Skip to main content
Site Open
Recreation Region: Santa Catalina Mountains

Palisades Visitor Center

The facility has a parking lot and deck, along with the interpretive center, and is maintained by the Santa Catalina Ranger District.

The Visitor Center is where people can gain a brief introduction to the natural and cultural history of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mount Lemmon. The material and staff available are there to ensure that the visitors will have a safe and enjoyable stay and will treat the natural resources with respect and appreciation.

The Palisades Visitor Center is located adjacent to the parking lot. The staff provides information about trails on the mountain, as well as answering questions about plants and animals common to the area. Books, mementos of Mount Lemmon and Southern Arizona and inexpensive maps of Mount Lemmon and the surrounding area are offered for sale through the Public Lands Interpretive Association. Free Forest Service information is also available in the bookstore.

Download the Mount Lemmon and the Catalina Highway Recreation Guide in English.

Descarga la guía de recreación en español a Mount Lemmon y Catalina Highway.

General Information

Summer hours (March 1 - December): 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily
Winter hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday - Sunday

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.

Getting There

Directions

The Palisades Visitor Center is located at milepost 19.9 on the Catalina Highway.

Parking

Yes

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Groups

Catalina/Mt. Lemmon Hero

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

Last updated February 18th, 2025