Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Duration
4-6 hrs
Audio Points
41
Tour Stops
11

About The Tour

Located just outside of Tucson, this tour features the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Range - Mount Lemmon. You’ll begin your drive in the desert, then make your way up the mountain stopping at overlooks, hikes, and picnic areas. Watch the landscapes change until you reach the summit where ...

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Located just outside of Tucson, this tour features the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Range - Mount Lemmon. You’ll begin your drive in the desert, then make your way up the mountain stopping at overlooks, hikes, and picnic areas. Watch the landscapes change until you reach the summit where you’re greeted by the small village of Summerhaven that sits amid conifers and aspen trees.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

• Hike trails through lush pine forests.
• Explore breathtaking Windy Point Vista.
• Visit the cozy Mount Lemmon village.
• Enjoy skiing at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
• Stargaze under the clear desert sky.

Tour Stops

Windy Peak Scenic Overlook
Gordon Hirabayashi Campground
Marshall Gulch Picnic Area
Natural Arch
Rose Canyon Lake
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
Hoodoo Vista
Thimble Peak Vista
Babad Do'ag Scenic Overlook
Summerhaven Community Center
Palisades Visitor Center

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(75923)

Saguaro National Park

Made the park experience extremely enjoyable. Highly recommend.

Tegibdtjde | 1 month ago | iOS

First time user…😎

We drove through Saguaro National Park and to the top of Mt. Lemmon using the Shaka app. It was really nice to have some audio references as you move across the parks. The music was not so good as it didn’t fit the theme of the story being til. Something more Native American would really tie it all together.

Tucson visit | 4 months ago | iOS

Arizona Bundle

We used the app when we toured Oahu. We felt that we saw everything we wanted plus extra fun there, so we decided to try the app for our family vacation to Arizona. So far, we’ve enjoyed Saguaro National Park (East and West!) and Mount Lemmon scenic drive. We love the confidence we have in where to go and what to see, and that the app takes away the concern that we might miss something important. We also love learning interesting facts about the places we visit. We will absolutely continue to use this app for future trips and we will recommend it to friends and family!

Reader#345023564 | 9 months ago | iOS

I used this app while @ the Saguaro National Park and it was so amazing! so much information and tracking to keep you entertained! I will use it again for more exploring!

Mandy Beavers | 10 months ago | Android

I have lived in AZ my whole life and learned more about geology, history, and ecology on the Mt. Lemmon Tour than I ever did in school!

Dayna | 1 year ago | Android

Incredible app. Loved your Mt Lemmon experience. And downloaded a bunch others. Highly recommend this app if they have a guided tour for a road trip you are doing. They tell you so much information and where to stop.

Jamie Anderson | 2 years ago | Android

Mt.Lemmon

We just completed the Mt. Lemmon Tour and thoroughly enjoyed it including the music during breaks. In the springtime we did the Monument Valley Tour. Another excellent tour!!!

mjj131 | 2 years ago | iOS

Great tour

Visited Tucson and took the Mount Lemmon tour. It was a great way to spend the day. Loved the history and tour stops. If we had longer I would have definitely done the Saguaro park tour as well, but it’s definitely on the agenda when we visit again. I can’t recommend this app enough.

spunXtain | 2 years ago | iOS

We used the app for the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Highway tour. It kept us entertained and informed the entire way. We knew in advance of what to look for and when to turn as well as history and geological facts. The music along the tour was upbeat and relaxing. Highly recommend the tours if you are exploring a new place.

Chris Neville | 2 years ago | Android

Mt Lemmon Tour

This was a great investment and experience. The music and history added a lot to what was already a scenic drive. All the pulloffs and recommendations were spot on. No guesswork.

PaulCPA | 2 years ago | iOS

Where is Mt. Lemmon?

Mt. Lemmon is located in the Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona. In fact, it’s about a one hour and twenty-minute drive from Tucson to Mt. Lemmon. It's a prominent mountain in the Santa Catalina Range and offers a variety of out...

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Can you drive up Mt. Lemmon?

Yes, you can drive up Mt. Lemmon via the Catalina Highway. The highway provides access to the mountain's summit and offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and recreational opportunities along the route. The drive is a popular way to escape ...

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How long does it take to drive up Mt. Lemmon?

Driving up Mt. Lemmon can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on factors such as traffic, road conditions, and how many stops you make. The road leading up the mountain, the Catalina Highway (also known as the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway), is a ...

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What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
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Tour FAQs

Where does the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour go?
This tour has 18 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!
What should I pack for the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour?
Phone charger - very important!Phone mountLayered clothing for sun protection and changing temperatures - it can get cold at the summit!Hiking ClothesRefillable water bottles - the desert heat can be unpredictable and cause dehydrationGood hiking shoes/sneakersSunscreenSnacksHats/sunglassesCameraBug SprayHand sanitizerCashBirders should bring a bird ID book
What should I budget for the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour?
Park entry: $8/carLunch: $10-$20/person (Important: there are no restaurants until you get up to Summerhaven, at the summit, and even then, there are only a few.)Water: $10Chairlift and Skiing: $15 to ride the chairlift; $65/adult ($35/child) to ski Snacks like fudge, cookies or pie: $8-$15 Gifts/Souvenirs: $20-$50
What are the scenic drive’s hours for the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway?
The road is open 24 hours a day, but we recommend driving and hiking during daylight hours. 
Can I join the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour en route?
Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from.  If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience. 
Can I take the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour in the opposite direction?
No, this tour is only available in one direction. 
Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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