Would you like to escape the intense summer heat? Adventure to the Lemon Mountain and closeness to nature in cool, fresh mountain air!
Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains at an elevation of over 9,000 feet. The mountainous area of Santa Catalina is also known by the traditional name Tohono O’odham, Babad Do’ag, which means “frog mountain” because of its dome-like appearance, which resembles a giant sleeping frog.
Berg Lemmon is named after Sara Lemmon, a recognized botanist, artist, teacher and librarian who climbed the mountaintop with her husband in 1881 to collect and study plant samples. To this day, Mt. Lemon is calling out to adventurers eager to explore the region’s natural wonders!
Mount Lemmon can be reached by driving 29 miles up the Catalina Highway from Tanque Verde Road. Along the scenic drive, there are places to take a break to pause and admire impressive views and fascinating rock formations. As you travel from the base of the mountain to the summit, you will discover an incredible transition from the desert landscape to the pines and firs of the Coronado National Forest.
Before you begin your adventure, be sure to check out the free Mt. Lemmon Science Tour App, created by the University of Arizona. The app acts as a tour guide telling scientific stories that highlight biodiversity in the changing elevations.
Wondering what to do when you reach the top? Mount Lemmon is a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, climbing, bird watching, trail hiking, and picnicking. Visit the Coronado National Forest website to learn more about campsites, facilities, fees, and safety measures. Make sure you bring enough water and sunscreen!
Mount Lemmon also provides an ideal location for astronomical observations at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, which houses two of the largest telescopes in the Southwest that are available for public relations. Beginners and seasoned stargazers alike are invited to enroll in the astronomy programs at this mountaintop observatory.
The small community of Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon is a relaxing place to leisurely stroll, visit souvenir shops, and dine. Cookies, pies, and fudge are among the goodies to find in Summerhaven!
A simple nature walk with the family on the mountain. Lemon can be a wonderful way to connect and inspire kids to explore the world with all their senses. In preparation for your adventure, invite your child to create their own nature journal to record the interesting things you discover together. The nature experiences you share create memories that turn into funny stories!
This press release was produced by the Pima County Public Library. The views expressed here are your own.
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