Help with Itinerary

Question

We are heading into Tuscon and need some help with timing. We plan to go toSabine Canyon first thing in the morning and do the trolley ride up and back. We are in our 70’s and don’t want to hike at high altitude due to health reasons. Then we would go to Mt. Lemon and take that scenic drive. Would we have time after that to add anything before heading back downtown to our Airbnb? I don’t have a sense of how long these will take. Could we fit in Saguaro NP east? We are only in town for 4days and have a long list! Thank you!

Answer

For a 4-day trip to Tucson focusing on scenic drives and minimal strenuous activity, your plan for Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon is very doable, and you can likely fit in additional sightseeing if you manage your timing carefully.

Sabino Canyon

The tram ride through Sabino Canyon is a relaxing way to see the area without hiking. The full loop ride with stops takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. This allows for some brief walks at lower elevations if desired, but you can remain on the tram the entire time.

Mount Lemmon Scenic Drive

The drive up Mount Lemmon from Tucson via Catalina Highway typically takes about 1.5–2 hours one way if you do the full drive to the summit and back down without long stops. If you plan to stop at a few scenic overlooks, add 30–60 minutes. The drive is stunning, with multiple pullouts for photos and easy access to viewpoints.

Additional Sightseeing

Depending on how early you start, you could have time to add a visit to Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District) in the afternoon. The scenic loop drive there takes about 1–1.5 hours and is mostly flat and paved, making it easy to enjoy without hiking. Keep in mind that driving from Mount Lemmon down to the park will take additional time (~30–40 minutes).

Start early (around 8 a.m.) with Sabino Canyon tram ride: 1.5–2 hours.
Drive to Mount Lemmon: Allow 1.5–2 hours to reach summit; include stops for photos.
Descend Mount Lemmon: 1–1.5 hours, plus extra if stopping at scenic overlooks.
Optional: Drive Saguaro NP East scenic loop in the late afternoon if you have daylight and energy.

Timing Tips:

Consider dedicating one full day to Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon if you prefer a relaxed pace.
If including Saguaro NP East, plan for a later start at Mount Lemmon or a slightly shorter visit to the summit to leave time for the loop.
Bring water and snacks, especially for Mount Lemmon, as amenities are limited.
Watch for afternoon thunderstorms in spring/summer months on Mount Lemmon; winter/early spring is usually safe.

With careful planning, you could complete Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon in the morning and early afternoon, then enjoy a relaxed scenic loop at Saguaro NP East before heading back downtown to your Airbnb. This allows you to enjoy multiple highlights in one day without overexertion.

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