Tucson Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Tour

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 nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, our Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour is a perfect choice.

Book your tour today and discover the magic of this iconic Arizona destination!

Meeting Point

East Catalina Highway

E Catalina Hwy, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA

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.

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

Not included:

• Private Transportation
• Optional Meals and Refreshments

What to expect:

Duration: between 9 hours and 10 hours

Babad Do'ag Trailhead

Mt Lemmon Hwy, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA

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 • Admission Ticket Not Included

Molino Canyon Vista

General Hitchcock Hwy, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA

A pretty canyon that makes for a nice view, especially pretty when there’s water down in the creekbed.

5 minutes

Molino Basin Trail Head

Arizona National Scenic Trail, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA

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

Seven Cataracts

Seven Cataracts, Arizona 85619, USA

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

Windy Point Vista

930 Catalina Hwy, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Hoodoo Vista

Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

San Pedro Vista

Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Palisades Visitor Center

Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

Stop here to use the restroom, ask the rangers questions, or perhaps buy a souvenir.

5 minutes

Aspen Vista

Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

This peaceful spot was recently ravaged by wildfires. You can view the mountains far across the valley amid charred trunks of trees.

5 minutes

Loma Linda Picnic Area

N General Hitchcock Forest Hwy, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Mt Lemmon Ski Valley

10300 E Ski Run Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Mt. Lemmon Community Center

12949 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Marshall Gulch Picnic Area

Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Rose Canyon Lake

Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Geology Vista Point

General Hitchcock Hwy, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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

Bug Springs Trail

Catalina Hwy, Mt Lemmon, Mount Lemmon, Arizona

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

Gordon Hirabayashi Campground

N Prison Camp Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA

Get in some good camping! Open from October to April, and there are restrooms.

5 minutes