Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
10300 E Ski Run Rd, Mount Lemmon, AZ, 85619
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley Menu
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Address :
10300 E Ski Run Rd
Mount Lemmon, AZ, 85619 - Phone (520) 576-1321
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Troy W.
Hmmm.. Is my review really even needed.....Sure it is. This place is great. 30 degrees cooler than the valley, has a lake, trees (remember what those are?) great trails, camping, a ski resort. Southernmost ski resort in North America which just makes it down right cool. A few not enough but a few cool little shops for treats like fudge, ice cream, burgers, cookies. Incredible scenery etc, etc. blah blah blah. Oh yeah they get snow up there so you actually have a real reason to wear you beanie and mittens not just that is dipped below 70 so everyone is cold because our blood is so thin. Go ahead check it out I promise you will have fun.
(5)Madison S.
What do you mean you haven't been up Mount Lemmon yet? Get off of Yelp and GO NOW! Stunning desert oasis at the bottom merging into a spectacular pine forest at the top. Seasonal snows in the winter, and about the only place to hike/bike/climb/etc without roasting in the summer. Simply amazing views and scenery. The back road to the mountain is also fun, if you have a four-wheel drive. The road gets pretty rough! There are some great eats in Summerhaven. I've been to both the Cookie Cabin and the new one, I think it is called the Saw Mill or something similar. And there are several great hiking trails where the road through Summerhaven ends.
(5)Chase B.
The people of Tucson are so lucky to live so close to this gem. In 27 miles one covers 6 different life zones from the Sonoran Desert to a mixed conifer forest, much like those in areas much farther north of the equator. The drive is fun (if you're a fan of winding, steep drives - best done with a standard transmission) and the ride is beautiful. I would not recommend trying to look at the views while driving, you'll end up getting to the bottom of the mountain in a very painful, albeit quicker, fashion. This past weekend my boyfriend and I went camping at Molina Basin, it's the first camp ground you come to and, while it's just 15 minutes from the bottom, it's high enough that there are fewer cacti, different birds, and bear lockers. The site has quite a few spots available, some more secluded than others. If you're looking for a campsite that is removed I would recommend going elsewhere - probably all of the camp site in Molina Basin have a view of the highway. But, it's really great for people looking to get out without making the 40 minute drive to the top! Ski Valley hosts a great Oktoberfest in the fall - always nice to get away from the heat, put on a sweater and drink a beer while watching polka dancers! Summerhaven has a cookie shop (separate review), a restaurant and a general store if you don't want to eat on the camp grill. It's a gorgeous spot and it will no doubt take years for me to camp at all of the available sites and hike the hikes. There's also mountain climbing and skiing if you're into that! Go there!
(4)Paula B.
"Such a beautiful drive up for 22 miles! The views are breathtaking and billons of yrs in the making. End your trip at the 9157 elevation and enjoy time in the town of Summerhaven... High in the Catalina Mts its worth the 3 hr round trip journey
(5)Aurore L.
Ski in Southern Arizona??!?!?!? $*QE*R&@Q@? Yes my friends - Mt Lemmon is high enough (9157 ft) to be graced with snow now and again - and there is a sweet ski lift to access the top of the slopes. And it remains open during the hotter months to serve as a cool ride over the mountain!! I felt like I was in Switzerland - and was almost expecting to see Heidi running bare-footed under my seat... Old-fashioned, incredibly slow but so, so fun!! Go there during the Oktoberfest and grab a beer and a sausage afterward!!
(4)Wes B.
Mount Lemmon. Whats not to like? Scenic. Hiking, Biking, Climbing, Skiing, Shooting great place to ride your road or mountain bike!
(5)Emily R.
Mt Lemmon is a great place ot visit year round...especially in the summer to escape the Tucson heat! It's about a 30 - 45 minute drive from the bottom, and significantly cooler (temp. wise)! Although I'm an avid skier, I've never skied at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley...there are only a few runs, so I would rather make the 4 hour jaunt to the White Mountains if I have the ski urge. Ski Valley also hosts the Mt Lemmon Oktoberfest, in which I had the pleasure to attend a couple years ago. Nothing too crazy...just some yummy German food and German dancers in lederhosen! Summerhaven is nearby, they have some cute shops, and delicious eats to satisfy your hunger! Whenever I go camping with friends, we always go to the Mt. Lemmon area (Mt. Bigelow, usually). It's always cool, and it's nice to spend some time under the treetops for a night to change things up!
(4)Christine P.
