Where is Mount Lemmon?
Usa, north-america
52.3 km
2,792 m
easy
Year-round
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Mt. Lemmon Highway, also known as the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive! This 32.5-mile beauty winds its way up to the 9,159-foot summit of Mount Lemmon, just 45 miles north of Tucson, Arizona.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Expect some serious climbing – we're talking a leg-burning average gradient of 4.27%, with ramps hitting a max of 10%! Over the course of the drive, you'll gain 7,329 feet in elevation. It's a cyclist's dream (or nightmare, depending on your perspective!). The road is paved, but very large motorhomes, trailers over 22', and buses might find the steep grades and sharp turns a bit challenging.
Construction of the road was a long process, started in 1933 and not finished until 1950!
So, why should you make the trek? First off, the views are killer. Think sweeping vistas and crazy rock formations. You'll find plenty of pull-offs to soak it all in. Plus, the summit is about 20 degrees cooler than Tucson, making it a perfect escape from the desert heat. In winter, prepare for snow – Mt. Lemmon gets an average of 200 inches! Road closures are possible due to weather, so check conditions before you head out. Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to drive the whole thing without stops. Named after botanist Sara Plummer Lemmon, it's got a unique history, too!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 52.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,792 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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