If you have never been to Arizona, you may be surprised to know that the state is not only covered in cactus and canyons. Known as one of the sunniest places in United States with its fair share of desert landscape, Arizona is also home to over 193 mountain ranges with several over 10,000 feet and the highest point being Humphrey’s Peak ( elevation 12,633 feet) near Flagstaff.
Home to the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the United States, the flora and fauna of Arizona is quite diverse and offers a fantastic number of amazing hikes ranging from the immense Grand Canyon, to the cactus-coated desert and rugged, pine-scented mountain tops.
The Southwestern city of Tucson where my parents live, is a true hikers’ paradise as the city is almost completely surrounded by mountains. There are five major mountain ranges in Tucson, each with its own flavor and appeal. To the north of downtown Tucson lies the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains which slowly rise to almost nine thousand feet. To the east lies the Rincons which are less rugged than the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Santa Rita Mountains which rise to the south. To the west lie the craggy Tucson Mountains and to the northwest lie the fifth mountain range, the Tortolita mountains.
Nestled high above the Catalina Foothills lies a spectacular place for a day trip: Mount Lemmon. At 9,157 feet, Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains and is part of the Coronado National Forest. It is a special place affording stunning views and a nature lover’s retreat.
A drive from balmy, sunny Tucson up to Mount Lemmon is the perfect way to find peace and also a little winter in Arizona. On top of Mount Lemmon is an actual ski resort which is hard to believe. Yet the Mount Lemmon Ski Area receives about 57 inches of snow annually and its short but steep runs offers “winter on demand” for those living in the desert town below.
The last look at the desert landscape before the cactus disappear and the pines arrive.
Around an hour and fifteen minute picturesque drive from Tucson brings you to another world. As you climb up the breathtaking Santa Cathalina Mountains following the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, slowly the desert landscape begins to disappear and suddenly majestic ponderosa pines line the road. The views along the way are arguably some of the best in Southwestern Arizona with sensational views of the city below and the shadowed mountains in the distance.
The drive from Tucson to Mount Lemmon is breathtaking and there are many lookout stops to pull over and take pictures.
The landscape is dramatic. I find the raw beauty to be serenely peaceful and divine. As you climb higher and leave behind the cactus, you enter instant winter or “winter on demand” as my parents like to call it.
It’s a Saturday afternoon and we notice a lot more cars heading up to Mount Lemmon than usual. Many of the cars have Sonoran (Mexico) plates. We are confused. Yet as we slowly climb up and the snow appears suddenly we understand. Winter on demand. For many, it is the very first time they have seen snow and Mexico is not too far away.
We notice that lots of cars are pulled over enjoying the multitude of picnic areas. There are families, sleds and bonfires. There are many, many smiles.
We reach the ski resort and although the ski runs aren’t open, the ski lift is running to take people up to the top. We decide to reach the top on foot.
Mount Lemmon Ski Resort
There are people sledding everywhere and families playfully throwing snowballs. It is a beautiful day in the mountains, the perfect day for a hike.
Paved road leading up to the top
Gorgeous, ancient pine trees and nothing else but the wind
Like many parts of Arizona, the Santa Catalinas have been devastated by fire. A rampant wildfire ran through the resort town of Summerhaven years ago destroying the town and all the pine trees in its path. The remains of burnt tree skeletons were eerily beautiful.
But the view on top was quite lovely despite the destruction.
Getting there:
From Tucson, follow the Catalina Highway on the northeast side of town. Follow the road up 27 miles towards the town of Summerhaven. You can stop there and grab lunch at one of the local diners or else you can continue on to the ski resort and hiking trails. To get there, follow the road just past the “welcome” sign for Summerhaven and turn right on to Ski Run Rd. There is a parking lot where you can leave your car behind and explore the beautiful world around you.
Wow, Nicole, these photos are SO amazing. Looks like a hiker’s paradise, indeed! I’m sorry to say, I have never been to Arizona.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
Thanks Kathy! Arizona is a beautiful place. I’ve come to really love it as my parents have lived there for 20 years now and I’ve been there a lot. 🙂
RUT!
Stunning pictures!
Thank you! 🙂
That doesn’t look like fun Nicole, right Terry?
Jeff
Ah come on Jeff! You and TA could use a hike! Take my dad along when you’re there in AZ!
Those skeletal remains from the fire attest to the fragility of the landscape.
Yes so incredibly true. There has been a lot of wildfires throughout Arizona and it is always so sad to see the devastation yet the cycle or rebirth and regrowth is amazing too.
This is an awesome gallery ! I love the shadows coming down the mountain!
Thank you! It is such a beautiful place. I love to go there and smell the pines and fresh air. Ah, nature at its finest!
You’re photos do it justice! My boyfriend and I worked for a conservation corps that did trail maintenance on the Canada Del Oro trail, which starts up near the top of Mt Lemmon. It is an intense mountain biking trail and we got to hike into the back country and work from there! It was incredible and the higher peaks in Arizona are gorgeous and you are right, little known. Glad to have found another person who seeks out those hidden gems!
Wow, that sounds so cool! Where exactly can you find the Canada Del Oro trail and how long can you hike it? I would love to try it next time I’m there. I also love to hike on Mount Wrightson. I love hiking around Arizona. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to visit often over the last 20 years as my parents have been there!
Beautiful description and pictures. I would have never put Arizona and majestic ponderosa pine forest together. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Yes Arizona has such an amazing landscape. I’ve traveled throughout a lot of it and I love the pines. My parents spend the summer in the White Mountains which are covered in majestic pines and douglas firs. You would never believe you were in Arizona!
Thank you for the tour, Nicole! Was the snow thick enough for sky there?
Glad you enjoyed Amy. At the time I was there, the ski area was not yet open. I imagine it is now.
Nice set of vistas.
Thanks! 🙂
A ski resort in the desert that is awesome. Such a beautifully unique landscape.
Yes Arizona is quite lovely and a wonderful place to explore! 🙂
I love that you include directions to get there! Very cool. Beautiful photos. I might not get there in person but I can enjoy your visit through your gallery.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the visit! 🙂
I love seeing the snow covered mountain! I’ve only gone up during the spring/summer and taken the lift up to the lookout. Looks so pretty in the winter!
Thanks! 🙂
Beautiful pics! Looks like an absolutely stunning place
Thanks! 🙂
We love the hiking in the Tucson area. It’s been many years since we have been up to Mt. Lemmon. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed! yes Tucson has such wonderful hikes. My dad and I love to go together! 🙂 I’ll be back on Feb. 13th but probably just walking now as he is not hiking for now. 🙂
Glad to see you have a plan for getting out of the cold and seeing your father. 🙂
Me too! And now we have some news to really celebrate! I can hardly wait to go…!!!!
Fantastic! 🙂
Nice shots, Nicole, and happy we’ll be there in March. TA&Rose
Great! I’m glad you will be going in March. Will bring lots of laughs! 🙂
I enjoyed Your beautiful photos really.
Thank you!!!! So glad you enjoyed the pictures.