WOW.... is all I can say about Mt. Lemmon. It really is one of the bests of Tucson! I'm not sure what's cooler, to see the bicyclists ride like the wind, or to get away from city slickers?! Hehe, I'd say BOTH! There are lots of picnic sites, hiking areas, and campgrounds! Don't forget your cameras for the pull outs to capture breathtaking pictures. Come here to escape the Tucson heat, it's always about 10 degrees cooler than the city. Thank Goodness! Summerhaven, is at the very TOP of Mt. Lemmon. There are a few great things to say about Summerhaven, it is 8000 ft elevation, 2 miles away from the ski lodge, has houses, cabins, for rent and SALE, a general store, two restaurants, one I haven't tried and the other one is the COOKIE CABIN! All I have to say about the Cookie Cabin is keeping making the giants cookies with the yummy pizzas and I'm all yours! =) There are about 10 pull outs off of the route to get to campgrounds. My first time camping and I'm glad we chose Rose Canyon campground to camp at. Rose Canyon, specifically, has about 6 different sites. 2 are reserved for RVs, 4 are first come first serve, and 1 is on a reserved basis only. The pay station for the camp sites is right in front of the entrance, if there isn't anyone to help you. Drive around, see if it's free, fill out the slip, and slip it into the box! At the end of Rose Canyon, there is a lake where you can fish, but a state and trout permit is required. Decent sized, quite, and a different scenery to look at. There is also an amphitheater right before the lake, which I'm not too sure what is for, but it's there, and a closed convenient store! There are restrooms with toilet papers available around the campgrounds, keep in mind there are no sinks! With each restroom post, there are water faucets available in front for DRINKING purposes. THE BEST part of camping... sleeping under the stars. Honestly, I might drive up here once a month just to visit the stars again. They were amazing and humbling. Have fun and PLEASE keep nature as beautiful as you first saw it. Please clean up after yourselves!
(5)Huntting B.
It is close by and thats nice:) if you live in tucson. Driving out there i was really confused cause i couldnt see anything that looked like it could have snow. But then you get into a valley and there you go! It is also very cheap. In this case however you get what you pay for. Grooming consists of shoveling ice from the hill down onto the trail. :( The rental equipment is pretty abysmal, so come here if you are bringing your own equipment. No...I'm seriously...like the boots are coming apart, the boards have giant pieces of wood missing, the bindings are seemingly from another century...
(2)Sitha I.
I've lived here for 15 years + and one of the top reason why I love Tucson is Mt. Lemmon. Its a short drive just to see a beautiful thing. Well, it does take about an hour to get to the top but time flies when your distracted by the amazing view. You can visit any time of the year and this place is just stunning. Dont wanna drive too far up? Windy point is a great turnout spot, barely half way up with the best view of tucson. Make it on time and you can see the sunset over the mountains. You will find a lot of Tucson locals in this area. Ski Valley/Summerhaven is open Thursday to Monday if you wanted to stop at a coffee shop or have dinner at the Iron Door restaurant. Otherwise, the whole park is open to explore. Come during the winter when and its the perfect snow slope for beginners or to warm up for the season. This is where i learned to snowboard!
(5)Anna J.
We drove up to the top of the mountain late in the afternoon, stopping several times along the way at the lookouts, and to take pictures. It's just beautiful, and the views are breathtaking. It is so interesting how things change as you go up the mountain. First its pretty warm and there are cacti everywhere. As you continue driving up it gets cooler...and cooler...and the cacti give way to pine trees. Then you arrive at the top and its downright COLD, and there is snow. Its amazing how in a half hour drive things can change that much before your eyes. I imagine it must be very refreshing in the summer. The only drawback for me...since I am prone to motion sickness, my tummy was NOT a happy camper with all those twisty windy roads. But the views and experience were worth it.
(4)Nali M.
i've fallen in love with mount lemmon! it's truly one of tucon's treasures. from my side of town (east) you can escape into cooler weather and beautiful scenic views in just half an hour! my husband, daughter and i enjoy camping at the different camp sites on mount lemmon. they are all great and very well taken care of. rose canyon is great for the summer time, and in the fall/winter months i thoroughly enjoy molino basin camp grounds. mount lemmon isn't just for camping, though. they have a variety of things to do for outdoor enthusiasts.
(5)Kristen S.
The beautiful drive up was a highlight of our trip to Tucson. My fiancé was getting impatient as we drove up since I'm a sucker for scenic vistas, but every minute of the drive was stunning. My favorite overviews were Babad Do'ag, Seven Cataracts, and Windy Point. Windy Point was probably the pinnacle, so if you're running short on time, you can turn around there and not really have missed anything (at least if you're from the North and have seen snow and pine trees before). That being said, you should do the whole drive! It's all awesome! We didn't visit Arizona expecting to see snow, but it was a really neat experience. We drove up in the afternoon (it took about 2.5 hours stopping a lot for photos), and managed to get back down to Babad Do'ag just in time to catch a gorgeous desert sunset. Memorable and beautiful, definitely a must-do! Since we had limited time in the city, we actually chose this over a hike (even though we're avid backpackers), and have no regrets!
