Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
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- Trish-EdmontonEdmonton, Canada135 contributionsMt. Lemmon Scenic Byway- Worth the trip! Do it!We had heard about the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway. They told us as you go up the over 9000 ft mountain you go from beautiful vistas of desert cacti like in Mexico till you reach the summit where there is a downhill ski place like Banff in Alberta. It was amazing to see such different vistas and vegetation, SUCH different climates. You could roast at the bottom and freeze at the top; AMAZING! Loved it; one of the highlights of our trip!Visited December 2022Written January 3, 2023
- GLMSan Francisco, California997 contributionsDramatic Desert ViewsThis highway offers dramatic views. You’ll enjoy many pull outs and expansive scenery. The Saguaro cactus can be viewed clinging to the mountains up to about 4000 feet. Check road conditions in winter, but it can be enjoyed most any time of year. Be advised that it can get crowded, especially on weekends.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 12, 2023
- RoverPInverness, United Kingdom700 contributionsSuperb views and changing sceneryThis is an easy but very scenic drive. The downside was the traffic delay in getting there because it was so popular at the weekend. A week day and setting off early would be a good idea. The drive affords great views and it is fascinating to see such a huge change in the flora as you go up.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 24, 2023
- Dawn M17 contributionsGorgeous scenic drive with cookie rewardThe Mount Lemmon scenic byway is a beautiful and fun drive. I downloaded the audiotour on my phone in advance, and we enjoyed listening to it as we ascended. There are lots of pull-offs along the way, which facilitates picture taking. We hiked the Marshall Gulch trail near the top. It was snow covered and a bit hard to follow at times. We loved being able to stop at the Cookie Cabin after our hike and enjoy the huge, warm cookies with ice cream on top. I recommend this drive and the audiotour to anyone visiting Tucson.Visited January 2023Written January 31, 2023
- Aran T1 contributionAwesome! The best word to describe this tour with Tim. Travel different biozones in 30 mile trip with views not to miss!Tim of Tucson Mountain Shuttle was just amazing. So much knowledge and a clear passion for Tucson and the Mt Lemmon region. I was travelling solo and Tim was a fun, kind guide, sharing his insights and passion for this area. The audio commentary was interesting and despite jet-lag I retained a fair amount! I would highly recommend this tour, my mind was blown by the differing bio zones in a 30 mile drive. Thank you Tim, what a absolute cracker of a morning!Visited February 2023Traveled soloWritten February 2, 2023
- Dianna GLas Cruces, New Mexico45 contributionsGlad we wentPerfect time of year to visit. Definitely download the app to hear about the changes in elevation/foliage as you ascend. Take your time and stop at the various parking areas as you go up. Once you reach the top, you can stop for a giant cookie and pizza at the Mt. Lemmon Cooking Cabin. Just remember to share the road.....lots of bicyclists heading up the mountain.Visited February 2023Written February 22, 2023
- BonnieAndEvaHershey, Pennsylvania70 contributionsGreat views!What a fabulous drive!! Take it, you will not regret it. Please download the Mt. Lemmon app which will give you great commentary as you drive and explain everything about the formation of the area and also about the plants, birds, and animals. We really liked listening to this as we drove. Sights are amazing!!Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 10, 2023
- KDAAEast Hartford, Connecticut805 contributionsGlad we took the driveWe took this drive based on the great TA reviews and we weren't disappointed. The only unfortunate part was that we started late and Summerhaven was pretty much closed - no cookies for us. The scenery was beautiful and there were plenty of overlooks. I also appreciated that there were guardrails along the route. We listened to the University of Arizona Mt Lemmon tour and that was very informative - it is worth downloading and listening to on the drive up.Visited April 2023Written May 2, 2023
- static0123Port Orchard, Washington85 contributionsGreat drive and desert studyExcellent driving tour of the flora and fauna available inside a two-hour event. When you reach the peak you forget your are in a desert. Plenty of places to pull over for pictures, and mostly pleasant drivers along the way.Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 3, 2023
- stevieray502Harleysville, Pennsylvania70 contributionsBreath Taking VistasThis was a four to five hour drive up Mt Lemmon that took us to 9000 foot of elevation . 85 degrees to 55 degrees. There were many turnouts to enjoy the views. We downloaded an app that explained the various eco systems you go through.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2023
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Gary O
Dubuque, IA19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I might have submitted a review of the Sawmill Restaurant earlier, but now I want to emphasize the scenic byway that is the Coronado National Forest and the spectacular Mt. Lemmon Road. It ascends to 9,000+ feet and offers loads is scenic turnouts for photography and plein air painting. It is a national treasure, the pride of every Tucsonian. We took the drive on an uncongested weekday. I recommend you do the same. It can be busy on weekends and holidays. This road is a geologist's and botanist's dream come true. As you ascend, you encounter a variety of unique biomes. The rock formations are the absolutely breathtaking and some of the most unusual in my opinion. I have included two shots of ou sojourn up and down the mountain. We encountered several cyclists on the road. There are clearly marked bike lanes. My impression is this is a ride for serious cyclists in good physical shape. Sure you could ride small sections at a time, and that's what most do I discovered.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor B
Tucson, AZ1,082 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Mt Lemmon is a main “to do” in Tucson especially in the winter if you want to see snow in AZ without having to drive to Flagstaff. The drive is beautiful, but depending on where your staying, it will be 45-90 minutes to get to the top (Summerhaven). Once there, you can hike, or stop along the way up to hike. At the top it’s pretty boring unless you go to ski or go for Octoberfest in the Fall, which is corny but a bit fun. (Eg Ompa-band)
Eat at the first restaurant in town as you enter on the left (Sawmill Cafe) and have the chilli - as it’s great!
