Hiking Mt. Lemmon: A Cool Summer Escape

The sky's the limit on Mt. Lemmon! (Photo by Carole)



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After a spring season filled with party planning, a Celebration of Marriage reception and hosting guests, I finally dusted off my hiking boots and my travel blog. Now that it’s June, I find myself wanting to fly the coop and head south to escape the heat...wait, what?

 

Heading south goes against my summer migratory reflex, which usually has our hiking group heading up to Flagstaff. When looking for a great summer escape, Tucson, AZ, offers surprisingly cool weather up at the top of Mt. Lemmon.

 

Amazingly, it can be up to 30 degrees cooler at the top, compared to Tucson. In about an hour you ascend 6,000 ft. from the desert floor to alpine forests. The scenic drive, along the Catalina Highway, makes it worth the trip!

Click here to learn about Mt. Lemmon

Hoodoo along Catalina Highway



Earlier this month, our ladies hiking group decided to try the Incinerator Ridge Trail. It had excellent views and felt quite secluded. It's a short 1.3-mile out-and-back, providing time to add on additional side hikes. 

We started the trail at a very small parking area near the Palisade Visitors Center. Another option is to start from the other direction at San Pedro Vista.

 

Click here for info on Incinerator Ridge Trail

The trail to the ridgeline marked by log-lined path

Before we headed to the right toward the ridgeline, we went left and did a side hike up to the radio towers. Once along the ridgeline, the view opened up to some incredible views.

Breathtaking view along the ridgeline

Carole, Stormy and I were determined to make it to Leopold Point. Off the main trail, there's an unofficial trail leading to a grouping of big boulders. We did a light rock scramble that offered amazing views in all directions! 

Amazing view from the top of Leopold Point

 

Stormy among the boulders at Leopold Point

Desert still in bloom in June 
 

This area offers many fun hikes and is a great place to beat the heat. This summer, be sure to Explore Beyond Your Door...and take a trip up to Mt. Lemmon!

Happy Hiking,

Christie



Got my head in the clouds at the top of Mt. Lemmon