(5)Terry Y.
This and Sabino Canyon are my favorites in Tucson, AZ. The view is just spectacular and the change in topography is obvious with the rise in elevation. During Dec., you'll get from desert to snow in under an hour. That is pretty amazing! I swear there is gold in the Catalina mountains. There just can't be that many sparkling rocks lying about! The rocks here are so pretty! If I lived here, I would become a prospector and mine them hills! lol Seriously, this place is great and is one of the best places to visit and explore.
(5)David L.
Please note, this review is of the rental shop only!: Staff is nice enough, however the equipment is trashed. Some boards don't have stomp pads, and all the boards I saw had chunks missing from the surface. Boots are also worn out. Worst part of all: rental deposit. This place requires a $300 deposit when you rent equipment. I asked whether this is a $300 hold, or whether $300 is actually deducted. I was told that it was just a hold, and that the receipt would be torn up when the equipment was returned. This is not a $300 hold!! They actually deduct $300 from your account, and then issue a refund when you return the equipment. Anyone that has stayed at a hotel knows how these deposits are supposed to work. They authorize the full amount, but don't actually charge it. When you return the equipment, they tear up the authorization and don't convert it to a purchase. In theory, if you took off with the equipment, the authorization turns into a purchase. Again, Mt. Lemmon actually charges you the full $300, and then refunds you the $300 when you return the equipment!! That means that you have to wait for the initial purchase, and the return to both be processed. As of today, several days later, I still have a -$300 transaction, but no +$300 credit. As anyone who has ever returned something on a credit card knows, returns can take days, even up to a week to process. Mt. Lemmon needs to get their act together in regard to rentals. Learn how to process an authorization correctly so that it protects both the rental shop, and doesn't inconvenience the customers.
(1)Ami L.
"A visit to Mount Lemmon is a scenic hour-long drive from the desert floor of Tucson to a lush, regrowing, forest over 9,000 feet in the sky." -- Entertainment Magazine ( emol.org/tour/mtlemmon.h… ) The views? Pretty & a little scary. The weather? Windy & cool. The drive? It's jolly good fun on a motorcycle, but made me a little dizzy when we went up in a truck. On the way down, though... boy oh boy, was that fun. :D Be careful on the road, as there are lots of cyclists. There's hiking trails & stops along the way. There's not much to do once you get to the top. Depending on the time of day, you might be able to grab some pizza or fudge. There's a skiing place & a restaurant that I haven't checked out, so I can't really comment on them. Even though there's not much to do, I've gotta give it four stars since there's great views & nice weather. & because it's nature, & for the most part, I like nature. :)
(4)Michelle C.
Mt. Lemmon is a great place to go all year round. During the winter, there is snow and during the spring and fall, it is a great place to hike and during the summer, awesome that it is much cooler as you go up higher! From the standpoint of road biking, it is a great place to train. You can park your car at the corner of Tanqueverde and Catalina Hwy. There is a shopping plaza (with a McDonalds) and start biking up Catalina Hwy. It is 26 miles from the base to the town of Summerhaven at the top. There are stops along the way at mile 5, 11, 14, 19 and 21. In particular, there is NO WATER available until mile 19 at Palisades although there are restroom stops at the other "stops". It is a gentle and gradual uphill and is a good place to learn how to climb on the road bike. The views and the change in scenery from the full on desert landscape to the wooded forest as you get closer to the top are amazing. The hiking trails are amazing and really fun. In particular, the Butterfly Trail is a good 6 mile hike. I love how it can be 90 degrees in the city and yet only a nice cool 75-80 degrees closer to the top. Unfortunately, I feel that Summerhaven itself at the top is not all that much to see. There is a rustic country shop with some fudge (I didn't find the fudge super great or anything) and a cookie/pizza shop. I am not a fan of cookies or pizza so I can't really say if it was great or not. There are a couple of other small shops that one could stroll through. Right before Summerhaven, there is also a turn-off on the right side that leads to the skiing and a restaurant. There is a small trail and if you continue up, you reach the observatory. If you are on a bike, this last little bit of road from the ski lift to the observatory is very steep and the road is very pot-holed! Oh, and there is a place before mile 19 that is called Rose Canyon. It is a great place to camp out and get away from school for a week(end) and there is a fishing "lake" that is often restocked. Overall, this is a great little place to go for all kinds of activities throughout the year!
(4)Saba B.
