) but the bar in the lodge is nice and warm. Good for some hot chocolate and time to hit the road back to town.

Tucson is in a valley, surrounded by mountains. In the heat of summer it's such a pleasure to take a ride up to Mt. Lemmon and enjoy the fresh, cool air, and the lovely views. Since this mountain reaches 11,000,' in the winter there can be snow, and people enjoy skiing as well as enjoying a nice lunch at one of the few restaurants in the area. Sadly, this past summer, there have been bad fires as has happened in the past, so people that live there do have to contend with this danger. But this does not deter people from living there.

People who aren't Tucsonans will find it hard to believe, but when it is 100 degrees in Tucson, we have a mountain getaway within easy driving distance, where temperatures are in the 70's! A scenic drive up the mountain, 40 - 45 minutes long, takes you to Summerhaven, where village amenities are several casual restaurants, a visitors' center, and a General Store with a dozen kinds of homemade fudge. Drive a couple of miles further, to eat bratwurst, cornbread and strudel at the Iron Door restaurant at the mountain's summit. After eating an shopping, explore Marshall's Gulch, ride the ski lift, or hike along trails with summer wildflowers. Three or four hours away from the city heat will refresh you.

although im a native to Arizona and have driven to MT lemon many times over the years. this was our first stay in the camp grounds. arriving at night is a bit challenging. although the city lights were worth seeing. pitching a tent is easier in day light. my sister drove their suv and stayed in one of larger camp sites they have a 27 ft suv and pre checked out what sites were larger. the sites were clean and well maintained, with fire pit and bbq grill. bring wood or buy at host set up. we went to the lake after breakfast , the lake was kid friendly and had some walk ways on one side, small but nice. although i did not fish long, many of the stringers had fish. stocked well. the lake had a store yet was closed at the time we came. the drive home was very nice, since we arrived late , we were able to catch the beautiful scenery on the way back. MT Lemmon would be a great day trip as well. roads are paved and we saw many bikers. there is a fee to camp be sure to book on line asap they fill up fast.

Fascinating progression from desert to grassland to forest, with great views all along the drive up from Tucson. Hiking trails along the way and at the top range from short and easy to long and difficult. (Be aware there are bears, mountain lions, snakes and other potentially dangerous wild animals, and take proper precautions.) Many charming local stores with unusual items and delicious homemade foods, desserts and snacks that make great gifts. The Ski Valley restaurant offers an outdoor patio, great breakfasts and lunches at reasonable prices, and a lovely view. Check out the Mt. Lemmon Observatory before you go for any programs during your visit. (Yes, they have a gift shop!) Consider having at least two drivers to split the chore of navigating the many switchbacks up and especially down the mountain.

I have been up to Mt. Lemmon so many times the trip up just flys, and I am one of few who actually drive the speed limit! As a warning, they have police out looking for speeders!
Scenery from the base to the top is so wonderful. I want to stop and take more pictures!
You travel up through so many life zones. Cactus at the base Tall pine, fir, and more at the top. I once took my Dad up there just to see what a forest is actually up there here in the desert!!. He was so surprised!
We do get snow, and I have actually hiked all the way to Marshal Gulch in a foot and half of snow. There is a Ski lift at the top that runs most of the year and is a great ride with tons of wild flowers beneath!

My husband got a new 4X4 truck so he wanted to try it out. We took the back roads up the mountain and some were pretty rough. He was having a great time. The area is beautiful. We saw many deer, birds, rabbits and some farm cows. At the top you can see for miles. The locals like to go up here in the summer to get away from the heat. A lot of times they will do some hiking and have a picnic. There is a ski chair lift that is available to take you over the ski area during the summer. And if you need to see snow there is usually a little up there in Jan. and Feb.

I've been to Mount Lemmon a few times over the past fifteen years. I was entertained the first time or two, but since then I've realized that it's a long drive up a winding mountain road to a lovely little town, but with little to offer unless you are a skier. My husband loves Mt Lemmon, but I can do without it since I don't ski and I'm not that fond of long drives.

When the summer temps climb we head up to Mt. Lemmon for cooler temps, hiking, lunch and the beautiful vistas. Friendly people and such a great drive.

We took family that had never seen the Highway before up for the first time. We added the great audio app from the U of A this time. It was as always a wonderful trip up, but truly enhanced by the app. The change in scenery; the breathtaking views....everyone who visits Tucson should be sure to include the drive in their itinerary.

There was record heat in Tucson so we decided to head for the hills where it's cooler. This is a wonderful scenic drive, with dramatic views from every turn (if you don't like heights, it might not be for you). Check the brakes on your car before your go - you'll need them on the way down. We were disappointed to find not much at the top in the little town of Summerhaven (sneeze and you'll miss it - there is a bakery, a gift shop, and a general store). So it's not about the destination so much as the getting there. The view on the way down is better than on the way up (on the way up, due to the angle of the road, a lot of the view is of the sky... it's a very steep drive up to 9,000 feet).

