Touring Mt. Lemmon

The temperatures are often 30 degrees coolers than the spot we are standing at now. If you plan to be on the mountain after sunset, bring a sweater or light jacket even in the summer. During the winter, jackets are a must is the Tucson temperature is less than 75 degrees F.

Mount Lemmon is the pinnacle of the drive up the mountain. Even after the vast destruction by the 2003 Aspen Fire, the mountain is coming back to life. As you drive the newly rebuilt Mt. Lemmon highway, the damage done by the suspected careless cigarette is apparent. Yet, new plants and leaves still manage to sprout.

The Catalina Mountains are making an amazing comeback as new grasses, trees and shrubs start to sprout. A strong winter storm season helps to ensure a lot of spring growth and flowers.

Road projects are finished. If the weather looks like rain in Tucson, or snow on the mountain, be sure to call ahead to make sure the road is open- there is only one road up the mountain.

Photo: (top) Large saguaro cactus at the base of the Catalina Mountains near the entrance to the Coronado State Park.

(below) Looking towards the city of Tucson near the base of the Catalina Mountains. Photo by Yuki Saruwatari

Next Stop : Starting the Ride Up To Mt. Lemmon

Mt. Lemmon Entertainment Magazine

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The huge saguaro cactus often takes more than one hundred years to reach heights such as this. The Sonoran Desert which extends south into Mexico is spotted with gardens of saguaro cactus. The Sonoran Desert is the only area on earth where saguaros grow.

Frog Mountain Blues (Paperback) by Charles Bowden, Jack W. Dykinga (Photographer)

Climbers guide to Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon Highway Tucson, Arizona by John Steiger