Having been a Lemmon-head for 15 years, I am writing only about the ski operation. 2011-2012 is the first year in memory that the skl hill has been open on a regular basis, so we have been taking full advantage. Attention business owners of Lemmon: skiers and boarders should not be relegated to porta-potties. Y'all have running water, and the fire was almost ten years ago, so let's buck up and hire a contractor. I don't need a chair holder, but the lift operator might consider hand warmers as many Tucson skiers are novices. Come out of your booth. The Mount Lemmon Ski Patrol earned max stars. These venerable silver foxes in rear entry boots are wizened, seasoned, funny, and personable. They are patient caretakers of the hippie schussers, not flashy Oakley-wearing castle guard types. The Mount Lemmon ski report is not detailed, but "open" and "closed" are clear. Conditions are often icy (no grooming), but the runs are wider than you'd expect here, and mogul lovers will be in their element. The Iron Door is the only restaurant up here, and while the menu is limited to vaguely German standards and uninspired soup, the Brat Hunt on sourdough is delicious. The interior is in desperate need of an update, but the service is decent. The best thing about Mount Lemmon is watching the temperature rise from 32 to 70 degrees during the 36-minute descent. Bless you, sky island!
(5)Rachael J.
We visited Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley during the summer months... so I can't comment on the ski season. But I can say that we had a great time here without snow. This is such a nice escape from the desert heat and we truly felt as though we were in another part of the country. During the summer the gift shop is open and you can purchase tickets to ride the ski lift to the top of the mountain. I think the tickets were $7 each, but we used the Groupon we snagged earlier this year. The ride to the top was so peaceful and relaxing. I think it was about 10-15 mins each way. The view of the valley below is spectacular. We wanted to hike around at the top but had trouble finding a good trail--next time we will ask the ski lift operator. There is also a sit down restaurant on-site, but I can't speak for it. There are only porta-potties available for use at the ski lift... I can't imagine that is super user-friendly while donning ski gear in the winter. If you are looking for a true ski resort this probably isn't your place.
(4)Bill C.
What an amazing place! Fantastic views and vista's as you see the multitude of different landscapes and climates that Arizona has to offer! I went up this weekend for the first time. It makes for an epic bike ride, 26 miles of climbing to the top takes 3 or 4 hours giving you plenty of time to take in the views, then a fast ride down generally going the speed of the cars! This should be on every Arizona Cyclists to do list!
(5)Gary L.
We wanted to go in the summer to escape the heat. No info on their site but going up only means you can take their one hiking trail down or ride the lift back down. They wont let you on the grass, you cant hike on your own down the slopes. I asked if we could go eat on the tables on the other side of the facility to eat and we were turned down without any sympayhy...it was more of a blaket NO...They must get tired of explaining but I felt sorry for asking. ...we got on the lift and had no idea what the weather was like up there...we looked at the forecast and said chance for rain after 4p and figured a trip up at 11a would be fine. The management didn't warn us or post policies about the weather, refunds or anything. ...on the lift we got rained on and hailed on. A major thunderstorm developed and we had to wait in a shack to get picked up by a van. I called after we left (suck in the shack at the top for over an hour in the storm) and asked if there was any policy or if we could come back another day. The management has no idea how to run a business. We were told that they don't do anything and that we should know if there is clouds we take the risk. I said, I don't know what the weather does up here! I don't know how fast things can get started...sigh..She even said we should be grateful that they even sent there van up to get us!!! Seriously! Totally rude. I would have been fine with a polite explanation. I said I had my receipt and my lift stubs and when we come back I could show that we had talked, etc. Her response was ridiculous, She said that she would have no idea if it was us that bought the tickets or if it was someone else???!!!!! So now im trying to rip them off for a 28 bucks in tickets for a place that takes an hour and a half to get to! IF YOU ARE GOING IN THE SUMMER! DONT VISIT THIS PLACE! NOT WORTH IT! The views around town and up by the observatory are just as good. For hiking we found out that there are better trails in the area and are free and your dogs can go. Most are near state trails with picnic benches. I will never go back. Worst Service and a poorly ran business. They must not like money.
(1)Kermit S.
Can't wait for the lemmon to open. When there's snow it is amazing! Unfortunately there are many yrs where it just can't open...because we live in the desert (remember). Last season was banner. They had as much snow as Squaw Vally and I got in trouble at work for taking too many snow/sick days lol. Ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon; livin' the dream!
(5)Jen W.
One of the best parts of Tucson, incredible views, amazing to see the cyclists and runners, a place to go skiing, an awesome place to camp if you ever get a chance, and very curvy roads for over 20 miles. Nice escape from the heat; if you go early in the morning, you get to breathe fresh air, see the stars, and sit in silence - it's so nice!
(5)Jennifer S.
We went to this restaurant specifically for the pie because we were told by several people that is was the best pie around. Boy were we in for a disappointment. The eating area (plastic tables and chairs under a tarp) were dirty and there were flies everywhere. Among my family, we had 4 different kinds of pie and none of them were impressive and could have easily come from a box in the freezer section of the supermarket.
(1)Michael F.
Great motorcycle ride up and down...only problem is the other drivers on the road..great views and lookouts
(5)Philip J.
