Page Updated: March 20, 2023
Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway
Geology Vista Point - Mt Lemmon AZ
Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway - also known as Catalina Highway, Sky Island Scenic Byway, and General Hitchcock Highway - is a 27-mile scenic route traversing 6000ft of elevation. The dynamics are such that motorists (and avid cyclists) travel through several distinct ecological zones: beginning in the lower Sonoran Desert among the Saguaro, mesquite trees, and jumping cholla cacti; through the Oak Woodland zone of evergreen oaks and manzanita; and ending in the Mixed Conifer Forest zone containing fir, spruce, and Aspen groves. The route mimics the dramatic landscape changes seen traveling from Mexico to Canada and is one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona.
Sky Island Scenic Byway-Mt Lemmon AZ
We drove Mt Lemmon Byway several times during our 2wk Arizona visit. Watching the terrain change gradually in either direction neat experience. Several scenic overlooks dot the highway. Windy Vista Point, peaking over a portion of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness and its nearly 57k acres of bluffs, peaks, and valleys, is one of the most popular. There are also a number of picnic areas, trailheads, and campgrounds (fees apply) as you work your way up (or down) the mountain.
We stopped at the Babad Do’ag Scenic Overlook each time we passed to appreciate the views overlooking Tucson, but the seeing the city from Geology Vista Point is even better. And seeing it at night from either location is particularly picturesque.
For those looking to learn more of the area while enjoying the drive, there’s a highly rated app created by the University of Arizona that visitors can download and listen to on the journey. The app features “a narrated hour-long science tour in six sections with suggested vista stops along the way.” (Apple ) (Android)
For a hands-off approach, the Tucson Mountain Shuttle offers options to the top of Mt Lemmon.
Summerhaven - a little village where one can pop into the Mt Lemmon General Store and grab souvenirs or homemade fudge. Or, pop into the wildly popular Cookie Cabin and grab a treat - it’s all the rage! We arrived late in the afternoon and most places were closed or near closing for the day, so chose arrival times wisely.
Ski Valley - the southernmost ski resort in the continental United States. Lifts are used for scenic Sky Rides in the offseason!
And the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter - an observatory offering stargazing tickets and “a rare opportunity to view the universe in a way that most of humanity will never experience.” An experience we missed, but is at the top of the list on our next trip to Tucson.
At the peaks sits:
The greatest perks of enjoying the byway in late spring/early summer is the temperature change! After time in the 90°+ heat of the Tucson Valley, it was refreshing to enjoy the cooler weather on the mountain!
scenes from the byway
-b&b
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Sabino Lake Loop
