Arizona
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.

Check out our tour FAQ's below for more information.

All Shaka Guide tours come with customer support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Tour Stops

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

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(15876)

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 | 3 months 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 | 8 months 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 | 1 year 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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