The name says it all ... Mt Lemmon, i knew it would be enjoyable but simple, compared to places like mammoth in California. The giant cookies are good up here and so is a little sledding and such but don't waste your time on the lift unless you jar want to catch some views. The drive there takes long due to old grannies driving Rv's so leave early! And tucsonans should be ashamed of themselves I'm only the third person to review this place and I'm from LA !
(3)Michelle G.
Fantastic drive to the top! We saw a lot of brave people cycling up (and down) the mountain. It's amazing to watch the scenery change from desert to forest. There are a lot of pull offs to stop and take in the scenery - I don't think you'll find these views anywhere else in the world.
(5)Bill B.
The scenery! The drive!! I only wish I had my Porsche for that great road. Even the Top Gear trios would enjoy this road. I am thankful that my tax dollars go towards preserving and maintaining this treasure.
(5)William B.
It's a ski lift, what's not to love? The cost is what.. 8 or 9 bucks. Free if you eat at the Iron Door Restaurant. My friend and I enjoyed a nice cool ride up in April, straight to the top and back down. About 30 minutes round trip? Lots of fun. Was not busy, no snow, just a quiet gentle ride up and down. What else can I say? If you want a ski lift ride this is it! You can walk around at the top where it drops you off, or you can drive up there in your car and hike a nice trail nearby. Lots of fun.
(4)Monica E.
What do I love about Mount Lemmon? It presents a wonderful reprieve from the regional heat. And we are lucky here in Tucson. Phoenix? Phoenix doesn't have the great benefit of having such a diverse geological range. Up there, the city has no high elevation escape from heat when the asphalt starts munching at your rubber soles. Of course, Phoenicians do have excellent access to the White Mountains. But in Tucson, you can find a good range of campgrounds on the mountain, not just Rose Canyon, Spencer and Peppersauce. Trails abound and water sometimes in abundance, it is easy to imagine that you have fallen into some nursery rhyme or fairytale book -- literally. There are also scary things on the mountain: large spiders, snakes and bears. Though you will find that with some planning and common sense, you'll be fine. For those less familiar with the mountain, a few things to know: 1. Mount Lemmon offers a large range of walking and hiking options, whether you are a novice beginning or whether you are training for the Ironman. There also are wheelchair and stroller accessible trails. Be attentive to signage, and be sure to take care during low elevation summertime hiking. 2. Check out the Seven Cataracts, but do not stop there. Also, don't just make a mad dash for Summerhaven. Spend some time at the mountain enjoying the open air. A couple of good places, requiring even a brief hike in, are Box Camp and Bigelow. And know that as you are going up the mountain, many of the trail on the right side of the road present some lovely, wide open views of Oracle. Simply stunning! 3. There is a simply gorgeous picnic area, with a small stream, located across from the Marshall Gulch trailhead. At peak summer season in Tucson, when it is 110 degrees, you can easily find a shady spot that will require a light sweater. 4. The SkyCenter Observatory, run by the UA, is located at the top of the mountain. Be sure to RSVP for the awesome programs offered there. 5. At times, there is so much water on the mountain. You can find little streams, pools and waterfalls all over the place after we've had a nice snowmelt and rain. The Sierra Club is a good resource for planning and exploring: arizona.sierraclub.org/t… This is just a teeny-weeny snippet. The mountain offers so, so, so very much more.
(5)Tzarina W.
Great place out of the city for cooler temperatures, smell of pine trees, peacefulness up the lifts, and music from the Iron Wood restaurant. B Look out for the bear sitting on the lift too! Too cute! $10/adult. Runs continuously. You can bring kids. White and gray sleeping cats at each counter at the little shop.
(5)Jacky K C.
tip: come early or be forced to park far from the resort!! Southern arizona's only place to ski and snowboard. extremely small compared to the ones in california, big bear or tahoe (take your pick) but it gets the job done. they have rentals there so if you didn't bring your board, no prob. the lifts are okay, could be better but not dangerous by any means. has a cafe in case you didn't bring any sandwiches or snacks. overall, if you wanna ski in the desert, mt lemmon does the job
(3)Steven G.