I love the Lemmon, and go many times a year (for the Chilli) but honestly, Sabino Canyon is closer and easier and the sighs are equally great. Just saying.
VictorB
Eat at the first restaurant in town as you enter on the left (Sawmill Cafe) and have the chilli - as it’s great!
I love the Lemmon, and go many times a year (for the Chilli) but honestly, Sabino Canyon is closer and easier and the sighs are equally great. Just saying.
VictorB
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JHAllen
Oro Valley, AZ463 contributions
Feb 2020
Last year we weren't able to do this due to weather conditions, but this year was different. We chose a clear day and wound our way up the mountain to the ski area. The road to the observatory was closed to the general public. Snow still covered the mountainside however there wasn't enough for skiing and while they were waiting for more it's doubtful they will get enough. It was disappointing to find the restaurant at the top was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The road is narrow with many turnouts to let cars pass or to stop and take a view of the various canyons, divides and views of Tucson as you go up or down.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happytraveler87
West Chester, PA248 contributions
Mar 2020
The drive up Mount Lemmon is not to be missed. There are three distinctly different aspects to the drive - lots of saguaro first, then the incredible hoodoo rocks, and lots of trees and a ski resort at the top. The change in scenery is subtly as you go up and back down, and there is so much to see, you can go several times. Incredible scenery. Take your time and stop in some of the pull-out to take a photo or just enjoy the magnificence.
Written April 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovestravelWV
Cross Lanes, WV64 contributions
May 2022
Loved the views on this scenic byway. Lots of curves but many places to pull over and just take in the breathtaking views. Would recommend to anyone wanting to get away from the city and just relax and take in the views
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D.W. Bauer
Lino Lakes, MN39 contributions
Jun 2021
This is a well-known highway with many pull outs as you go from desert to forest. The highlight for me was Windy Point. It has parking, bathrooms, and good views. It is one of those stops where people of most physical abilities are accommodated. My mom, who has a very short walk radius, felt comfortable leaning along the path's stone wall. My Uncle's recent knee surgery allowed him to stroll a little from the path. And I was able to explore the flat rocky area with light scampering. I noticed that couples would often find a side of a rocky outcrop to look out at the vista in relative privacy. I would take a drive just to Windy Point in the future if time was a concern, though the rest of the mountain drive is beautiful as well.
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Galaforce
Saint Charles, MO62 contributions
Jan 2020
Beautiful scenic stops all along the way, bring hiking boots for short or long hikes. There are places to stop for bathroom breaks but no food til the top. Best places at top are the Cookie Cabin with giant sizes cookies and the Gemeral store with rocks and jewelry at reasonable prices. The chair lift was closed on the day we were there, but heard it’s only $5 for scenic ride up Mt Lemmon. Summerhaven is the end point of the drive, then u turn around and drive back down. Perfect day trip! Bring a picnic! There’s a small but nice gift shop in Palisades.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Toronto, Canada359 contributions
Mar 2020
Did this trip with a group of motorcyclists yesterday, loved it. Only a couple things to know. Leave early, it gets busy, and expect it to be 15-20 degrees F colder and quite windy at the top. There was quite a bit of snow still in March. Two extremes for your trip, drive up and just take in the views all along the way (minimum 2 hours) OR, plan ahead, pack hiking boots, sunscreen and water and try several of the trails.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clarkston_Rambler
El Paso, TX872 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Spectacular scenery over the 1 hour / 35 mile drive up. Lots of pull offs for slower traffic. Plenty of places to pull over to enjoy the vistas or go hiking. Coronado National Forest so you need a pass. The Sawmill Restaurant in Summerhaven was open for patio dining on Oct 18th as was the pizza / cookie place down the street. The restaurant at the ski area was open as well. Well worth the drive up.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gardner310
Chicago, IL26 contributions
Feb 2021
It took us about 2 hours to drive up to the ski resort with all the stops I had to make for photos. It is just a beautiful ride around lots of curves with a different view at each one. Right now only the gift shop and cafe are open as there is not a lot of snow bringing the skiers up. This of course makes for an easy drive and some of the hiking trails are easier without the snow. Enjoy the day there. It only took about 45 minutes to come back down!