I happen to live at Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway which is the turn to go up to Mt. Lemon. It is about a 40 minute ride from that point and is well worth the trip. During the summer months when the thermometer, in Tucson, reaches 100+ degrees, it is great to head up and get into much cooler temperatures. During the winter months, a great place to put on your skis and slush down the slopes. There is a quaint restaurant up there also.
Try the burgers! A must if you come to Tucson.

Only thirty to forty minutes up a scenic highway from Tucson Mt Lemmon offers respite from the heat in the summer and skiing in the winter. Private cabins are available for rent but no hotels. There are public picnic tables and restrooms, numerous hiking trails and restaurants.

We truly enjoyed listening to the excellent Mount Lemmon audio app as we went up Mt. Lemmon. As we drove up the mountain, we learned of its topography, geology, and wild life plus the history of the area. It was fascinating to drive from cactus at the bottom up to a pine forest and ski area at the top. (9,167 foot elevation!) Each elevation section had it's own beauty.The road was excellent and well maintained. The cactus were blooming as were other native plants; so colorful. The trip took most of the day as we got out to walk around and photograph plants, but well worth the time.

Driving up this beautiful mountain you can't help but notice how the Cacti is everywhere all the way from the the base to the top some the height of a house. Then you turn the corner and it abruptly is gone l am told this where the cold weather sets in. Continuing the climb there are huge rocks that hug the road until you reach the top and come to a small village surrounded by Pine trees there is about 400 living here, in unique little wood houses on stilts.
In winter this is a Ski resort. Well worth the trip up any time of the year.

Mt. Lemmon offers a nice respite from the desert heat or grab a quick lunch or hot drink during the winter. It's a great place to hike or just stroll through the town of Summerhaven.

A drive up Mount Lemmon is should be one of the highlights of y our visit to Tucson. Be sure to stop en route to take some photos with the beautiful scenic backgrounds. One there, stop for a bite to eat at the eatery and perhaps take the lift to the top of the ski slope.

I love coming here when Tucson is just to hot mt lemmons weather is so awesome so peaceful so clean it's a nice place to get away.

The 'sky island' of southern AZ. A beautiful drive to a beautiful place. Any visitor to southern AZ must do the Mt. Lemmon drive. Years ago this was an old fashioned mountain road with difficult narrow curves, turns, switchbacks, etc. Now it is a safe, pleasant, turn out filled beautiful mountain drive to the cool heights of some 9000 plus elevation. When it is 100 plus in Tucson...it is 70's on "the Lemmon" do you like to snow ski? Winter weather permitting, this mountain is reputed to be the southernmost ski slope in the U.S. Want to hike? There are numerous trails on the mountain. Camping? Many sites available. Fishing? There is a nice little 'lake' (Rose Canyon) stocked with pan fish. Picnic? Abundant cool sites all the way to the summit. There is a nice little village at the top (Summerhaven) with all the touristy shops and mom and pop establishments you want. Need I say more? "The Lemmon" is a wonderful place. No one will be disappointed by making this drive.

Mt. Lemmon is just a drive away from Tucson (we live close to the beginning of Mt. Lemmon Highway), The views, the temperature relief, the greenery and the ambience of a small town getaway in Summerhaven are all pluses. The Iron Door Restaurant located at the ski slopes offers excellent atmosphere and food - drive up for lunch and enjoy all of the beautiful stops and hiking trails!

I am a Colorado native and was unimpressed. That said it is a cute place. The trees are tall and there are great hiking trails and picnic spots. There are a few small shops and a place whee you can get a huge baked cookie with ice cream!

Drive up to Summerhaven, then take the chairlift ride and you can see what is on both sides of the mountain!! Nice view. The cost was $8.00 at the time I did this. I don't think lodging is available on the mountain, although many people have their own cabins on the mountain.

It took about a hour to get to the top. I stopped at every pull away parking to take picturea. It was beautiful. There are restaurants on top. It was about 70° up top. Nice, cool and windy.

The Catalina's and other surrounding mountain ranges are what really make Tucson such a unique location. Where else can you go from lush desert, highland desert, temperate forests, pine forests all in one hour of driving?

Here's my tips for an awesome day trip:
Wearing your hiking shoes. Gas up the car before getting onto Catalina Highway. Bring a picnic basket of goodies and plenty of bottled water. Head up the highway. After just a few short miles you'll hit the Baba Do'ag Lookout. DO IT! You'll be floored by how high you've already traveled in such a short time. Now keep going! All the way up to Windy Point which is around halfway up. Park and spend some time exploring the rocky cliffs and incredible views of all of Tucson. This will be a visual highlight of your drive, so take your time here. Then hop back in the car and head higher up the mountain. The views along the drive are incredible, especially of the really awesome rock formations, but they start to give way to pine trees. Once you get to the top head towards and through the town of Summerhaven, to the end of the road at Marshall Gulch. Have your picnic lunch in the shaded woods along the creek. Then take an easy-moderate hike on the Aspen/Marshall Gulch Loop. The trail starts behind the restrooms at the parking lot and goes up the mountainside a bit, where it connects with the Marshall Gulch trail to bring you back to the parking lot (counter clockwise loop). You'll go through temperate forests, pine forests, burnt down forests, overlook Wilderness of Rocks, overlook the city, and then end it going through an awesome Aspen grove. This is one of the most rewarding "easy" hikes on Mountain Lemmon. Bring plenty of water and a couple snacks! After that head back to Summerhaven and stop for a beer at Sawmill Run before heading back down. Since this hike is near the top of the mountain its a great trip during the warmer months of the shoulder season. It's doable in peak summer, but the hike will get hot in the afternoon. In winter it can be done if there's *no* snow, but be sure to bundle up for winter weather!