Oh the ways to count how much I miss Mt. Lemmon. I live in Colorado now, so mountains are definitely a part of my life, and compared to the San Juans, Lemmon is tame, but that is not what makes it so special. I'm an avid rock climber and absolutely love the feel of gneiss on a Saturday morning. Most of the 1000+ routes are easily accessible from the highway. There is climbing year round here too, which is unheard of in most of the world. In the summer, look to higher elevations such as the summit crags, or ridge line and munchkinland. In the winter, hairpin, bear canyon or really anything below 6000 ft elevation. It is AZ after all, even if it's cold, the sun will most likely be out radiating warmth off the rock. I also have an addiction to snowboarding, and have been to ski valley many a time. If you don't expect world class runs, and if they have sufficient snow, you will not be miserable. It can get icy, and they don't groom, so make sure your edges are razor sharp, or wait for fresh snow. No terrain park, but I've brought a shovel up and made a few of my own before, so choose your own adventure. It's a place to hang out and day drink by your car, then hit a lift with no line. You can also get to the top and hike out to some tree runs if you feel so inclined. The view of Tucson from the top is splendid. The name of the game on Lemmon is diversity. When I tell people I'm from Tucson, it's the standard, "it's so hot and flat there" not true, at least entirely. Mt Lemmon makes up for the 110 degree summers with beautiful desert at the bottom, high grasslands and scrub oak in the mid elevations and sub alpine conifer forest at the top. Plus, it helps make Tucson to be considered the #1 climbing city as rated by climbing magazine.
(5)Karin K.
Beyond beautiful views! Multiple places to park at different levels so you can make your hike as intense or leisurely as you want! The ski lift was running and takes you round trip for $10 a person, but they still charge you $10 to just go down.
(5)William K.
Awesome time driving up the mountain and seeing all there was to see. Can't wait to visit again! Highly recommended, way better than I thought it was going to be!
(5)Beepers P.
Our family stayed on Mt. Lemmon during our trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral show. It was fantastic. The hour long drive up and down the mountain was fun and beautiful. We stayed in the Heaven on Earth cabin owned by some locals. One day we did get snowed in and couldn't drive down the road (because we are southerners and do not know how to drive in snow), but the local store was open, so we were able to get some food and toys/activities for my two year old. And I didn't mind being stuck on that mountin for a day. So beautiful. I will go back for sure!
(5)F N.
There are no lap belts on the ski lift for children or adults! If you have a squirmy child on your hands, stay put! It is not worth it. The views are incredible coming down but quite frankly, you can get the same views standing on the ground too!
(4)Isabella J.
We sure are lucky to have Mount Lemmon pretty much on our backyard, truly on of Tucson's best places. Mount Lemmon gives so much back to all of us Tucsonan's whether we are seeking an athletic experience (via cycling, hiking, running, walking, and even paragliding), camping, fishing, picnics and even skiing. Yep. There really is a ski hill in Southern Arizona, and yes, it has more than one run. It has 22, thank you very much! For the unfamiliar, Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Catalina Mountains, just over 9,000 feet! Aside from being an outdoor haven, Mount Lemmon is also home to the Mount Lemmon Observatory/Steward Observatory Telescope. Awesome, right? Other attractions include: Summer Haven: Which is essentially the top of Mt. Lemmon. Here you'll find the famous cookie cabin & pizza, the general store and fudge! Bring your friends, family, and dog! Everyone is welcome here. Ski Valley: Just a couple miles above Summer Haven you'll find Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski resort in the United States. Unfortunately, ski season is hit or miss since we don't always get consistent snow fall. I can't speak to the quality of the runs because I've never been. If anything, I'll go sledding! Is that allowed? Mt. Lemmon boasts all kinds of trails for every level. I recently did the Meadow Loop trail which is an easy 1.5 mile loop. I didn't find it difficult, but there are some steep spots to watch for. Depending on your pace, you can get a decent workout out of this one. The Wilderness of Rocks trails is a challenging 8 mile down and up hike. It's pretty rocky and steep and takes about 5 hours. Bring plenty of water and snacks! -Rose Canyon is a great spot for camping and a fishing lake. -There's an annual Oktoberfest celebration at Ski Valley. It's awesome! It's outdoors, the weather is cool and crisp, they offer free rides up the ski lift, Polka music, beer and brats! It's not to be missed. If you've never been...do it! The drive alone is incredible; literally starting the drive surrounded by mesquite trees and saguaros and ending at the top with pine trees and fresh air! A note to drivers: Mount Lemmon is a destination for cyclists (including the pros). It's important to drive the speed limit and watch out for them and share the road!
(5)Carrie B.
We drove up the hill to see the ski lift because we heard it was open in the summer. We were not disappointed! 2 people per lift meant one of our group rode alone and I'm glad it wasn't me! I was stunned by how high up we were and the ride up was easier for me than the ride down- incredible views, stunning quietude and chilling heights! I had my squirmy toddler with me but, she did okay. I can't say that for another baby who was going down as we were ascending--She was FrEaKiNg OuT! So beware there are no lap belts-just safety bars that lower over you. If you think your kid might freak be prepared to play it cool and hold on to them. I took a chance taking pictures but, I couldn't help myself! My toddler was only a little tense as we came over the summit on the descent but, since I am a master distract-er we avoided a meltdown! It was really a great surprise to a day I didn't expect to be so cool when I woke up!
(4)Jenny Y.
