Practically in Tucson's backyard, Mt. Lemmon provides much more than a place to escape the desert's heat. It's also one of the best birding sites in the country, a popular challenge to bicyclists and an easy way to experience the same vegetation zones one would see driving from Mexico to Canada.
Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson
Mt. Lemmon is in the Coronado National Forest, rising more than 6,000 feet above metropolitan Tucson, home of the University of Arizona. The summit is 9,157 feet above sea level, and a safe, well-paved highway takes visitors to the small village of Summerhaven, near the top, in just an hour's drive from the city.
Along the way, there are multiple places to pull off and enjoy rocky crags, hoodoos and the spectacular views. In early October, forests of Aspen turn color in the upper reaches of the mountain, and winter snow fuels the nation's southernmost ski area. Trout fishing can be found at Rose Canyon Lake, and eight campgrounds provide a range of overnight experience for tent campers as well as those with RVs or trailers. Some of the campgrounds are suitable for picnicking, in addition to designated picnic sites.