it's like going north to colorado in 30 minutes, 9000 ft with pine and fir trees, the first time I went up there I had that rocky mountain high

I moved to Tucson from Salt Lake City so Mt. Lemon is not the "Rocky Mountains", but for a ski resort in Southern Arizona is it fun to go see. If you are from a place where there is no snow, by all means take a drive up the canyon to the top. I am not a skier, so have not skied there, but it might be pretty good?

The day I went it was 104° on the desert floor and 68° on the top of Mt Lemon. People with respiratory problems should bring oxygen.

It is amazing that the drive starts in the desert and ends in the Mountain with pine trees and snow. Just beautiful. Loved it, sadly picked a day with the ski resort being closed and no freshly fallen snow, but a great drive nonetheless

Love the trees and coolness. Makes me feel like i am back east. Shopping, restaurants, ski lifts, barbeques and spening the night all up there. Loved it.

Wander through all the seasons as you drive and hike through Mt. Lemmon. The air is so fresh and crisp.
Join in Octoberfest or other activities throughout the year. Be sure to stop at the restaurant for homemade pie.

Drove up to the top of Mt. Lemmon on 3-16-2022 and had lovely views. We encountered no ice but saw snow along the sides at the top. Been here before but forgot how windy it could be at Windy Vista Point - bring a windbreaker!
Near the General Store they were building several little cabins that looked interesting for summer weekend getaways up on the mountain. The parking at the General Store was not plentiful and highly sought after.

To take a ride up to lovely and cool Mt Lemmon is to travel through at least 5 biological zones, ending up in the equivalent of Montana pine/ponderosa forest where the temperature is about 20 degrees less than the city below. The ride up is winding, but on a very good well paved road with multiple pull outs; it does require close attention. A daytime trip is surely preferred and the rewards are many. Great hikes, views and several restaurants at the top in Summerhaven await. If possible, go up with someone familiar with the area and mountain to show you around, as I did for friends who recently moved from NY. I drove and they looked—- a fine day trip and the only way to appreciate some of the great geologic and botanical diversity of the southern Arizona region.

Always a pleasure to take the General Hitchcock Highway up and over the Tucson Valley for a day trip up mt. Lemmon. we often rent a cabin in the fall for a chilly weekend of food, hiking and fireside fun

Great getaway from the summer heat of Tucson. You can just take a drive, picnic or hike. You leave the desert and drive into a pine forest. There are still some areas burned down from a fire several years ago but it is worth the drive and still beautiful.

Driving up Mt. Lemmon is required if you visit Tucson. Any time of the year the 27 mile drive is a fascinating trip through a number of life zones through extraordinary geology. There are lots of places to pull out and take pictures but three of the best are Windy Point, Seven Cataracts and Geology Vista. Do not be like the Griswolds. Pull over, spend some time and take the photos. After Seven Cataracts the vegetation changes to pine forest. About two miles from the top the road forks left for Summerhaven and right for Ski Valley. The former is a very small village with an excellent restaurant called The Sawmill and a general store that generally does not sell much. Ski Valley has a restaurant called the Iron Door. The view off the back of the mountain is stunning. There is a ski lift that will ferry you to the top and it is a great walk back down on the snowcat trail. There are about a million hiking trails that cover the entire mountain but that is a different review. I would recommend a side trip to Rose Canyon Lake. It is about a two mile walk downhill (and, remember, uphill going back) from a parking area to the small mountain lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout during the summer and is a wonderful place to take a kid fishing. The lake is wheelchair accessible, also.

Wonderful views, cooler temperatures on Tucson's hottest days. Great place to visit and so close to the city. Don't miss it!