I don't live in Tucson but when I was there many time to visit, I LOVE Mt. Lemmon!!!! Summer or Winter...doesn't matter. Why? Beautiful and majestic place. You get a scenic hour-long drive from the desert floor of Tucson to a lush, growing forest over 9/000 feet in the sky! It's a long winding drive up there but boy, the view is great. We event stopped at times just to get out of the car, and walk around to enjoy the breathtaking view of Tucson. =) You'll experience a wide spectrum of life zones along the route, from lush forest to scrubland. The granite tower of Mt. Lemmon are visible from the trail. You'll even find unusual formations of stone in the Wilderness of Rocks trail. Elevation Gain: 3,450 ft Trailhead elevation: 6,100 ft Top elevation: 9,300 ft Length: 6.3 total miles Best time to go: April - October You can camp, walk, hike, run, bike, fish, picnic, ski/snowboard here! This is the place for everyone and anyone. At Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, you'll have an awesome adventure skiing/snowboardin there! There is a ski school and you can rent equipements. Lift tickets are reasonable price for All Day and 1/2 Day (after 12:30 pm). WOW...70+ is FREE and so is child age 12 under. (Anyone skiis/snowboards at age 70????) Hungry? Go to Summerhaven. This is a must-go place in Tucson. One of my favorite places there. Multiple outdoor activities for you to enjoy while enjoyiing the beautiful view and get in touch with nature. =) 5 stars way way way up!
(5)Jennifer S.
Highlight of our weekend...absolutely stunning views on the 25+ mile drive up the mountain! You go through many different climate zones and the temperature drops about 25 degrees, so come prepared with proper clothes. Your drive ends in Summerhaven...a quaint little town with a few conveniences. Make sure to take advantage of many of the pullovers to take some great photos. This is a MUST do for those visiting the Tucson area.
(5)Kevin C.
It's beautiful up in the mountains especially during the wintertime. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, get in your car, and enjoy the drive up for the gorgeous scenic view of Tucson while playing in the snow!
(4)Jerry G.
This is always a good trip whether it is winter, summer or some time in-between. For winter fun, when there is snow you can go to Ski Valley and enjoy the slopes. You can also stop along the side some where up the mountain and make a snowman or go sledding. During the other months you can enjoy a nice ride up to the cooler weather. I typically enjoy going up and down on my motorcycle. As mentioned before with the other motorcycle rider you need to be careful because there are a lot of bicycle riders going up and down the mountain as well. You will find the mountain pretty empty in the morning and during the week days. If you go on the weekend or holiday there are a lot of people going up and down. As mentioned with other reviews there are nice places to relax and eat either in Summerhaven or at Ski Valley. If you enjoy going off the beaten path, there are many trails to adventure off to with a lot of scenic places to visit on those trails. Enjoy
(5)Joy P.
spur of the moment getaway and totally worth it! we all loved the beautiful scenery coming up the mountain and you won't even notice that your trip is an hour long. All the lookout point we stopped at is breathtaking. We took as much pictures as we can and the view never disappoints. My son who is kind of leery hiking up mt. lemmon totally loved it and can't get enough of it and i was the one who kept shrieking whenever he and his dad would go on the ledge and climb the rocks. There is also a bunch of little souvenir shops and restaurants at the town atop. On winter season you could also ski there and they have ski lifts that'll take you up higher and we'll surely come back here.
(5)Cheryl M.
There's a reason that Lance Armstrong trains in Tucson most every year and the reason is the Mount Lemmon highway. I can't say I've ever braved the climb but many do. I don't believe I've ever driven the highway and not seen a group of bikes. You start off at about 2,557 ft surrounded by saguaro cactus and mesquite trees and climb as high as 8,198 ft to pine tree vegetation and cool air. The ride down must be a rush as you'll see the bikes usually bypassing the cars!! If you're not up for the ride, the drive is a beaut! There are several pull-offs along the way; one of the most popular being Windy Point where you'll find hikers, rock climbers, picnics and more. Be careful driving in this area, lost of pedestrians and bike traffic. If you do make it all the way to the top, perhaps enjoy some lunch at ski valley, ride the ski lift up during all times of the year and don't forget to go to Summerhaven and get you some famous, mouth-watering fudge. Fudge and I have a love/hate relationship but that's usually one of the only reasons I go to Summerhaven, other than the obvious nice temperatures! Mount Lemmon is a must for visitors as well as Tucson natives.
(5)Matt E.