Written February 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safari41860467244
1 contribution
Is it recommended to have a 4-wheeler for this drive? or can a mini-van drive up or down?
Nancy z
33 contributions
mini van
Andy L
Kerrville, TX8 contributions
do we need 4-wheel drive or snowchains for the drive?
Wedge
Tacoma, WA69 contributions
Usually the paved highway is plowed. No chains needed after its plowed. Forest service won’t let you up without correct gear before it gets plowed. That said, a few shady spots might harbor spots of ice and be slippery.
Michael N
7 contributions
How steep are the drop offs to the sides of the Mt. Lemmon hwy? Does it scare people who are afraid of heights? Esp those that freak out at steep dropoff. Thx.
Dan and Bonnie B
Pensacola, FL81 contributions
You are at 9000 ft. at the to. Very steep however, serious guard rails all the way.
On the way up is easy, and going down is all safe with the guard rails. Don’t forget the pizza/cookie shop. Go for it, you’ll be glad. It will be cold this time of year also.
Jill S
Cincinnati, OH9 contributions
Planning on going on the scenic by way tomorrow. Anything closed with COVID spikes? Also, are there restrooms? Asking for a friend :)
Dan and Bonnie B
Pensacola, FL81 contributions
Only COVID rules is a mask. No restrooms till you get to the top(Summerhaven)Enjoy
Kyle J
Howard, OH7 contributions
We are visiting the Tucson area during the third week of July 2020 and wondering what kind of impact the wildfire has had on the area. Can you still drive up Mount Lemmon or is the area closed?
Paul H
Mission Viejo, CA94 contributions
We were there five weeks ago and the drive was very beautiful hopefully the restaurant will be open by then. You can see the difference in growth but it is coming back. Much cooler the the heat👹🔥 below!
Lindsay J
4 contributions
Hi all, visiting Tucson end of December. Thoughts, opinions, reviews on the scenic drive that time of year? Still worth it? How much snow does this area get? We will be heading there December 30th. Side note: I'm from MN and know how to drive and dress for snowy weather!
wemlinger.carolyn@gmail.com
Nogales, AZ49 contributions
As you know snow does what it wants, maybe, maybe not. If there is a big snow, they may close the road up but if you meet tire and chain requirements you may be ok. At times they also only let those who live there up pass. I would suggest that you check to learn what is going on then make your plans. Hope you get to make it all the way! Safe travels!
Hola para viajar a mount lemmon se ocupa carro grande ? O puede ser chico cerrado
CMPTexas
Tucson, AZ835 contributions
Ya sea uno. El calle is muy Bueno.
gary c
Peoria, IL226 contributions
Distance from Scottsdale to the Lemmon scenic byway
Sue J
23 contributions
Approximately 3 hrs if taking the Interstate. However, if you are looking for a scenic drive to Tucson, you could travel via Hwy 87 for a small part or the drive. If you’re interested in National Parks you would go by by Casa Grand National Park using this route. If staying overnight in Tucson you should also visit Sabino National Park which is near Mt Lemmon. Views are absolutely gorgeous.
what is the address to get on mt lemon scenic byway
trigirl1
7 contributions
You can google Catalina highway or Mt Lemmon highway. If you want to listen to the app, download the Mt. Lemmon science tour app
It was created by the University of Arizona and has loads of interesting facts.
Guy155021
Windsor, Canada210 contributions
Hi, we will be in the area next week and would like to do Mt. Lemmon. Just wondering about the average time required to do up and then back with a few photo stops, etc. Thanks
Nita S
Indiana40 contributions
Honestly, give yourself a mim. of 4 hours to really enjoy. You will want to stop and visit spots along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
- Hotels near Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway:
- (5.61 mi) The Jeremiah Inn Bed and Breakfast
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- Restaurants near Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway:
- (8.29 mi) Flying V Bar & Grill
- (8.33 mi) Canyon Cafe
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- (8.66 mi) Inca's Peruvian Cuisine
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Information
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