Mt Lemmon Annual Picnic

Just outside Tucson, the road begins to ascend. The saguaros thin out, the air cools (between 10 to 15 degrees), and the desert slowly gives way to oak, pine, and fir forest. In less than an hour, you’ve traveled from the Sonoran Desert floor to alpine woodland at more than 9,000 feet above sea level.

The Catalina Highway, often called the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, climbs about 27 miles from the Tucson valley floor to the forests near the summit. Along the way, the road gains over 6,000 feet of elevation, passing through several distinct ecological zones. It’s essentially a road trip through multiple climates.

You’ll start among towering saguaros and ocotillo, then transition into oak woodland, pine forest, and eventually cool alpine terrain near the top. There are many scenic stops worth pulling over for along the way. Summer brings cooler temperatures than Tucson and is the best time to visit.

Things to do:
Scenic views
Ride the chairlift
Picnic areas for lunch
Tour through Summerhaven
Visit the lodge
Stop at one amazing pull-out

Please bring your lunch and plenty of water.

Mt. Lemmon is about 2.5 hours from Phoenix with stops for comfort and gas. The shared cost for the rental van (includes gas) $40.

Due by July 2nd

Please send shared cost through Zelle