Mount Lemmon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
46 Reviews
4.78 out of 5 stars Based on 46 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Tucson, USA
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Discover Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway in Arizona, a journey through nature and history. Explore tales of the Native Tohono O'odham, marvel at the Sky Islands and Saguaro Cacti, and delve into the past at the Catalina Federal Honor Camp. By night, the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center dazzles, and fall, the Oktoberfest at Ski Valley awaits. Experience Arizona's condensed beauty.
Recommended: purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time!
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's Included
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Meeting Location
Meeting point
East Catalina Highway
Tucson, AZ 85749, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
East Ski Run Road
Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
This tour ends beside Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory.
What To Expect
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
One of the most fascinating features about this highway is how the climate changes as we drive. From start to finish, it’ll feel like we’ve driven vertically across the entire US, from south to north. Why is that? Because we’ll be gaining 6,000 feet of elevation along the way!Note: This 33+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Mount Lemmon in 2-3 hours.Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Soldier Trail
Soldier Trail is up ahead. This challenging 5-mile out-and-back hike features Saguaro, prickly pears, and a 2,000-foot elevation gain!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Babad Do'ag Scenic Overlook
Babad Do’ag Scenic Overlook is coming up soon. This vista overlooks the entire city of Tucson and the mountains beyond. The Babad Do’ag trail also begins here. It’s a moderate 4.5-mile hike through Saguaros, chollas, and ocotillos.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Molino Canyon Vista
Molino Canyon is one of many boulder-filled canyons in the Catalina Mountains. At this elevation of about 4,000 feet, the mountain’s ecosystem is starting to change. Both at the overlook and the mountain it faces, you’ll see the earth covered in native grasses, tall spindly ocotillo, tufted desert broom, and a colorful flowering shrub called pink fairy duster.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Molino Basin Trail Head
This easy 5-mile out-and-back trail is relatively flat, which makes it a great place to break out the mountain bike if you’ve got one. It’s also an excellent path for trail runners. If you’re walking the trail, it should only take a little over two hours.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bug Spring Trailhead
This challenging 10-mile out-and-back trail takes five hours and has a little bit of everything. The route starts in the desert terrain of the Catalina foothills, switchbacks up to a secluded pine forest with creek crossings, and ends in the Bear Canyon Picnic Area. The total elevation gain across the path is 2,000 feet, enough to feel the atmosphere get thinner and the temperature get cooler.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Thimble Peak Vista
Speaking of birds, get a bird’s eye view of the canyon up ahead at Thimble Peak Vista! This overlook offers a clear view of Thimble Peak. When you see it, you’ll know right away where it gets its name. The top of the mountain is shaped exactly like a giant sewing thimble… only it’s over 5,000 feet high!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Seven Cataracts
The Seven Cataracts are a series of waterfalls that pour from the Willow Canyon stream. From top to bottom, the entire complex is about 1,000 feet high! It’s not a straight drop, though. The water tumbles from rock to rock in a cascade formation. Despite the name “Seven Cataracts,” it’s more like a hundred mini waterfalls in one!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Middle Bear Picnic Area
Did you pack your sandwiches? We’re about to pass one of the highway's best picnic spots! The Middle Bear picnic area sits alongside Bear Canyon, comfortably sheltered by ponderosa pines. You can see the rest of the canyon below. On the opposite slope, you’ll see a strange sculpture garden created by erosion and landslides.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Manzanita Vista
Manzanita Vista is up ahead, offering views of a lush manzanita grove. You can identify manzanita by their smooth, bright red bark and gnarled branches. Manzanitas are prolific here because they can survive with poor soil and little water. They have adapted to the harshest growing conditions, and so they have absolutely no competition from other plants.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Windy Point Vista
The view at Windy Point is unbeatable. You can see all the way from the desert at the base of the mountain to the subalpine summit. You’ll get to take in the entire biodiversity of Mount Lemmon in one panorama!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Geology Vista Point
Geology Point Vista is ahead, offering views of hoodoos. A hoodoo is a tall, thin spire of rock like a naturally occuring skyscraper. Hoodoos only develop in dry, hot climates.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Duck Head Rock
Coming up is Duck Head Rock. This is one of Mount Lemmon’s most beloved landmarks, and you can probably guess why. This rock formation is shaped like a duck’s head with a long bill!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hoodoo Vista
Up ahead is Hoodoo Vista, another overlook featuring unique geological formations. For a look at these fascinating hoodoos, park in the turnout just ahead. Otherwise, continue driving.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Rose Canyon Lake
You probably don’t usually associate “Arizona” with “fishing.” Rose Canyon Lake is here to change your mind! This peaceful spot rarely sees the crowds who visit other attractions along the route, making it perfect to enjoy a moment of solitude.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
San Pedro Vista
San Pedro Vista is up ahead. This overlook boasts gorgeous views of the San Pedro Valley down below. When you’re done admiring the scenery, you can hop right on the Arizona National Scenic Trail––an 800 mile hike that spans the entire state, from the Mexican border to Utah! Don’t worry, there’s no rule saying you need to hike the whole thing!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Palisades Visitor Center
Need a restroom break? Turn left onto East Organization Ridge Road to visit the Palisades Visitor Center. Otherwise, continue straight.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Butterfly Trailhead
Butterfly Trail is up ahead. This challenging 11-mile hike is certainly scenic, but the biggest attraction can be found three miles in. That’s where an unofficial trail breaks off and leads to… a crashed F86 fighter jet from 1957! Wait, what? How did that happen?
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Aspen Vista
Aspen Vista Point is up ahead, at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet! On a clear day, you can see 50 miles away! The ridge rising out of the horizon is another sky island chain called the Galiuro Mountains. The two ranges are separated by a valley that plunges over 5,000 feet. The San Pedro River flows through the gulf between the mountains.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Red Ridge Trailhead
Just ahead is Red Ridge Trail. This moderate 10-mile trail gets its name from the red dirt that forms the path. The distinctive Sonoran Desert brick-colored soil is caused by weathering of minerals that contain a lot of iron. Or, as you probably know it, rust. The dirt here is exposed to the elements, just like when you leave your bicycle out in the rain.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is up ahead. Where you have an alpine mountain top, a ski resort can’t be far behind! Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is here for all your winter sporting needs.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory
The SkyCenter did NOT start out as an observatory. The government established a radar station at this location in 1956 during the height of Cold War paranoia. They wanted to scan the skies for enemy planes and missiles. For 10 years, Mount Lemmon was the highest continually-operating radar station in the world. 80 men worked at the radar station, most of whom lived at the facility full-time. After all, it would’ve been too much trouble to constantly trek up and down the mountain!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mount Lemmon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-267535P36
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.78
46 reviews
Average 4.78 out of 5 stars based on 46 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
37
4 stars
8
3 stars
1
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Mount Lemmon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!.
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!.
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!.
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!.
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone.
The following is NOT included:
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Mount Lemmon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mount Lemmon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
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