mt. lemmon scenic byway

JJN96

We loved the drive from Tucson to Mt. Lemmon and back. It takes about an hour to get to Summerhaven, the little town at the peak, but the scenery going up and down are spectacular and changes dramatically. It is also a great way to cool off, as the temps are at least 20-30 degrees cooler. The smell of pines is also a plus.

TravelMN34

Incredible views! Beautiful road trip, though unfortunately we did not have time to drive all the way to the top. Soaked up the sun and grabbed a few geocaches along the way.

290MaryE

Did not visit March 2015 like it says but would not go back a year. This is a fantastic day trip. Scenery is great. Many people bike it so watch out for them.

DonnaJ43059

Some beautiful views you wont want to miss! Food at the top is extremely pricey for what you get! Its not worth stopping for food, just enjoy the outdoors!

FrankO827

We loved the trip. got to the top right at sundown so that was an extra plua for us. We plan to go again sometime

MinnetonkaMikie

Outstanding scenery. Well designed road, lots of pull-offs. Just a great activity.allow several hours minimum. At a minimum drive up to the hoodo's.

tckan

We read lots of reviews here before we went. We were not disappointed. It only has 28 miles from the bottom of the Foothill to the top of the mountain(close to 10000 feet), but it took us close to 4 hours round trip. Along the road, many pullover parking spots allow we took pictures and enjoyed the scenery. From the semi desert to semi grassland, then woodland, then pine trees then the forest.. the geological scenes changes every 1000 feet. It was amazing..the temperature was also changed too. We saw snow on the hillside when we reached the ski area. It was very fun...

Roxyami

It was a beautiful day for a drive and Mt. Lemmon was the destination. The sights at the various stops we made were spectacular and pictures don't do it justice. We ate lunch near the summit at the Iron Door Restaurant - the food was very good and all desserts are homemade.

redklingle

If you love landscape photography, this is the drive for you. Numerous pullouts and vista points that invite indulging in the hobby. Windy Point Vista is the finest place for photos in the Tucson area. Continue all the way for Summerhaven at the end of the road and imagine what it would be like to live in a remote location.

Ready_For_Sun10

Into nature, photography, geology, birds, ? Have 2-3 hours to invest in the best ? The Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway is a must do. Wonderful views that change as you climb the mountain. Loads of different birds to see and hear. The rock formations are just awesome. Don't take this drive if you are on a tight schedule. There are just too many opportunities to explore God's creation. Bring a windbreaker as the temperature difference between the valley and the top can be 30F. Bring water as there are no refreshment stops until you get to the top. One of the best scenic drives ever.

poemasKC

This drive is beautiful on its own. The hiking trails all the way to the summit are special--some allow dogs. We're trying to hike them all. The trees and water are a wonderful contrast to the valley below. Great year round.

travelingcarol2015

This is a spectacular drive. The views are incredible. Stop often at the pullovers and see as much as you can. You can travel from the hot desert to pine forests in less than an hour but try to spend as much time as possible.

Piramidon

Windy drive, nice views. However, who wants to see snow between the cedar trees having escaped for a couple of days from Canadian winter?

TravelLitee

This was a wonderful hiway with several pulloffs to take in the site literally every half mile there are pulloffs totake your time and enjoy the mountain. Saw some deer along the way. There are several hiking trailheads along the way as well. It is definitely worth the drive if you are in the area. Leave at least an hour and a half to complete this up and back with a few pulloffs.

maeganf581

If you come to Tucson, this is a MUST DO!! Its absolutely beautiful. The drive up to the top, is very well taken care of. Side rails, etc..with side parking at periods of your trip up and down. Once you get to the top, as far as driving will get you, take the ski lift up! You won't be disappointed!!