My wife and I traveled to visit our friends in Tuscon and they mentioned Mount Lemmon to us. This was an incredible drive. It is much cooler as you transverse to the 8000 foot level. On the way back down we stopped at this turnout with Rocks. Now this is definitely a KODAK moment. Without a doubt one of my favorite things while we were there1

We left the 90'F on Tucson for a short trip (approximately 25-mile, one way) to Mount Lemon, house of a sky station in the winter and a cool retreat for Arizonans in the summer.
On our way up to the more than 9,000 foot-high peak we saw many bicyclists on the narrow road. Pay attention to them ! Must be a extenuous exercise going up and a trill excitement flying down the road on the way back with so many steep corners. Please, be courteous and give them the right of way, they will pass you very fast anyway.
The mountain is very interesting, the landscape change as you drive up. The top of the pine trees starting to change colors welcoming the Fall season, offering pretty views.
At around 5,000 F you will see dramatic rocks formations. Get ready to take many pictures. You'll figure out what to do with them later, the impulse to register this rock formations will get to you, believe me !
The road is narrow, yes, but with many places to pull up to safely take pictures.
Don't pass out the opportunity to educate yourself stopping at some marked pullouts and overlook, and reading the information about the surrounds, type of vegetation and even name of some of the rocks.
If you like hiking or camping this is your paradise, the options are many.
When you get to the top don't expect much, you will not find Starbucks there. Grab your own before you start the trip if you can't live without.
On the top you will find only one Restaurant, a gift shop where you can rent sky equipment and buy yourself warm clothes; the ski lift, and a small store - you can have hot chocolate or a cappuccino (from a machine) there. At this tiny store you'll also find more homemade fudge than you can eat. We grab some to take home, they're really good, melt in your mouth.
Sometimes they have celebrations on the mountain. That day they was busy getting ready for Oktoberfest. If you like to participate in something like that make sure to check the calendar of entertainment before you go.
On the way down don't pass the opportunity to stop in Summerhaven - the little town on Mount Lemon. When you see colorful cabins is time to take a right turn on the road and stop at a friendly Restaurant to eat something. In Summerhaven you'll have more options. We had a very good pizza at "Cookie Cabin" sitting outside, playing with dogs and taking pictures. "When you're in the mountains you are close to heaven" says a plate hanging at this eatery.
Give yourself a favor and remember this. Enjoy yourself while on the mountain - if only for a few hours you'll be close to heaven. We did !! We had a good time on this short day trip !

Great drive up mountain with superb pull outs and overlooks. A wonderful drive to the top on a twisting well designed road that provides view after amazing view.
ZB

Love going up to Mount Lemmon just to get away from Tucson for the day! Drive up the mountain is absolutely beautiful! You can't go wrong!

Go to Mr Lemmon. Beautiful getaway. There was still snow on the ground. Not crowded at all. Didn’t see any bears though 🙁.
Stopped for lunch at the Iron Door. Had a small sampling of the menu and yes it as advertised! Delicious.

This is the place to go if you have only 1 day to spend in the 'Old Pueblo'. It is quintessential Tucson. Go in the heat of the afternoon for a quick escape and a reduction of about 15-20 degrees. There are hiking trails, nice campgrounds with a lake full of trout, and a quaint village at the top where you can chill out for a few hours. Enjoy the crisp alpine air and stay late for some wonderful views of the Tucson city lights on your way back down. Be careful driving because there are sharp curves and the animals come out in the early evening.

This was one of the highlights of our trip! It takes about 45 minutes to get all the way to the top - depending on how many times you stop to take pictures of the incredible view. There will be pullovers called vistas where you can stop and take pics. Go past these and pullover on the smaller pullouts. The views are 100% better from these little pullovers compared to the vista pullouts. You won't believe how much the scenery and landscaping and trees can change during this drive. You start out in a desert atmosphere and end up at a ski resort covered with pine trees. The rock canyon walls along the way are amazing! Forewarning - if you are prone to car sickness this isn't the drive for you. It is a very windy highway.

Beautiful!!!! The views and trip up the mountain was absolutely amazing. Lots of trails to hike on and Rose Canyon Lake is stunning

The road up is windy and scenic. You will average a speed around 35mph (unless you are stuck behind a motor home) so take your time and enjoy the journey. In fact, the trip up is the best part. Summerhaven is at the top, and while there are a couple of small gift shops and a cookie bakery, it is not really the point of the trip. I would recommend pulling off to take a look around both on your way up and down. There are plenary of pull outs and campgrounds, or primitive roads which take you out to a scenic area.

Traveled up to the top of Mount Lemon on Tuesday, Feb 16, 2016 beginning about noon after a warm spell. The traffic was light and the road clear. The time and date you travel are very important since I'm told that it can become jammed with traffic during good weekends. It was 60 degrees at the top and the ski lift was shut down as well as the German cafe at the top. The camping areas up the mountain were also shut down. One at the bottom was open for the few camping nimrods. Best to check this out before hand. Shops in the town of Summerhaven, (below the summit) were mostly open for business to the few tourists. All in all, a nice drive with plenty of vista views. It was a five hour drive total time including stopping for a short picnic. Just watch your your timing and check traffic reports before going up the mountain.

If you happen to visit Tucson when it is hot, you don't have to stay in the heat. Just head up to the height of Mount Lemmon to where you are comfortable, surrounded by Pine trees, and enjoy the different eco-system.

