Escape the Summer Heat at the Tallest Peak in Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains

Published
Escape the Summer Heat at the Tallest Peak in Arizona's Santa Catalina Mountains

If you need a break from the sun, this popular summer getaway in Arizona is a great stop. Mount Lemmon stands at 9,157 feet, making it the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and it is a haven for anyone wanting to escape the heat. Temperatures can measure up to 30 degrees colder on average compared to the Tucson summer weather.



Throughout the year, tourists and locals alike make the drive up the mountain areas called “Sky Islands.” The name comes from the diverse environments, plants, and animals you can find across the mountain ecosystems, making it seem like you’re not in the desert at all. The colder weather isn’t the only draw to visitors — there are so many things to do all year round. Summer brings the crowd for outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, or visiting Rose Canyon Lake. Spring and fall are great for that Instagram-worthy foliage and laidback activities like birdwatching. And the fun doesn’t stop in winter, as you can visit the southernmost ski destination in the country at Ski Valley.

Getting to the mountain is an attraction all on its own, as the Catalina Highway – also called the Mount Lemmon Highway – is a famed scenic road. Once you’ve explored Tucson, a UNESCO City of Culinary Excellence in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, you can drive to the Catalina Highway from East Tucson and get to the mountain in about an hour. The drive is stunning, with the ever-changing landscapes delivering picturesque scenery straight from a postcard.



Go hiking and cycling in Mount Lemmon

The Mount Lemmon trail framed by greenery

If there’s one thing you’ve got to do around Mount Lemmon, it’s go hiking on the mountain’s many trails. An easy trail to start with is the Meadow Trail. This loop trail is 2.17 miles long and takes about an hour to complete. If you’re up for the challenge, the Mount Lemmon Loop is the trail recommended for advanced hikers. It takes an average of five hours to finish and is 8.4 miles in length. It may be considered a difficult trail, but the panoramic views are stunning. Hikers recommend following the GPS and being prepared for some climbing and rough terrain.

See also  Discover the Hidden Gem of Disney: Budget-Friendly Dining at Secret Restaurant Lounges

If you’re more comfortable on a bike, Mount Lemmon is also quite popular with cyclists. In fact, a lot of pro cyclists train on the route up the mountain. The ride on Mount Lemmon Highway typically takes about five to six hours to complete, and is between 41 and 60 miles long with a sustained 4-6% grades and a climbing elevation of 6,000 feet.



Don’t miss stargazing and visiting Summerhaven

The highway with the town entrance sign to Summerhaven

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.