Mount Lemmon Recreation Site
The Mount Lemmon Recreation Site, denoted as Mt. Lemmon Day Use Area on the Recreation Visitor Guide, is near the summit of Mount Lemmon in a mixed conifer and aspen forest. The site offers shady picnic sites, mountaintop views, and access to hiking trails.
Two "M"s in Lemmon?
In 1881, Emerson Stratton, a local rancher, led botanist J.G. and Sara Plummer Lemmon to the top of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Mr. Stratton was so impressed with Mrs. Lemmon that he named the peak after her on the day they arrived at the summit. Mt. Lemmon is one of the few peaks in the United States named after a woman.
As a botanist, J.G. Lemmon discovered and documented many southwestern plants. However, it is now widely believed that Sara Lemmon in fact collect and described many of the plants, including mustard, spurge, fern, milkweed, and senecio.
Mount Lemmon Recreation Site Photo Gallery
Active Alerts
General Information
Year-round, but the access road beyond Mt Lemmon Ski Valley is closed in the winter.
Day use only. No overnight camping. No trailers. Pets must be on leash. Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness.
Day-use: $8 per vehicle
Weekly: $10 per vehicle
Buy a pass online, or purchase a pass on-site with cash or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes.
Pets must be on leash at developed recreation sites.
Address: 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone: (520) 749-8700
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway, drive northeast on Catalina Highway to the Coronado National Forest boundary, then continue approx. 25 miles to the turnoff to Ski Run Road. Turn right and follow Ski Run Road past Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley to the parking lot on the left.
Travel Considerations
This site become inaccessible by vehicle when the winter gate is closed at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
Parking
Parking in the dirt lot is limited. Do not block the road or access gate to the observatory.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
There is limited accessibility at this site, as much of the area is gravel.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Multiple stone picnic tables scatter the area.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Trailers are not permitted at the Mount Lemmon Recreation Site. Parking is available for horse trailers prior to the trailhead at the Radio Ridge Communication Site dirt parking lot.
Other Amenities
Vault toilets are available.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Horse Camping Info
Trailers are not permitted at the Mount Lemmon Recreation Site. Parking is available for horse trailers prior to the trailhead at the Radio Ridge Communication Site dirt parking lot.
Horseback Riding Info
Trailers are not permitted at the Mount Lemmon Recreation Site. Parking is available for horse trailers prior to the trailhead at the Radio Ridge Communication Site dirt parking lot.
Recreation Groups
SUMMERHAVEN and the SUMMIT AREA Less than one hour from downtown Tucson, perennial water, picnic areas, and a network of wooded trails offer recreation opportunities for al