Mount Hopkins #184 Scenic Drive

The Mount Hopkins Road twists and climbs its way to the upper reaches of the second highest peak in the Santa Rita Range. This narrow, winding mountain road provides access not only to magnificent views but also to the Smithsonian Institution’s Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, home of the third largest optical telescope in the world. The 4.5-meter Multiple Mirror Telescope, or MMT, is jointly operated by the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona. Views all along this mountain-climbing route are breathtaking, but because the road is a twisting single lane of dirt without guardrails, the drive will require your full attention. The first few miles of the route leading to the mountain, have been paved to provide access to the Whipple Observatory Visitor Center. There, you can learn some interesting facts about the MMT and about observatories in general. You can also make reservations for a day-long field trip that not only takes you up the mountain but offers a tour of the astrophysical site as well. If you choose to drive up the mountain, you won’t be able to get to the observatory or the summit of Mt. Hopkins, since the last three miles are open for guided tours only. Although the open portion of the road does provide dramatic views, there are few turnouts to stop and enjoy them. One of the best overlooks is at the turnaround at the observatory gate where the vista encompasses much of southeast Arizona. There is an amateur astronomy vista along the road at the base of the mountain where concrete pads and benches provide locations for setting up small telescopes. Interpretive signs offer information about astronomy in the Santa Ritas and the area’s geology, plants and animals.

At a Glance