Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert like never before on our Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour!
In the comfort of your own vehicle, we'll take you on a journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Catalina Mountains, providing stunning views of the desert landscape as you climb to the summit of Mt. Lemmon.
Turn your phone into a personal guide on this self-guided tour that shares fascinating insights into the area's geology, ecology, and history, including the unique wildlife that calls this area home.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning vistas at multiple stops, taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you're a natu...
Highlights
From 9 hours to 10 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 9 hours to 10 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Private Transportation
Optional Meals and Refreshments
Parking
Chairlift
Skiing (per adult)
Meeting Points
Departure
East Catalina Highway
Tour begins in Tucson just after turning off East Tanque Verde Road at the Safeway and onto the East Catalina Highway
Recommended Start Time: Before 11:00 a.m.
Return
Important Information
•
Wheelchair accessible
•
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
•
Service animals allowed
•
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
•
Please note that while some areas of Mount Lemmon offer accessibility features, such as designated accessible parking spaces and curb ramps at scenic stops , the mountainous terrain and limited public transportation options may pose challenges for travelers with specific accessibility needs.
•
Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
•
Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
•
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
•
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
This lovely overlook gives a sweeping vista of the Sonoran desert plain, Tucson, and the mountains beyond.
Mount Lemmon is part of the Coronado National Forest.
entry fee is $8/vehicle.
5 minutes
2
Molino Canyon Vista
A pretty canyon that makes for a nice view, especially pretty when there’s water down in the creekbed.
5 minutes
3
Molino Basin Trailhead
Hike down along an often-dry river and look for ancient grinding holes left by the Hohokam culture, used for turning acorns into flour.
1 hour
4
Seven Cataracts
Take in great views of nearby Thimble Peak as well as view a rushing cascade of waterfalls on the opposite side of the ravine, though they are dry much of the year. Good spot to see wildlife, too.
5 minutes
5
Windy Point Vista
Windy Point Vista in Arizona offers travelers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges and canyons. Wait for sunset or just marvel at the beauty of the landscape below you.
30 minutes
6
Hoodoo Vista
Hoodoo Vista in Arizona offers travelers a unique and mesmerizing landscape of tall, thin rock spires (hoodoos) that have been formed by millions of years of erosion. Visitors can hike along the trail to get up close and experience the otherworldly beauty of these geological formations.
5 minutes
7
San Pedro Vista
Here you can hike to Barnam Rock and the further Leopold Point. San Pedro Vista in Arizona offers travelers a scenic overlook of the San Pedro River Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic views, go hiking along the trails, and spot wildlife in the area.
1 hour
8
Palisades Visitor Center
Stop here to use the restroom, ask the rangers questions, or perhaps buy a souvenir.
5 minutes
9
Aspen Vista
This peaceful spot was recently ravaged by wildfires. You can view the mountains far across the valley amid charred trunks of trees.
5 minutes
10
Loma Linda Picnic Area
Find a picnic table and enjoy a relaxing bite amid tall pines, with chirping birds and views of the San Pedro valley far, far below.
5 minutes
11
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
In season, January through early February, you can actually enjoy skiing here, but the chairlift operates year-round, whisking you to the summit in about 15 minutes, where you can view near 360 degree vistas of Tucson, the San Pedro valley, or even as far as New Mexico.
1 hour
12
Mt. Lemmon Community Center
What this tiny hamlet lacks in size, it makes up for in heart: Grab tasty fudge, enjoy a giant, freshly made cookie, have a sit-down dinner, or find a nice trail to hike. It’s all here in quiet Summerhaven.
1 hour
13
Marshall Gulch Picnic Area
This great loop hike offers incredible views and a nice, moderate, work-up-a-sweat hike for those looking to stretch their legs for a while.
3 hours
14
Rose Canyon Lake
This placid, pine-rimmed lake is sometimes so calm it mirrors the sky, offering insight and reflection or perhaps just a nice photo or two. You can snack near the shore, walk around the edge, or even fish if you’ve got a license and rod.
30 minutes
15
Geology Vista Point
Geology Vista offers travelers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the geological formations of the surrounding area. Visitors can see how different layers of rocks and sediments have been shaped over time to create the beautiful and diverse landscape, and learn about the geological history of the region.
5 minutes
16
Bug Springs Trail
Bug Spring Trailhead in Arizona offers travelers a picturesque hiking trail that takes them through a dense forest of tall pine trees, past a refreshing mountain spring, and up to the summit of the nearby mountain peak. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and possibly spot some wildlife.
A fun hike for folks who want one last chance to get out of the car and onto a trail for a while.
30 minutes
17
Gordon Hirabayashi Campground
Get in some good camping! Open from October to April, and there are restrooms.
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert like never before on our Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour!
In the comfort of your own vehicle, we'll take you on a journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Catalina Mountains, providing stunning views of the desert landscape as you climb to the summit of Mt. Lemmon.
Turn your phone into a personal guide on this self-guided tour that shares fascinating insights into the area's geology, ecology, and history, including the unique wildlife that calls this area home.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning vistas at multiple stops, taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you're a natu...
Highlights
From 9 hours to 10 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 9 hours to 10 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Private Transportation
Optional Meals and Refreshments
Parking
Chairlift
Skiing (per adult)
Meeting Points
Departure
East Catalina Highway
Tour begins in Tucson just after turning off East Tanque Verde Road at the Safeway and onto the East Catalina Highway
Recommended Start Time: Before 11:00 a.m.
Return
Items | Self Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Driving Tour