A smartphone displaying a scenic route for Mt. Lemmon Picnic Bypass with a map and distance details. 1

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and distant mountain ranges. 2

Self Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Driving Tour

By Shaka Guide Apps

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
10h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

Activity location

Babad Do'ag Trailhead
- East Mount Lemmon Highway
- 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

East Catalina Highway
- East Catalina Highway
- 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

Check availability

Self Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Driving Tour in English

10h
Opening hours: Tue 12:00am-11:30pm
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Price details

CA $18.45 x 1 TravellerCA $18.45

Total

What's included, what's not

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
Private Transport
Optional Meals and Refreshments
Parking
Chairlift
Skiing (per adult)

Know before you book

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 transport options may pose challenges for travellers with specific accessibility needs.
Travellers 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.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travellers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
No food until Summerhaven at the top — stock up on snacks and water before you go
Wear layers — desert heat at the bottom, possible snowpack at the summit
Altitude sickness is possible — if symptoms occur, rest, hydrate, or descend to a lower elevation

Activity itinerary

Babad Do'ag Trailhead

5m
Admission ticket not included

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.

Molino Canyon Vista

A pretty canyon that makes for a nice view, especially pretty when there’s water down in the creekbed.

Molino Basin Trailhead

Hike down along an often-dry river and look for ancient grinding holes left by the Hohokam culture, used for turning acorns into flour.

Seven Cataracts

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

Windy Point Vista in Arizona offers travellers 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

Hoodoo Vista in Arizona offers travellers a unique and mesmerising 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.

San Pedro Vista

Here you can hike to Barnam Rock and the further Leopold Point. San Pedro Vista in Arizona offers travellers 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.

Palisades Visitor Center

Stop here to use the bathroom, ask the rangers questions, or perhaps buy a souvenir.

Aspen Vista

This peaceful spot was recently ravaged by wildfires. You can view the mountains far across the valley amid charred trunks of trees.

Loma Linda Picnic Area

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.

Mt Lemmon Ski Valley

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.

Mt. Lemmon Community Center

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.

Marshall Gulch Picnic Area

This great loop hike offers incredible views and a nice, moderate, work-up-a-sweat hike for those looking to stretch their legs for a while.

Rose Canyon Lake

This placid, pine-rimmed lake is sometimes so calm it mirrors the sky, offering insight and reflection or perhaps just a nice photo or two. You can snack near the shore, walk around the edge, or even fish if you’ve got a licence and rod.

Geology Vista Point

Geology Vista offers travellers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the geological formations of the surrounding area. Visitors can see how different layers of rocks and sediments have been shaped over time to create the beautiful and diverse landscape, and learn about the geological history of the region.

Bug Springs Trail

Bug Spring Trailhead in Arizona offers travellers a picturesque hiking trail that takes them through a dense forest of tall pine trees, past a refreshing mountain spring, and up to the summit of the nearby mountain peak. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and possibly spot some wildlife. A fun hike for folks who want one last chance to get out of the car and onto a trail for a while.

Gordon Hirabayashi Campground

Get in some good camping! Open from October to April, and there are bathrooms.

Location

Activity location

Babad Do'ag Trailhead
- East Mount Lemmon Highway
- 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

East Catalina Highway
- East Catalina Highway
- 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

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