Arizona

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

DurationDuration 4-6 hrs
DirectionTour Directions 1
tour Tour Stops 11
$9.99

Description

Located just outside of Tucson, this tour features the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Range - Mount Lemmon. You’ll begin your drive in the desert, then make your way up the mountain stopping at overlooks, hikes, and picnic areas. Watch the landscapes change until you reach the summit where you’re greeted by the small village of Summerhaven that sits amid conifers and aspen trees.

Check out our tour FAQ's below for more information.

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Tour Stops

Preview Audio

BABAD DO'AG
MOLINO BASIN TRAILHEAD
WINDY POINT VISTA & SARA LEMMON

Tour Route

Important Travel Info

Safety & Etiquette
Budgeting, Fees & Reservations
Time & Schedule
Suggested Packing List

Water: Bring plenty of water and drink it. Dehydration can happen long before you’re really thirsty.

Sun: Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Many of the trails have no shade.

Cacti: Getting poked is no joke. At low elevations wear closed-toed shoes with good soles and be careful to protect leashed pets.

Snow/Ice: At high elevations, frostbite and hypothermia can occur, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing. Drivers, be aware that slippery surfaces are common, and roads are sometimes closed.

Road hazards: Go slow at all times. Always obey speed limits. Look for animals crossing. Check with the rangers for up-to-date closure information.

Animals: Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter, for their sake and yours.

Pets: Leashed pets are allowed on the trails.  You are not allowed to have a pet unattended in the car, even if the motor is running.

Park entry: $8/car if you’ll be parking

Lunch: $10-20/person (Important: there are no restaurants until you get up to Summerhaven, at the summit, and even then, there are only a few.)

Water: $10

Chairlift and Skiing: $15 to ride the chairlift; $65/adult ($35/child) to ski 

Snacks: $8-15 

Gifts/Souvenirs: $20-50 (really, this is entirely up to you.)

If you time it right, you may be coming down the mountain just in time for sunset at Windy Peak, and while it’s pretty any time of day, you really will be in for a treat at sunset.  If you’re hiking, however, it’s best to go in the morning so there’s plenty of daylight while you’re on the trail. You'll want to spend about 2-6 hours in the park.

Car charger (important)

Phone car mount

Sneakers/Hiking shoes

Hiking Clothes

Water Bottle (it is the desert), EXTRA water (1 gallon per person per day)

Bug Spray

Sunscreen

Sunglasses and hat

Hand sanitizer

Snacks

Cash

Binoculars

Layers - it can get cold on the summit

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Tour FAQs

This tour has 18 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!

  • Phone charger - very important!
  • Phone mount
  • Layered clothing for sun protection and changing temperatures - it can get cold at the summit!
  • Hiking Clothes
  • Refillable water bottles - the desert heat can be unpredictable and cause dehydration
  • Good hiking shoes/sneakers
  • Sunscreen
  • Snacks
  • Hats/sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Bug Spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cash
  • Birders should bring a bird ID book
  • Park entry: $8/car
  • Lunch: $10-$20/person (Important: there are no restaurants until you get up to Summerhaven, at the summit, and even then, there are only a few.)
  • Water: $10
  • Chairlift and Skiing: $15 to ride the chairlift; $65/adult ($35/child) to ski 
  • Snacks like fudge, cookies or pie: $8-$15 
  • Gifts/Souvenirs: $20-$50

The road is open 24 hours a day, but we recommend driving and hiking during daylight hours. 

Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from.  If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience. 

No, this tour is only available in one direction. 

​​Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at 1-888-250-2261.

Purchase BundlePurchase Bundle & Save

Tucson Driving Tour Bundle

$14.99
$29.9850% off

  • Saguaro National Park Tour
    Saguaro National Park Tour
  • Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
    Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Your purchase gives back
Your purchase gives back
Tours never expire
Tours never expire
Money-back guaranteed
Money-back guaranteed

Customer Reviews

Fantastic idea. Allows you a lot of freedom with a wealth of information. Did two tours and had a great time!

Great experience! I love that you can go at your own pace and it's affordable.

Brah- it’s ono!

A unique travel app. Didn’t get us lost, we saw lots of beautiful places and learned about Kauai’s culture. The narration is spectacular and makes the app worth every penny. My husband and son were in tears from laughter. Hope the roosters don’t wake you at the “butt crack of dawn.” Trust me…just buy the app. Thank me later.

How It Works

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