So to put it lightly, my mom (who lives in Tucson) doesn't get out much. So while visiting her I came up with the brilliant plan of taking her out for a drive up to Mt. Lemmon for an afternoon trip. I hadn't taken the drive for years and years, so we gas up the rental and head out. The drive is absolutely beautiful, especially during the non-summer months. Although the last time I was up there, it was during the summer...which means that in the course of the drive, you will go from scorching temperatures down in the Tucson valley to much cooler weather as your climb the mountain (at least a 20-30 degree drop). The drive takes you up the 9,000 plus foot mountain with plenty of breathtaking views of Tucson and once you get to the top of the mountain, views of the Oro Valley also come into view. On this particular trip, the upper elevations were covered with quite a bit of snow. Summerhaven is a community located near the summit of the mountain but much of the community is being rebuilt due to the 2003 Aspen Fire. There are many vista points where vehicles can pull over and passengers can take in the many amazing views Mt. Lemmon has to offer. It's quite amazing to watch the progression of the environment as you climb the mountain. You start with mainly cactus littered desert...leading up to rocky mountain passes...and eventually bringing you to mountainous forest covered with huge pine trees. Besides being a drive, you can also hike...picnic...ski...and off-road down the backside towards the town of Oracle. There is a park fee for visitors who plan to do more than just drive up and back down. Definitely a place for anyone in Tucson to visit if they love natural beauty and spectacular views.
(5)Eric G.
Summertime, this place is a mecca for getting out of the valley heat. Cooler temps, blue blue skies, and trees. Honest to goodness trees! Wintertime, this place reminds you what winter is really like for the rest of the country. Well, almost anyways. Still, there's typically enough snow to make it worthwhile if you finding yourself just needing so bad to cruise down a slope on a snowboard or set of skis. It's not the greatest for skiing, but it suffices in a pinch. Chairlift runs year round so even in the summer you can take the ride and enjoy the solitude with views that can't be beat. Afterwards, Summerhaven is a quick jaunt down the road--head on down as a trip up the mountain essentially requires a visit to this small, bustling village. Lastly, don't forget to get some of that delicious fudge to enjoy on the way back down. It goes nicely with the views!
(5)Kati W.
This review is for summer only. I recently drove up Mt. Lemmon and decided to try riding the chair lift for a nice view. It was lovely! The view was beautiful and the ride was relaxing. It also wasn't too expensive. There is not much to do at the Ski Valley other than the chair ride. There was just a gift shop and a small snack stand selling candy and fudge. Remember to bring a jacket, even in summer! I can't wait to come back in winter and actually try some skiing! I have tried in the past, but it's pretty hard to get the weather and snowfall to cooperate in Tucson.
(4)Sharon H.
I've held off on making the trek up since I get pretty carsick, but I am glad that we made the trip as it was a nice cool getaway from the 100 degree Tucson weather in the summer. I still got sunburnt though, which is actually a first ever for me, so be careful even though it feels cooler! Our dog had the best time being off leash. It is definitely a long, windy 25 mile drive from the base of the mountain to the Summerhaven village, but there are numerous vista points along the way to catch a breath of fresh air and snap a shot of the mountains. It's really neat watching the terrain evolve from a sea of cacti to a lush forest of pine trees. After mile 18 or so, you'll start to see signs for campsites, trailheads, and picnic areas. We picked three random trails to do, of which I would recommend the Butterfly trail. It was lush and mostly shaded; the terrain can be a bit narrow and rough. I saw one butterfly.. We also started on the Sunset Trail, but many of the trees had burned down so there wasn't much shade. The trails are a few-many miles long, and we just turned back when we hiked enough. Some of the trailheads have outdoor bathrooms, that were well maintained. Of note though there is no running water (ie sinks or fountains), so definitely bring water and your own hand sanitizer! If you do run out of water, snacks, supplies etc, head to the Summerhaven Village's general store. Don't forget to stop by the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin ! Definitely make a stop at the General Hitchcock Memorial (on the left if you are traveling up)-- there are huge slabs of rock which are impressive in and of themselves as far as their formation, but are also fun to climb atop with expansive views of Tucson.
(5)Rachel F.
Sometimes great memories get 5 stars. We went here for a work party the first time and got to ride the ski lift free. Got stuck in the rain and laughed. Went back again yesterday. It takes about 30 minutes to ride and it's a beautiful view.
(5)Yumi M.
There's a little town in the process of expanding at the very top so just in case you need food or anything, you know there's a community there to help you. Also if you are in need of pizza and cookies, you will be more than satisfied at the cookie cabin.
(5)Karla M.
While visiting Tucson we decided to drive up to the ski lift. While it was hot outside our drive up was nice and refreshing. We stopped at many sites along the way to enjoy the sites and take pics. Getting to the ski lift area I wasn't aware if the lifts we're running so instead we walked around the area. Two gift shops and a cookie sjop5. The ride alone is worth the trip. Everything you can see and do along the way is a bonus to this day trip.
(4)Ayla R.
Just an hour from downtown Tucson and you have a whole different world than our desert! Pine trees, snow, superb hikes and city views. Such a good day trip or weekend camping adventure!
(5)