Took a day trip from Scottsdale to Tucson and didn't find much to do in the city, however, the scenic trip up to Ski Valley was very interesting. the changing scenery as you go from desert floor to almost 9000 ft was worth the 2 hour round trip drive. There were many pull off locations for exploring and picture taking. We went in March where there was still some snow at the top that locals were sliding down. Picturesque locations for picnics.

We went up on labor day. Not the least crowded day of the year but definately was much cooler than being in Tucson.

The road up Mount Lemmon is always an interesting drive with lots of views on the way and exciting stops. Scenic rock formations and picturesque valleys along the way are always different depending on what time of the year you go or with the weather. At the top, in Summer Haven, there are great places to eat, or continue up to the ski resort for more eats and extraordinary views of Tucson and areas to the northeast. And in the winter there is plenty of snow fun and activity.

One of the most incredible drives you will ever take. Starting off in the low desert, this drive takes you from Tucson proper through 5 completely different landscapes- starting with magnificent Suhauro Cactuses through to scrub brush, pine trees and Aspen at the summit.Views are everywhere on this 24 mile drive.
It’s a must due if you’re in Tucson.

This has got to be the most fun drive in the Tucson area. I thoroughly enjoyed negotiating all the switchbacks, hairpin turns and views from the pull-outs. It’s simply a great road. The summit, while green with trees, also has lots of TV/radio towers. I didn’t stay long at the top … I couldn’t wait to get back to the car and try the downhill drive.

For your consideration:
(1) From downtown Tucson, give yourself 1:20 in drive time, free-flow conditions.
(2) Around halfway up there’s a major pedestrian crossing at a place called Windy Point. People walk across Mt. Lemmon highway to experience an amazing view to the southwest. Heed the warning signs; watch for pedestrians; slow down.
(3) Very near the summit, remember to take a right on East Ski Run Road, for another two-mile uphill trip. If you reach the village of Summerhaven, you’ve gone a tad too far. Of course, you might want to check out the quaint little village, but it’s not at the peak.
(4) The density of parked cars increases near the summit, so watch for opening car doors, people in the street, etc.
(5) The view toward Tucson from the top is amazing. You’re over 9000’ in elevation (almost 7000’ above the city). I was there in late afternoon, and the temperature was roughly 35 degrees cooler than in the city.

For my birthday I asked my children to take me to Mt Lemmon for a picnic. We went to Marshall Gulch to share our goodies, some of them with the large squirrels that came begging. The temperature in Tucson was predicted to be HOT and for Mt Lemmon to be COOL, so we made sure to take our jackets. The foliage on the trees is coming back nicely, so our picnic table had good shade and the temperature was warm enough to leave off our jackets. As desert dwellers we are always happy to take a ride to the top of the mountain and take advantage of the views of the valley.

Love hiking/driving/exploring around Mount Lemmon. Beautiful area! Take a drive and picnic at the top. Great escape on the weekends...from the heat of Tucson city.

The ride to Mount Lemmon is one of the best tourist adventures for visitors to Tucson. The trip begins on the desert floor, with typical Sonoran desert plants and cacti. The journey then passes through five climate and horticultural zones, terminating in a zone of pine trees reminiscent of Colorado. There are many scenic overlooks along the way, with good hiking and picnicking locations. The temperature difference between the beginning and termination of the ascent is thirty degrees. The ride is the equivalent of a one thousand mile trip north of Tucson.

This is a must see when visiting Tucson. Down in the Valley it can be over 100 degrees...less than 30 minutes to the top of Mount Lemmon the temperature will be 35 degrees cooler. The view of Tucson below is absolutely breathtaking.

Mount Lemmon near Tucson, Arizona, offers visitors an opportunity to beat the heat while camping in a beautiful natural environment and enjoying spectacular views of the city and surrounding Sonora Desert and mountains. Located in the Coronado National Forest, north of Tucson, with a summit elevation of 9,159 feet, it is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains. On the day my wife and I chose to navigate the Catalina Highway along with several cyclists from the east side of Tucson up the beautiful, curving road to Summerhaven, the small town that serves as a summer residence for many Tucson and Phoenix inhabitants, at the top of the mountain. When we left Tucson, it was 87 degrees. When we arrived at the top, it was 50 degrees. Did you know that Mount Lemmon Sky Valley, on the mountain's northeastern side, receives 200 inches of snow annually? The mountain is named for botanist Sara Plummere Lemmon, who trekked to the summit by horse and foot in 1881.

Hiking, photography, picnics, skiing, cabins, restaurants, shopping, etc...
This is a scene totally worth a day out of town!

I like coming here just to get away from everything with the family. Nice scenery to the top and cookie and pizza.

Very good motorcycle ride up the mountain and cooler than town in the summer. Good restaurants and a super chocolate shop a bit down the hill from Summerhaven. Our bunch rides up two or three times in the summer.

The drive up Mt. Lemmon is well worth the drive probably in any season. I drove there Dec. 19 and the temperatures and road conditions were superb. For a mountain road that goes up to it, it's surprisingly easy to drive and very safe. There are many turnouts along the road to stop to see the many beautiful views can be had. The gradual slope of the mountain allows for a very nice gradual ascent to the top. The small community at the end of the road is a nice treat to visit the few shops and restaurants at the end of the drive. Definitely worth a trip to see and experience.

