Did you know the Southern Most Ski Area in the Continental United States is in Tucson! Ski Valley sits atop Mount Lemmon at 9,171 feet of elevation! Mount Lemmon is the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains, the mountain range that sits adjacent to Tucson on the northern side of town. Ski Valley has a ski lift and several downhill ski runs. In the winter when it is in the mid 60's and low 70 degrees here in Tucson, the top of Mount Lemon is often 30 degrees cooler! It snows up on top of the mountain during the winter months where downhill skiing can be enjoyed when there is enough snow! Ski Valley should be on your Things To Do In Tucson list when visiting!
Catalina Highway, located on the Northeast side of Tucson is a quick 45 minute drive up the Santa Catalina Mountains to Mount Lemmon. At the base of the highway drivers start surrounded by gorgeous thick Saguaro cacti forests! Then the drive traverses through a scrub brush valley before arriving at the hoodoo's at Windy Point with famed rock climbing and very interesting rock spires! Next the drives passes through a Ponderosa Pine forest before arriving at the top with lush Douglas Fir trees! There are vista points to stop at to take in the spectacular views all along the Catalina Highway. Some picnic areas and hiking trail parking areas do require a pass for a fee. A pass can be purchased at the Palisades Ranger Station along the drive up.
Near the top you will find the town of Summerhaven with cabins, a general store, several restaurants and two inns! At the top you will find Ski Valley with a restaurant, gift shop, ski lift, ski and snowboard rentals and spectacular views! The ski lift operates year round to take in the views - check the Ski Valley website for hours and days of operation. Also at the top you will find astronomy observatories located in two areas!
Mount Lemmon is one of the few mountain peaks named for a woman in the United States! Sara Lemmon was a botanist who climbed the mountain in 1881 with her husband John, and it was named in honor of Sara Lemmon. The Tohono O'odham Native Americans call the mountain Banda Do'ag, which translates to Frog Mountain.
Ski Valley and Mount Lemmon are just a few of the interesting factoids we cover on our Strolls and Stories Tours where we chat about "All Things Tucson!" Join me on a Strolls and Stories Guided Walking Tour of the historic Downtown Tucson Neighborhoods including the Barrio Viejo and El Presidio to learn the history of Tucson and all about this unique destination! Guided Walking Tours are offered Thursday - Sunday most weeks!
A drive up Catalina Highway to Summerhaven and Ski Valley is a must do on your Things To Do In Tucson list when visiting!
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