Driving Up the Mt Lemmon Highway - The Most Scenic Road in the Southwest?

The Santa Catalina Highway, otherwise known as the Mt. Lemmon Highway, the Sky Island Scenic Byway, and the General Hitchcock Highway, is said to be one of the most scenic drives in the Southwest. The road climbs from the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona to over 9,000 feet in elevation at the top of Mt. Lemmon, offering amazing views along the way.

When we started the day, there was an excessive heat warning in Tucson, with the temperature well over 100 degrees. As we climbed the mountain the temperature began to drop and it was around 30 degrees cooler by the time we got to the top.

Along the way we traveled through a number of different biological environments. They say the drive is equivalent to driving from Mexico to Canada in the type of environments you travel through along the 24 mile drive. We also check out the history of the road as we head up.

[lesbarclay]

Thanks Steve! Your vids are top-notch. No wasted time in the beginnings, no annoying sales pitches, no inappropriate pictures of unrelated subjects...just well-researched story telling and excellent quality production values. Your narration is clear, low-key and always interesting, and last but not least, your background music is beautiful, subtle and never overpowers your narration. You do everything right! You're a TouTube Treasure!

[old_bob]

I love your videos, thank you for being one of the few normal and friendly people posting on you tube!

[sonorangaming]

I saw this thumbnail and said "Hey, i know that road!" And i can confirm that you can definitely see waterfalls. Depending on time of year. When there is snowmelt, and during Monsoon season. There are several popular trails in the foothill area that aren't too hard to hike with beautiful views, and waterfalls.

[torreyintahoe]

I went to school in Tucson and became an avid climber. I spent hundreds of days on Mt Lemmon for the world class climbing. It truly is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges anywhere.

[explorepikespeak]

Thanks for taking this delightful drive for me, Steve. Now I won't have to. I would perish in 113 degrees. The last time I was in Tucson was as a 10 year old boy; my Dad dragged his family to his beloved Arizona (he always wanted to move there from Colorado, but thankfully never did). This was in the late 1950s and our car was a black Cadillac with no air conditioning. In August. I've never forgiven him, and I've never been back.

[brkaz]

Thank you for visiting Tucson and our wonderful Mt. Lemmon. There are many many beautiful scenic drives in Arizona, but Mt. Lemmon is our refuge in the summer when the temps are actually 113F and in the winter when snow allows for skiing and winter sports.

[drogers]

Not only scenic, but a great example of how the vegetation changes with altitude.

[jme]

The last time I was on that road and atop Mt. Lemmon was during a family outing in 1958. Thanks for the memories!

[chipsatterly]

What a trip!! I think that a LOT of your viewers will want to take this highway for the views and cooler temps!! Thank you!!

[CalgaryIceman]

I love the reference “like being in Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦 “. My home province. The ski lift was slowed down for summer usage. Those attached chairs are old school slow. Most ski areas use high speed detachable chairs. Love your videos!

[dustyh.]

In a country and world gone crazy your videos and narration are a welcome weekly respite. Thank you.

[ArizonaLifeToTheMax]

Great video. We love visiting Mt. Lemmon! We've stayed at the Mt Lemmon hotel and give it two thumbs up. As for the speed of the ski lift, they move much quicker when transporting skiers. They slow it down for "scenic" rides. And you're right; the views along the highway and from the vistas/trails are stunning. If you ever get the chance, we recommend coming back at night for a visit to the observatory.

[deangarlitz]

I really enjoy your videos. My Mom and Stepdad live in Tucson, and Mt Lemmon is a regular outing for them. She's 86, and he's 92. He drives to the top. There is a spot to park and walk, and that's what they do. I need to make it up there when I visit Tucson again. Thanks for the video.

[johnganshow]

We used to drive up there all the time to get a cheese burger at the sawmill restaurant. Mount Graham next to Safford is much nicer, higher and with fewer people...

[mozwald]

I have been binge watching your videos and love the history of SoCal. Unfortunately, due to the crime issues in CA, I won't be visiting any time soon. I have been to SD and Hemet CA MANY moons ago when I was in the Military. Your videos are a breath of fresh air from all the nonsense going on around us. Thank you!

[darrellmagruder]

To The Sidetrack Adventure Crew, Thanks for All You Do! 😊
Your videos 🎥 are sources of
history 🧑‍🎓 📚,
information 📈 📊 📖 , and
wonderful scenery 🏜️ 🗻 🏕️ 🚡 🏞️ 🌵 🌲 🌻 🌼 🪻 🍂 🌿 🌼 🌄 🌞 !
Special Thanks to Steve & his Wife for being an adventurous and exploring Husband & Wife who enrich the lives of their Children with such Great Trips! 😃
My gratitude to you, Sidetrack Adventures Crew, for bringing us along on the journeys, and inspiring us all to get out and explore! 😃🚶🧑‍🦽🧑‍🦼 🚙 🚗 🧳 🗺️

[beckyweissberg]

Thank you for panning slowly. It makes for a very good time for your viewers.

[BigRigRich]

I did this drive a few years ago and camped over night.

It was June and well over a 100 degrees in the valley.

However, up on the mountain it was in the mid 70’s.

Well worth the time spent taking the drive up.

Listening to the audio tour from the local college on the way up the mountain was real informative.

Everyone, when in the area should do it.

[RoaldvdM]

Thank you Steve, for another wonderful video. It's 2AM here and this video is so soothing for the sleepless like me.

[x.X.China.X.x]

As a native Tucsonan, going up to Mt Lemmon was always a nice cool getaway when it's 115° in the city. And it only took us an hour and a half!