Mount Lemmon is a summertime relief for many Tucsonans. It is usually in the 70's or low 80's when the desert floor is at 105+. The mountain air is wonderful! There are small shops and a few places for a light lunch or dessert treat. A great place to sit and enjoy lunch or an early dinner is the restaurant in Summerhaven, across the street from the ski lift. Great food! Also, while there, if the lift is open, it's worth the ride as the scenery going up the lift and at the top is beautiful. Planning Mt Lemmon as a day trip is a perfect way to "beat the heat"

The road up to the top of Mt. Lemmon is winding, long, and slow-going, but so worth it! The views from the top are breathtaking and it's so nice and cool up there. I love to listen to the wind blowing through the trees. It's a perfect place to go with friends and family to have a picnic.

Amazing to see various shades of mother nature with a 40 minutes drive up the mountain.

From a 87' weather on the desert you will reach 50' F weather at the top. Not just that.. the rocks, the trees and all the vegetation around will change.. from cactus to greens, to pine trees to oak trees to fall colored trees. Just superb. Don't miss.

Best place and Tucson for a return to nature with awe inspiring views and great hiking trails. Best of all whn the City is toasty you can take a trip to Mt Lemmon and cool off!!!

What a great ride along the Sky Island Scenic Byway. Lucky there are pull outs so you can really enjoy the view. Then you reach the top and the Alpine features make you feel as if you are in the Adirondack mountains. The Rose Canyon lake is another great feature. A wonderful day trip or you can enjoying camping at the many sites. Great restaurant at the Ski slope for pie or a more hearty fare. In Summerhaven you can explore at the general store.

Me and my friends go up to Mt Lemmon once a year and it is always wonderful. Always nice weather, great facilities. Love it!

A great drive, we go up a few times a year. Snow in the winter (we love to sled), cool air break in the summer (it's over 100 down here in Tucson all summer long). You can pull over and hike or picnic anywhere along the drive up. You can camp too (though we haven't done that) and there is a little fun lake. The shops at the very top are also fun to visit if you go all the way. Anyway, Mt. Lemmon is like a different world, though it's right here in Tucson!

Reward for twists and turns of drive is skiing (if you wish) and fun German restaurant Iron Door). Stop for views on the road; not much to see at the top. Allow whole

Love the views & the temperature. Great way to spend the day. Beautiful hikes and trails. Good eats too at the top and in town.

I will never go back. I don't feel like I was safe there. I did not want to leave the comfort of my car

In the hot desert of Tucson there is a escape just 45 min away, drive up to the sky island of Mt lemmon and feel the breeze through the pine and aspen. Stop at the cookie cabin after your hike or have beer at the saw mill inn. Mt Lemmon is a frequent escape for us.

Since I live at the bottom of the mountain we've been here in every season. It's a welcome change in topology and biology. In the summer we hike and picnic to get a break from the heat. In fall the aspens are beautiful and in winter there's snow fun and if we're lucky skiing. We're so lucky to have the best of both worlds: the desert and the mountains!

We enjoy driving the road up Mt. Lemmon to the small town of Summerhaven. The ride is breathtakingly beautiful, if a challenge to drive because of the many curves and switchbacks. There are viewpoints along the way, picnic areas, hiking trails. At the town, there are two fairly good restaurants and a little shopping. There is also a ski lift that many people ride just for the view, although the mountain features the southernmost skiing in the country. As for us, we go for the thrill of the ride up, to grab lunch, and then for the thrill of the ride back down.

Would like to come back again. We had to rush our trip a little bit as the sun was going down. the drive did make an impression. i would love to just take a day to go up there. i recommend bringing food for picnic.

Our family very much enjoyed Mount Lemmon. When we got to the top by the ski lift, we thought there would be more than there was. The beautiful outlooks are best on the drive. You begin with cactus and end with pine trees and snow - it's amazing!

If the heat of the desert is wearing you down, you can escape it here. It is best for a picnic and/or hike as the area is rustic. On the flipside, if you long for the sight of winter snow, you may find it here.

A very nice trip up from the desert. Never seen so many different landscapes, starting with the cacti as trees of a forest below, great rocks to conifers above. A recommendation is to set up the audio app / podcast?, it tells you the story and arises. At the top at Summerhaven beautiful picnic spots and the difference in temperature was 12 degrees with below. So on hot days a good plan to make this trip for the "cooling off". Lots of stops along the way to put the car down and take nice pictures or enjoy the view.

We drove up to Mount Lemmon from Tucson the day before Thanksgiving. The weather all week in Tucson was hot, hitting 90 every day. Going up to Mr. Lemmon you first head East out of Tucson, then North until you hit the ridge line heading up the series of increasingly-high mountains in the Santa Catalina range heading to Mt. Lemon. By the time you are about 30 minutes out of Tucson at about 5,000 feet, you start to see pines growing more and more densely - replacing the desert acacia, mesquite and verde trees that grow in the canyons on the way up. The temperature has dropped about 15 degrees.

