Mt. Lemmon
A Virtual Video and Photo Tour
Where is Tucson, Arizona?
- Tucson, Arizona (approximately 2,400 feet above sea level) is
just 60 miles north of the Mexico border and about 150 miles south of
the capital city, Phoenix- and about 500 miles east of Los Angeles and
the ocean). Tucson is one of the last of the wild frontiers, being the
oldest inhabited city in North America (inhabited first by the Hohokam
Indians around 100AD). The valley is home to a half million people who
dwell in this Southwestern U.S. desert environment. Visit EMOL's Tucson Home Page with maps, history, current events and home pages for dozens of groups and businesses.
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From The Desert Sands To The Forest Snow
Mt. Lemmon is a rare jewel in the Arizona
desert. Jutting up 9,000 feet above sea level, this magnificent mountain
peak stands amidst the pale backdrop of the sparse desert sand and
cactus.
- 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, now under 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
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