Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
5
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Top ways to experience Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway and nearby attractions

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  • Trish-Edmonton
    Edmonton, Canada135 contributions
    Mt. 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 2022
    Written 3 January 2023
  • GLM
    San Francisco, California997 contributions
    Dramatic Desert Views
    This 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 January 2023
  • RoverP
    Inverness, United Kingdom700 contributions
    Superb views and changing scenery
    This 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 January 2023
  • Dawn M
    17 contributions
    Gorgeous scenic drive with cookie reward
    The 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 2023
    Written 31 January 2023
  • Aran T
    1 contribution
    Awesome! 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 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 February 2023
  • Dianna G
    Las Cruces, New Mexico45 contributions
    Glad we went
    Perfect 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 2023
    Written 22 February 2023
  • BonnieAndEva
    Hershey, Pennsylvania70 contributions
    Great 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 March 2023
  • KDAA
    East Hartford, Connecticut805 contributions
    Glad we took the drive
    We 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 2023
    Written 2 May 2023
  • static0123
    Port Orchard, Washington85 contributions
    Great drive and desert study
    Excellent 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 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 3 May 2023
  • stevieray502
    Harleysville, Pennsylvania70 contributions
    Breath Taking Vistas
    This 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 May 2023
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Les J
Murrieta, CA640 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Mid-day, mid-week, mid-November was a great time for this drive. I would have hated it with vehicular & cyclists traffic. Great views along the way; really wasn’t much at the summit. Nice bathroom at the community center. None at the visitor center.
Written 16 November 2023
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.

NYU62
Tucson, AZ18,041 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Yesterday, Friday 8/11, was an overcast and rainy day, but we had made plans to meet our daughter and son-in-law on top of Mount Lemmon for lunch. Usually, we drive up, when it is 115 + degrees in Tucson, so this was more of an unusual experience.

We have been many times, but each time, the drive takes our breath away. it is so gorgeous, and to think that it is so close to the City. Driving up the mountain, it was drizzly, and then, it turned to heavier rain, just as we reached Summerhaven. There was an Arts and Crafts Fair going on, and people were huddled under their tents. We had not known about it, but were so disappointed that it was raining too hard to stop, and check out their wares.

However, did stop at the General Store for their heavenly fudge. No trip up that mountain is complete without buying some fudge. Even though it was raining, there were still people walking dogs, and picnicking under a large umbrella. When we left our home, the car thermometer showed 97 degrees outside. At the top of the Mountain, it showed 60 degrees, and we were happy that we had come prepared.

There are many pull outs on both sides of the road. Yesterday, it being foggy/hazy and rainy, the views were not as great as usual, however, the rock stacks were, as always, simply amazing.
Written 12 August 2023
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.

bostonfiveo
Hingham, MA56 contributions
May 2023 • Family
This is well worth it! So amazing and the scenery is gorgeous. We had four teens and they were amazed also. We did not go to the top where the ski mountain is located but did hook left and go into the small town for some yummy fudge at the general store. The ride down is so much faster than the ride up!
We got out at one point near the top where the most amazing rock formations were located and we all climbed on them. I wish I knew what it was called but you can't miss it. The views were absolutely spectacular (see photos).
Written 12 June 2023
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.

Lakota1
San Francisco, CA16 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Beat the heat of Tucson and enjoy the scenic drive, please stop at the many scenic stops and enjoy unparalleled views of Tucson, Oro Valley and the San Pedro River.
Written 30 May 2023
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.

NekoCat
Franklin, MA641 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Enjoyable day trip to Mt. Lemmon summit. Beautiful drive up the mountain with various viewpoints to stop off and take in the vistas. As you gain elevation the cacti disappear and landscape turns to stone, pine trees and aspens; the temperature also starts to drop – bottom temp was 84 in early May and at the top 55 degrees and windy (bring layers).

We hiked Marshall Gulch Loop trail which was 3.8 miles total with an elevation gain of 880 feet and rated moderate. The trail was challenging in parts and there is a lot of fire damage which made the trail unclear at times. Recommend to use a trail app on your phone to stay on the correct trail. There are rewarding mountain panoramas and raw nature to reflect on.

Highlight was enjoying the monster sized peanut butter cookie from the Cookie Cabin after our hike. Watch out for cheeky squirrels who will steal your cookie in an instant.
Written 27 May 2023
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.

Teresa W
Lake Havasu City607 contributions
May 2023
A friend who lives in Tucson recommended this drive and it was very worth it. I typally don't like high mountain roads, but I felt very safe on this one. There were lots of scenic viewpoints from which to see the vast valley and rock formations. We also appreciated the oodles of pull outs to allow traffic to pass. It took us about an hour to reach the top, stopping for a lot of photos along the way. It was a nice way to get out heat and city traffic for awhile.
Written 10 May 2023
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.

Chrissy
Elstow, UK71 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We drive up to Summerhaven whenever we come to Tucson and it’s a beautiful drive up and down. There are plenty of rest stops and some stunning sights along the way. Well worth the time and completely free.
Written 10 May 2023
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.

stevieray502
Harleysville, PA70 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This 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.
Written 4 May 2023
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.

static0123
Port Orchard, WA85 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Excellent 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.
Written 3 May 2023
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.

KDAA
East Hartford, CT805 contributions
Apr. 2023
We 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.
Written 2 May 2023
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.

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Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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