Mt. Lemmon and Summerhaven

Mt. Lemmon is a rare jewel in the Arizona desert. Jutting up 9,000 feet above sea level in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona, this magnificent mountain peak stands amidst the pale backdrop of the sparse desert sand and cactus. Visit Mount Lemmon.

The foothills of the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson begins the hourlong journey to the top of the hill known as Mt. Lemmon. As your car crawls, often only 25 miles per hour on a winding two lane road, you are transported into a geological time warp.

Mt. Lemmon is probably the most popular getaway for Tucsonans and visitors, especially during the hot summer when temperatures in the valley often remain over 100 degrees F. for several months. It's no wonder that probably everyone who has lived or stayed in the area has been to Mt. Lemmon at one time or another.

To some, it is a regular pilgrimage several times a year. From the base of the mountain range, all the desert plant and wildlife co-exist among the ever creeping metropolitan city limits. Saguaro cactus abounds standing tall against the backdrop of the enormous mountain range.

As you drive up the winding road, since the construction for enlargement, you gain a sense of awe as you watch the desert slowly turn into brush, then into an array of windblown rock formations and finally into the midst of a deep forest of pine and fir. If you visit in the winter, be sure to bring your ski equipment or snow tires.

The busiest times to visit Mt. Lemmon are weekends (of course) between 11am and 4pm. The earlier you arrive, the better parking and picnic areas your find. Less travelled days are weekend mornings and many weekdays.

Fees to Use Facilities: The U.S. Forest Service now charges a fee for those who plan to travel up the mountain. Residents and employees on the mountain are exempt from the new fee. This fee is expected to help improve and preserve some of the area, according to U.S. Forest Service reports. Mt. Lemmon passes are $5 per day per vehicle. The annual pass is $20.

More Mount Lemmon information, video clips and photos

Coronadio National Forest Districts:

Sierra Vista Ranger District 1-520-378-0311

Douglas Ranger District 1-520-364-3468

Safford Ranger District 1-928-428-4150

Nogales Ranger District 1-520-281-2296

What to do when you get to the top of the mountain. Stores, restaurants and sites to see.

The winter 2008-2009 snowfall season at Ski Valley. Hours, information and resources. RSS weather reports.

Continuously updated RSS weather reports on Mt. Lemmon and driving conditions from weather.com. Links to Mt. Lemmon weather web sites and phone numbers.

Video Clips

Fire on the Mountain. Watch a video clip from TEP looking at the Catalina Mountains during the 2003 fire. Other videos of Mount Lemmon and Summerhaven.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality Scenes Spin the images and zoom in for more detail on VR scenes of Mt. Lemmon and Summerhaven.

Mt. Lemmon Photos

Up Mt. Lemmon Drive Up Mt. Lemmon- over a dozen photos, video clip movie, views of new growth, Summerhaven progress

Summerhaven renewal. See how Summerhaven looks.

Drive up Mt. Lemmon : Photo tour up the mountain to the Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley. See Nixon Head Rock.

Drive Up Mt. Lemmon

Take an early winter drive up the mountain. Large photos and video clips of scenery, rock formations, and the latest construction pictures of Summerhaven.

Mt. Lemmon Shopping, Dining, Entertainment & Culture:

Connect Online to Mt. Lemmon

Mt. Lemmon Internet links. Hiking spots, camping, Forest Service information, road conditions, etc.

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