Self Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Driving Tour
- 9–10 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert like never before on our Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour! In the comfort of your own vehicle, we'll take you on a journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Catalina Mountains, providing stunning views of the desert landscape as you climb to the summit of Mt. Lemmon. Turn your phone into a personal guide on this self-guided tour that shares fascinating insights into the area's geology, ecology, and history, including the unique wildlife that calls this area home. You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning vistas at multiple stops, taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, our Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour is a perfect choice. Book your tour today and discover the magic of this iconic Arizona destination! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*
Inclusions
What's included
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
What's not
- Private Transportation
- Optional Meals and Refreshments
Itinerary
This lovely overlook gives a sweeping vista of the Sonoran desert plain, Tucson, and the mountains beyond. Mount Lemmon is part of the Coronado National Forest. entry fee is $8/vehicle.
A pretty canyon that makes for a nice view, especially pretty when there’s water down in the creekbed.
Hike down along an often-dry river and look for ancient grinding holes left by the Hohokam culture, used for turning acorns into flour.
Take in great views of nearby Thimble Peak as well as view a rushing cascade of waterfalls on the opposite side of the ravine, though they are dry much of the year. Good spot to see wildlife, too.
Windy Point Vista in Arizona offers travelers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges and canyons. Wait for sunset or just marvel at the beauty of the landscape below you.
Hoodoo Vista in Arizona offers travelers a unique and mesmerizing landscape of tall, thin rock spires (hoodoos) that have been formed by millions of years of erosion. Visitors can hike along the trail to get up close and experience the otherworldly beauty of these geological formations.
Here you can hike to Barnam Rock and the further Leopold Point. San Pedro Vista in Arizona offers travelers a scenic overlook of the San Pedro River Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic views, go hiking along the trails, and spot wildlife in the area.
Stop here to use the restroom, ask the rangers questions, or perhaps buy a souvenir.
This peaceful spot was recently ravaged by wildfires. You can view the mountains far across the valley amid charred trunks of trees.
Find a picnic table and enjoy a relaxing bite amid tall pines, with chirping birds and views of the San Pedro valley far, far below.
In season, January through early February, you can actually enjoy skiing here, but the chairlift operates year-round, whisking you to the summit in about 15 minutes, where you can view near 360 degree vistas of Tucson, the San Pedro valley, or even as far as New Mexico.
What this tiny hamlet lacks in size, it makes up for in heart: Grab tasty fudge, enjoy a giant, freshly made cookie, have a sit-down dinner, or find a nice trail to hike. It’s all here in quiet Summerhaven.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Tour begins in Tucson just after turning off East Tanque Verde Road at the Safeway and onto the East Catalina Highway Recommended Start Time: Before 11:00 a.m.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Shaka Guide Apps
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that while some areas of Mount Lemmon offer accessibility features, such as designated accessible parking spaces and curb ramps at scenic stops , the mountainous terrain and limited public transportation options may pose challenges for travelers with specific accessibility needs.
- Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
- The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
- Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
How it compares in Tucson
- Its from-price is 78% below the median of the 98 experiences we list in Tucson.
- It is longer than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Tucson
Tucson is a Sonoran Desert city in southern Arizona, ringed by mountains and saguaro cactus forests, with Spanish missions and a distinctive food culture.
Tucson lies in a desert valley in southern Arizona, surrounded by the Santa Catalina, Rincon, Tucson and Santa Rita mountains and by forests of tall saguaro cactus. The historic downtown has adobe barrios, Mexican-influenced architecture and the University of Arizona. Mission San Xavier del Bac, a white 18th-century Spanish church on the southern edge of the city, is known as the White Dove of the Desert.
Top-ranked sights in Tucson: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Old Town Artisans.
Special offers in Tucson
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