At about 7,000 you enter into a forest of tall pines mixed in with aspens and maples in which the small Summerhaven community sits. The trees get more dense and taller the higher up you go. At the last park site where the road ends, the trees were almost 100 feet tall and it is at least 20 degrees cooler - the trees put you entirely in shade in many places - and the air is much more damp. You are no longer in the dessert climate of Tucson even though it is only 10 miles south and and a mile down in Tucson.

The real thrill of the journey though is the pulling off on the many overlooks on the way up and down that give you spectacular views of the canyons on the West side and the San Pedro River valley on the East.

Lots of fascinating photo-ready rock formations line the roads and several of the overlooks, in wind-carved shapes that look like giant boulders stacked by artists wanting to create a sense of precariousness as you stand next to their massiveness, hundreds of feet tall.

In two hours you can head up and back. If you want to take lots of photos, have a picnic, or take short hikes, its worthy of at least another couple of hours. There are many campgrounds just off the road for overnighters.

A gorgeous drive up from Tucson!

Stop and enjoy the different parking areas w views. Awesome to see the change from desert to highland pine and snow.

Worth the little over an hour drive each way.

My wife,son and I took an enjoyable drive up Mount Lemmon on a Friday morning. The road was very busy with cyclists but they stayed on the shoulder for the most part. As the usual speed on the drive is 25 to 35 mph, sharing the road was not a problem. Words can't describe some of the varied views one encounters on this awesome scenic drive. Starting on the desert floor and ending in a pine forest, it's a changing view around every bend..... and there are a lot of bends. My son is a geologist and he found a lot of geological examples of great interest. The hoodoos approximately half way up were especially cool. Some of the enormous vistas looking down on Tucson were another part of the drive we'll remember. The highway is in great shape and traffic moves well with the plentiful turn outs and pullover areas.The trek is about 90 minutes one way and allow a half hour for scenic view areas. I would rate this drive as one of the top attractions in Tucson! Definitely a place to take out of towners.

Other reviews said this was a worthwhile excursion so we gave it a try. Very worthwhile. Interesting rock formations and noticeable changes in temperature and geography. One pullout equated drive to going from Tucson to Banff Alberta. It was 96 in Tucson and 62 at the top. Not much to do at the top but drive is worth it. Some reviews said road was hazardous but if you are used to mountain driving road is actually quite good. Lots of pull outs for viewing and more than adequate guard rails.

It is wonderful to have this mountain range in our backyards. A wonderful respite from the hot desert summer and just 45 minutes - an hour away. It's a beautiful scenic drive, lots of hiking trails and picnic areas. Winter time - snowfall, snowball fights and snowmen. Have a pick-up? Bring some snow back to Tucson in the bed or your truck. Love to go year-round.

If you are traveling through southern Arizona and more specifically Tucson. And if you have a couple of hours to spend you would be remiss to not visit Mt. Lemmon. With a peak of nearly 9,000 feet and views that are spectacular this is a must visit location. The scenic ride up Mt. Lemmon on Catalina Hwy (aka Sky Island scenic bi-way) is peaceful and amazing as you ascend from the desert floor to mountainous terrain lush with pines, oak, and Ash trees. The hamlet of Summer Haven is also a great place to visit and walk around. A must visit location for sure!

Mt. Lemmon was very beautiful and interesting. lots of things to see and beautiful rock formations. Great restaurants are there also.

Thirty (30) degrees cooler than Tucson - need I say more. Pine forests just 45 minutes from Tucson and the Southernmost ski area in the United States. Hike, birdwatch and eat at Iron door or Sawmill restaurants. Fun Summer of Winter!

This beautiful sky-island is a refreshing place to visit just for the views and cool air alone...during the summer. Winter may bring snow..lots of fun and a very different experience for us desert rats.

The road to the top of Mount Lemmon is actually the best part of the trip. This road has been substantially improved. Today the road is excellent all the way to the top. There are many pull-offs along the way. Take the time to stop at some of the pull-offs. There are many scenic views, rock structures and vegetation types to photograph. There are also a few stops where bathrooms are available. Picnic Facilities are also available along the route. There is a very nice picnicking area part way up in a valley setting with forested shade. Campgrounds are also available.

The Forest Service has Visitor Center approximately 3 miles from the top. Trail Maps are available here. The Visitor Center also has bathrooms, water and some additional items such as clothing, books, etc. The ski area is at the very end of the road. A ski lift ticket can be purchased for $10.00/person to take you to the top of Mount Lemmon. Round trip on the ski lift is about 30 minutes.

We ate lunch at the only restaurant at the ski area. The food was great and reasonably priced considering the location. Our total bill with tip was about $25.00. Our waiter was "Nelson". He has worked here for 25 years. Nelson adds a bit more to an enjoyable lunch. I believe this restaurant closes at 4:00 PM. There are also a couple of small shops adjacent to the ski lift. A few shops and a couple of restaurants were also open at Summerhaven, which is just before the ski area.

