If you’re planning a day trip packed with mountain views, cool forest air, and some of the easiest (and prettiest) pull-offs in Southern Arizona, this Mt. Lemmon Travel Guide covers everything you need — from the best scenic stops to the Cookie Cabin lunch you absolutely shouldn’t skip. The scenic drive up Mount Lemmon is one of the most iconic things to do near Tucson, and it’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the area.
You can also see my full review of the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain if you want a great place to stay nearby.
Mount Lemmon is the perfect mix of desert landscapes, pine forests, and viewpoints that look like they’re straight out of a national park. Whether you stop at every pull-off or keep it simple with the highlights, here’s exactly how to plan your day.
The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway starts out with those classic Tucson desert views and slowly transforms into high-elevation forests. The drive itself is one of the most beautiful in Arizona, and it’s an easy half-day experience if you start early.
Summerhaven has a few options for food. The Cookie Cabin is the star — especially if you want a giant plate-sized cookie or a slice of pizza. They also serve sandwiches and ice cream. A nearby sandwich shop and a sit-down restaurant give you other choices if you’re not craving carbs the size of your face.
If you’re torn between the cookie sampler or the full cookie, go with the full cookie. It’s softer, fresher, and honestly just more fun.
Past Summerhaven, there’s a restaurant near the ski lift. In summer, the lift runs like a scenic ride up the mountain. Check the operating days because they are not open every day. At the top, walk up the road on the right for an even better overlook.
I did all of these stops in a half day by starting early, but if you want extra time for hiking or wandering, plan for a full day.
Many people stop here to buy their day pass if needed. The view is nice but more of a warm-up. If you’re short on time, you can skip it.
Some people recommend Thimble Peak Vista, but I prefer Seven Cataracts. The canyon drop-offs and sweeping views are better, and it’s a great quick photo stop.
A small viewpoint with rugged rock formations and a nice angle of the winding road. Worth a short stop.
This is the must-do stop on Mount Lemmon. Take the paved path near the buildings and climb onto the rocks for dramatic views of the valley below. Wear tennis shoes because you’ll likely step up and down a few uneven rocks. This was my favorite stop of the entire day.
A cute mountaintop village with a general store, a few shops, and the Cookie Cabin. Stop here for lunch before heading to the ski lift.
Ride it in summer for panoramic views. Then walk up the road to the right at the top for an even better photo spot.
A quick informational stop with maps, restrooms, and rangers who can answer questions.
Loop back here after the ski lift. Bring $11 cash because they don’t take cards. Ask the ranger for directions to the trail — it’s slightly confusing the first time.
Once parked, head down the stairs by the bathrooms to find the lake trail. You can take the short lakeside path or the one-mile loop around the entire lake.
You can stay on Mount Lemmon for sunset, but I prefer ending the day at Gates Pass in West Saguaro National Park. It’s one of the best sunset spots in Tucson. The parking lot fills up quickly, so arrive 30–60 minutes early. Many people go to the stone building on the right, but I like the trail that starts on the opposite side of the lot. Hike up the mountain for incredible views.
If you’re already exploring the west side, you can check out my guide to One Day in Saguaro National Park West and end with the sunset here.
Before you start winding up the mountain, it helps to know how the pass system works. The signs can look confusing if you’ve never driven it before. The good news: many of the best overlooks are completely free.
These passes cover the standard day-use areas on Mount Lemmon. Just display it on your dashboard:
Annual Pass
Senior Pass
Military Pass
Access Pass
4th Grade Pass
Coronado Pass
Day or Week Coronado Pass
You can purchase a day pass for $8 or a week pass for $10 at the automated fee machines along the road. Display the pass on your dashboard after purchase.
These developed day-use areas and trailheads require a pass:
Molino Basin Trailhead
Middle Bear Picnic Area
Palisades Visitor Center
Box Elder Picnic Area
Marshall Gulch Trailhead
Lemmon Rock Day Use Area
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Inspiration Rock Picnic Area
These spots have maintained facilities like bathrooms, picnic tables, and trash bins.
Many classic Mount Lemmon overlooks are completely free:
Babad Do’ag Vista
Molino Canyon Vista
Windy Point Vista
Thimble Peak Vista
Seven Cataracts Vista
Geology Vista
Aspen Vista
Summerhaven
Incinerator Ridge Trailhead
Box Camp Trailhead
Butterfly Trailhead
Red Ridge Trailhead
If you don’t see a fee sign, you’re good to go.
Some campgrounds (like Rose Canyon and Whitetail) are reservable online, while others require payment on-site. Each one is clearly labeled at the entrance.
If you’re just doing the scenic drive, viewpoints, ski lift, and Rose Canyon Lake, half a day works — as long as you start early. But a full day gives you time to explore, hike, and wander without rushing.
If you’re planning a longer Tucson itinerary, you can learn more in my post about A Weekend in Tucson, which includes Mount Lemmon along with other great options.
If you have multiple days in Tucson, you can come back to the area for popular hikes like Seven Falls or the trails in Sabino Canyon. These are great add-ons if you love longer, scenic hikes.
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
