santa catalina mountains

It's an hour's drive up a winding mountain paved road with stunning views, lots of pull-off opportunities, a small ski area near the top with fun year-round facilities--a sky island wonder!

I have traveled the Mount Lemmon HIghway a number of times, and each time I go, I find something different. At the right time of year, species of flowers and birds are plentiful. There are many trails and canyons and other byways, each offering its own habitat with unique species. Other species can be found different places. I like to go to take pictures of birds and flowers and of the scenery.There are several good places to get beautiful sunset views. Probably the best place is Windy Point. Park and walk out the trail to the rocks that offer an unobstructed view west. There are restrooms at a number of stops, including this one, and there is a rock there which is frequently used for rock climbing.One of my favorite places to go is Marshall Gulch. You reach it by driving through Summerhaven (an interesting and beautiful town in its own right with some cabins that remind me of the Swiss Alps), and then a short distance thereafter. The birding there is good, and you can see cow parsnip and columbine in season, as well as other flowers. I also like to go to Inspiration Rock Picnic Area, Incinerator Ridge, Molino Canyon Vista, and many other places and trails too numerous to mention. This mountain range belongs on the map as a major birding area.Temperatures in the summer are pleasant in the high altitudes. In winter, they get snow (if they're lucky) and there is skiing. Other times of the year, you can take a ride on the ski lift.The climate zones going up the mountain are varied; it has each climate zone of the world with only one exception. The vegetation grows accordingly.If you love natural beauty, this is a must-see when you are in southern Arizona.

The sheer size and expanse of this mountain range was a surprise to me. If planning ahead to hike, have several alternate hikes planned. Many areas of the mountain appeared to be burnt out and changed our day. Happily, there is still much that is spectacular. The Green Mountain trail was rugged and challenging enough to provide a memorable hike.

A huge percent of the Tucson population chose to live here and I think a big part of our decision was the Catalinas.

America is full of beautiful places - and this is one of them. I like mountains and I like the pristine feel of a desert landscape - so for me, what's not to like about the Santa Catalinas. I love visiting Biosphere and you get a great view of the Santa Catalinas from there.

The Catalinas are beautiful! Many different ecosystems on the way up in elevation. Hiked for half a day and could have hiked there a week! Bring water and a camera!

I've hiked almost every trail in these mountains and they are all wonderful. For the adventurous, there are secret pools to explore. Every foot of these mountains is wonderful from the cool pine forests of the top to the saguaro filled foothills below.

Beautiful in the Winter and in the summer, see all for Tucson from the top. Even has some good snow in winter for some great fun

From the West - the Mt. Lemmon Highway route from Tucson is a well maintained and fully paved road - In mid September, 2012 we rode our Honda Goldwing from Tucson up Mt. Lemmon. We enjoyed the ride in both directions as there was little traffic and we could spontaneously pull over to the vista parking areas. We have done this ride a few times over the years both by car and motorcycle however we decided the next time time we needed to check out riding up the East side of the mountain. From the East - (20 miles or more of dirt road which closes for the winter months) From Arizona Highway 77 take the Oracle exit. It is just a few miles through Oracle before you veer to the right and take the road which will take you up the East side of the Catalina Mountains and to the top of Mt. Lemmon. There is a "V" in the road where there is a small sign indicating the way to Mt. Lemmon. The paved road goes for a couple of miles and the remainder of the way is a dirt road. A few miles up the dirt road we came across a camp ground. At this juncture there was a sign posted notifying of the winter road closure (Mid-December to early March). If you enjoy back roading this is one road to check out. Most of the road is wide enough for one vehicle however we had no problems pulling over for vehicles coming down the mountain. The road is full of twists, hairpin turns, blind spots, and the closer you get to the top the road narrows and the turns tighten up. The views were terrific and you could see the after math of the Apsen Fire of 2003. It takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to travel up the mountain. We decided to not do the return trip down the dirt road and opted to drive the paved highwayback to Tucson. We would recommend the East route for folks who have a heavy duty vehicle and strongly recommend you not try driving your car as there are several areas that you could bottom out on. Also, if you decide to take the dirt road from Mt. Lemmon and down the mountain to Oracle make sure your brakes are in good working order. You will be in low gear most of the way down and will use your brakes often.

On the top you have Mt Lemmon, great hiking in the Late Spring, summer, and early Fall. Many trails all the way up the Mt. Lemmon highway. On the Bottom of the range you have Sabino Canyon recreation center on the south side of the Catalina's, and Catalina State Park on the North side. Both Parks are also 5 star.

We drove up to around 6500 or 7000 feet and hiked from there. I can't remember the trail names as my uncle was my guide. After hiking 2 hours we sat on a rocky vista, eating some snacks, admiring the view. Then we hiked 2 hours back to the road. The hike was moderate, some steeper inclines, but mainly well kept trails. there are more speciaes of trees and plants up in the altitiude where rain and cooler temps are more prevalent than in the desert valley of Tucson. The views were spectacular. I only wish I had time to make it to the top of the mountain and back. Bring water, beware of mountain lions and bears, snakes, etc.

My husband and I brought our three children up here hiking and had a blast. The scenery is beautiful, and there is hiking for all difficulty levels. The summit walk on Mt. Lemmon is very easy for kids, and beautiful to see the views of Tucson from the top. The weather up here was nearly 20 degrees cooler than down in the desert as well. We really enjoyed these mountains and will definitely be back when we stay again in Tucson!

If you are near Tucson, you simply cannot miss the trip to Mount Lemmon. It's downright breathtaking. Imagine starting out in the hot and dry dessert with rocks and cactus as far as the eye can see covering the mountains then suddenly you begin to feel the air become brisk and see evergreens covering that same mountains with, depending on the time of year, snow and skiing, all in less than an hour's drive. It's beautiful, and definitely a "don't miss" when in Tucson!

I live in Tucson, and consider this a must-do drive for visitors. The scenery is spectacular, and people are surprised that you can drive from the Sonoran Desert to Douglas-fir stands in such a short time. Lots of hikes to pick from. Lots of great hikes in the Catalinas.

The drive up to Windy Point on Mt. Lemmon is just beautiful...and then you get to the top! What a gorgeous place and it has a view of all of Tucson. That was as far as we went but next time we will go all the way to the tippy-top.