The temperature at the top at 3:00 PM was 58 degrees while in Tucson the high for the day was 83.

It's a very nice drive but I would not make it a destination trip. Tucson is very difficult city to get around as there are no freeways except the 10, going north and south through Tucson. The surface streets are pretty jammed with traffic.

We never tire of this amazing drive with phenomenal views. The quaint Sswmill restaurant at the top, makes a perfect afternoon activity.

The drive up the mountain is not for the faint of heart, but the view is wonderful. Windy Point lookout gives you a valley view of Tucson. The temperature is cool and the smell of pines is relaxing.

Here in Tucson it can get hot. Mount Lemmon in the Catalina Mountain Range is a wonderful area with hiking trails and great views. Great year round although it can close at times due to snow in the winter. A short drive from any where in town and you are miles away. Drive up enjoy the drive take advantage of the small shops and restaurant in Summerhaven, Take the lift up for an aerial view of the area or simply hike and enjoy nature. In the winter get your ski on. It snows in the Catalinas. Mt Lemmon is also a great place for fishing, birding, sledding, snowshoeing and rock climbing, A half day drive for pleasure or a full day of activity its all up to you. Mt Lemmon is a beautiful area that can accomodate the outdoorsman and the person just looking for respite from the heat and to get away from it all without going far.

Right now, there is a wild fire burning on Mount Lemmon, but otherwise, it is a cool, refreshing trip from hot Tucson. Looking forward to going to one of my favorite places.

Named after a woman mountaineer, Mount Lemmon is just an hour's drive from Tucson, Mount Lemon is a break in scenery. The transition from sahuaro forest to alpine gives a break from the heat of summer and a chance for snow play in the winter. Plenty to do, from camping, cabins for rent, easy meals and summer walks and winter skiing. Mount Lemmon is a destination worth checking out.

Well worth the drive totaly amazing view. Good road and lots of places to stop an take pictures. Good hiking trails. Nice picnicareas

If you don't have beautiful mountains where you live, this is the place to go. A drive up the mountain gives a beautiful view of our city. There is a restaurant at the top if you get hungry.They have real good bakery items. Even though Tucson is know for sunny weather, to cool down, this is where the locals go.

We have enjoyed Mt. Lemmon for years! In the summer it is a delightful scenic trip up the Sky Island byway to get a break from the Tucson heat. In the fall, we can experience the magic of the autumn leaves. Winter is a wonderland of snow, ice, hot cocoa, and fun in the snow. If you are going straight to the town of Summer Haven or to your cabin you will not need a "pass". Otherwise be sure to stop at the self service kiosk to get a day pass or better yet an annual pass.

it is not a hike as much as a hard drive... you will adore the scenery from the top of the mountain for sure

A nice morning or afternoon trip from Tucson, or stay longer and hike the trails. Abundant wildlife and great views. The chairlift is worth riding to the top even when there is no snow. it's not open every day so check locally.

We are hikers, and decided to take a trail or two on the way up the mountain. We hiked a mile or two on a couple of the trails, then decided to go all the way to the top. Oh my goodness. We had no idea that there was such gorgeous coniferous forests up on top! We had a calzone at The Cookie Place in Summerhaven. Mine was great (the vegetarian calzone), my husband could not stand his (meat-filled.). So, mixed reviews there. The next day, we came back and hiked Marshall's Gulch, at the end of the road. What an absolutely gorgeous hike! We had conditioned ourselves for a week prior, hiking in Sedona, so we were up for the multi-hour hike at 8,000+ feet altitude. We also took some side-tracks and hiked for a while down by the mountain stream, crossing back and forth. If you're not ready for the altitude, take one of the easier trails (Sunset Trail) and enjoy the scenery just as much.

The drive itself is a dream, so gorgeous. This was really so special, that we decided the rest of Tucson could wait for our next visit. The energy at the top of the mountain is special, and I look forward to another visit next year.

While visiting Tucson several people recommended to us to travel up Mt. Lemmon. It was absolutely breathtaking all the way up to the top which is named Summerhaven. You travel through several micro-climates which make the trip up absolutely stunning. The views are spectacular on every turn you take. The drive was easy and pleasant. We stopped quite a bit for beautiful photographs. The roads are in excellent shape and have guard rails throughout the drive. We started our drive with beautiful sun and 73 degrees and ended at the top (Summerhaven) which even though it was 53 degrees there were many avid snow boarders and skiers on the slopes. If you are visiting Tucson Mt. Lemmon is a must Trip!

I've always loved visiting Mount Lemmon. It is typically 30 degrees cooler than Tucson, and just a 90 minute drive. Many great locations for picnics and hikes. Love the smell of the tall pine trees. Can get crowded on weekends, so avoid driving down at 4pm on Sunday, when it will be bumper to bumper.