Mount Lemmon Review

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Mount Lemmon

  • Address: Mount Lemmon Hwy., Northeast, Tucson, AZ | Map It
  • Phone: 520/576-1400 recorded snow report; 520/547-7510 winter road conditions

Fodor's Review:

Part of the Santa Catalina range, Mount Lemmon—named for Sara Lemmon, the first woman to reach the peak of this mountain, in 1881—is the southernmost ski slope in the continental United States, but you don't have to be a skier to enjoy it: it's a popular place for picnicking and there are 150 mi of marked and well-maintained trails for hiking. The mountain's 9,157-foot elevation brings relief from summer heat.

Mount Lemmon Highway twists its way for 28 mi up the mountainside. Every 1,000-foot climb in elevation is equivalent, in terms of climate, to traveling 300 mi north: you'll move from typical Sonoran Desert plants in the foothills to vegetation similar to that found in southern Canada at the top. Rock formations along the way look as though they were carefully balanced against each other by sculptors from another planet.

At milepost 18 of your ascent, on the left-hand side of the road, is the Palisades Ranger Station of Coronado National Forest (520/749-8700). Rangers have information on the mountain's campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic spots. It's open daily 8 to 4:30. Even if you don't make it to the top of the mountain, you'll find stunning views of Tucson at Windy Point, about halfway up. Look for a road on your left between the Windy Point and San Pedro lookouts; it leads to Rose Canyon Lake, a lovely reservoir.

Just before you reach the ski area, you'll pass through the tiny alpine-style village of Summerhaven, which has some casual restaurants, gift shops, and pleasant lodges. Though much of Summerhaven was destroyed by a forest fire in summer 2003, rebuilding is well underway. An excursion up the mountain can be capped off with breakfast, lunch, or a slice of home-made pie at Mount Lemmon Café (520/576-1234), the first building on the left as you enter the village.

Mount Lemmon Highway ends at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley (520/576-1321). Skiing depends on natural conditions—there's no artificial snow, so call ahead. There are 16 runs, open daily in winter, ranging from beginner to advanced. Lift tickets cost $35 for an all-day pass and $30 for a half-day pass (starting at 1 PM). Equipment rentals and instruction are available. Off-season you can take a ride ($9) on the chairlift, which whisks you to the top of the slope—some 9,100 feet above sea level. Many ride the lift, then hike on one of several trails that crisscross the summit. There are some concessions at the ski lift.

There are no gas stations on Mount Lemmon Highway, so gas up before you leave town and check the road conditions in winter. To reach the highway, take Tanque Verde Road to Catalina Highway, which becomes Mount Lemmon Highway as you head north.

  • Cost: $5 per vehicle per day or $20 for an annual pass, includes Sabino Canyon
  • Open: Daily, depending on snow in ski season
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