Tour stop
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
About The Tour
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.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Hike trails through lush pine forests.
• Explore breathtaking Windy Point Vista.
• Visit the cozy Mount Lemmon village.
• Enjoy skiing at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
• Stargaze under the clear desert sky.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Hike trails through lush pine forests.
• Explore breathtaking Windy Point Vista.
• Visit the cozy Mount Lemmon village.
• Enjoy skiing at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
• Stargaze under the clear desert sky.
About the tour
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.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Hike trails through lush pine forests.
• Explore breathtaking Windy Point Vista.
• Visit the cozy Mount Lemmon village.
• Enjoy skiing at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
• Stargaze under the clear desert sky.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Hike trails through lush pine forests.
• Explore breathtaking Windy Point Vista.
• Visit the cozy Mount Lemmon village.
• Enjoy skiing at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
• Stargaze under the clear desert sky.
STARTING POINTS
-Tour begins in Tucson just after turning off East Tanque Verde Road at the Safeway and onto the East Catalina Highway
RECOMMENDED START TIME: 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
-Tour begins in Tucson just after turning off East Tanque Verde Road at the Safeway and onto the East Catalina Highway
RECOMMENDED START TIME: 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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1. Welcome to the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour Preview
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Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Map
Explore Tour Map
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Windy Point Vista
Tour stop
Hoodoo Vista
Tour stop
Palisades Visitor Center
Tour stop
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
Tour stop
Summerhaven
Tour stop
Marshall Gulch Picnic Area
Tour stop
Rose Canyon Lake
Meet the Creators
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rayne Warne
Writer & Managing Editor
Favorite Quote:
"Stories are machines inhabited by a god." - Bonnie Friedman
Ray Bartlett
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
Adam Kampe
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." - Bob Dylan
Purchase Options
1.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
$ 12.99
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Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour go?
This tour has 17 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!
2. What should I pack for the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour?
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
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
3. What should I budget for the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour?
Park entry: While it’s free to drive up Mount Lemmon, an $8 fee is required to park at many of the stops. This is a Standard Amenity Fee, paid to the Coronado National Forest. You can pay the fee online or at one of the unmanned fee collection stations (affectionately called the “iron rangers”) and place the receipt on your dashboard or rearview mirror.
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: $17 to ride the chairlift; $65/adult ($35/child) to ski
Snacks like fudge, cookies or pie: $8-$15
Gifts/Souvenirs: $20-$50
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: $17 to ride the chairlift; $65/adult ($35/child) to ski
Snacks like fudge, cookies or pie: $8-$15
Gifts/Souvenirs: $20-$50
4. What are the scenic drive’s hours for the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway?
The road is open 24 hours a day, but we recommend driving and hiking during daylight hours.
5. Can I join the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour en route?
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.
6. Can I take the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway tour in the opposite direction?
No, this tour is only available in one direction.
7. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s like having a tour guide in your car, sharing stories and local insights as you drive. Unlike other navigation apps, we’ve planned the route for you, so instead of focusing on directions, you can focus on the experience. This means you can’t customize the route, but that’s kind of the point. You’re still in control though, you can skip stops, go at your own pace, and explore freely. It’s not just about getting there; it’s about enjoying the journey.
8. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.