expedia
List your propertySupportTrips
Member discount illustration

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Sign in
Learn about Expedia Rewards
Feedback
Catalina Highway
Colossal Cave Mount
Lemmon Waterfall
Homed Owl
Mount Lemmon Map

Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Driving Tour

By Shaka Guide Tour Apps
5 out of 5
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$16 per traveller* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple travellers
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 9h 20m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert like never before on our Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour! In the comfort of your own vehicle, we'll take you on a journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Catalina Mountains, providing stunning views of the desert landscape as you climb to the summit of Mt. Lemmon.

Turn your phone into a personal guide on this self-guided tour that shares fascinating insights into the area's geology, ecology, and history, including the unique wildlife that calls this area home. You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning vistas at multiple stops, taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, our Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Tour is a perfect choice. Book your tour today and discover the magic of this iconic Arizona destination!

Activity location

  • Babad Do'ag Trailhead
    • Mount Lemmon Highway
    • 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • East Catalina Highway
    • East Catalina Highway
    • 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

Check availability

Self-Guided Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Driving Tour in English
  • Activity duration is 9 hours and 20 minutes9h 20m9h 20m
  • Opening hours: Tue 12:00 am-11:30 pm
  • English
Language options: English
Price details
NZ$16.20 x 1 TravellerNZ$16.20
Total
Price is NZ$16.20

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedTours NEVER expire
  • What's includedWhat's includedOffline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
  • What's includedWhat's includedOffline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
  • What's includedWhat's includedTake the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
  • What's includedWhat's includedTour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
  • What's includedWhat's includedTurn-by-turn directions using GPS
  • What's includedWhat's includedFreedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
  • What's includedWhat's includedAudio narration that plays automatically as you drive
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedPrivate transport
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedMeals and Refreshment
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedMount Lemmon entrance fee: $8 per car
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedParking Fees

Know before you book

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Babad Do'ag Trailhead
  • 5m
  • Admission ticket not included
This lovely overlook gives a sweeping vista of the Sonoran desert plain, Tucson, and the mountains beyond. Mount Lemmon is part of the Coronado National Forest. entry fee is $8/vehicle.
Molino Canyon Vista
  • 5m
A pretty canyon that makes for a nice view, especially pretty when there’s water down in the creekbed.
Molino Basin Trailhead
  • 1h
Hike down along an often-dry river and look for ancient grinding holes left by the Hohokam culture, used for turning acorns into flour.
Seven Cataracts
  • 5m
Take in great views of nearby Thimble Peak as well as view a rushing cascade of waterfalls on the opposite side of the ravine, though they are dry much of the year. Good spot to see wildlife, too.
Windy Point Vista
  • 30m
Windy Point Vista in Arizona offers travellers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges and canyons. Wait for sunset or just marvel at the beauty of the landscape below you.
Hoodoo Vista
  • 5m
Hoodoo Vista in Arizona offers travellers a unique and mesmerising landscape of tall, thin rock spires (hoodoos) that have been formed by millions of years of erosion. Visitors can hike along the trail to get up close and experience the otherworldly beauty of these geological formations.
San Pedro Vista
  • 1h
Here you can hike to Barnam Rock and the further Leopold Point. San Pedro Vista in Arizona offers travellers a scenic overlook of the San Pedro River Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic views, go hiking along the trails, and spot wildlife in the area.
Palisades Visitor Center
  • 5m
Stop here to use the bathroom, ask the rangers questions, or perhaps buy a souvenir.
Aspen Vista
  • 5m
This peaceful spot was recently ravaged by wildfires. You can view the mountains far across the valley amid charred trunks of trees.
Loma Linda Picnic Area
  • 5m
Find a picnic table and enjoy a relaxing bite amid tall pines, with chirping birds and views of the San Pedro valley far, far below.
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
  • 1h
In season, January through early February, you can actually enjoy skiing here, but the chairlift operates year-round, whisking you to the summit in about 15 minutes, where you can view near 360 degree vistas of Tucson, the San Pedro valley, or even as far as New Mexico.
Mt. Lemmon Community Center
  • 1h
What this tiny hamlet lacks in size, it makes up for in heart: Grab tasty fudge, enjoy a giant, freshly made cookie, have a sit-down dinner, or find a nice trail to hike. It’s all here in quiet Summerhaven.
Marshall Gulch Picnic Area
  • 3h
This great loop hike offers incredible views and a nice, moderate, work-up-a-sweat hike for those looking to stretch their legs for a while. Stop here to find a place to sit, eat, and enjoy nature.
Rose Canyon Lake
  • 30m
This placid, pine-rimmed lake is sometimes so calm it mirrors the sky, offering insight and reflection or perhaps just a nice photo or two. You can snack near the shore, walk around the edge, or even fish if you’ve got a licence and rod.
Natural Arch
  • 5m
This massive arch is surprisingly easy to miss as you zip up the highway, but it’s worth the brief stop, and certainly the biggest arch you’ll see on the tour, though there are a few small ones tucked here and there among the other hoodoos.
Geology Vista Point
  • 5m
Geology Vista offers travellers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the geological formations of the surrounding area. Visitors can see how different layers of rocks and sediments have been shaped over time to create the beautiful and diverse landscape, and learn about the geological history of the region.
Bug Springs Trail
  • 30m
Bug Spring Trailhead in Arizona offers travellers a picturesque hiking trail that takes them through a dense forest of tall pine trees, past a refreshing mountain spring, and up to the summit of the nearby mountain peak. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and possibly spot some wildlife. A fun hike for folks who want one last chance to get out of the car and onto a trail for a while.
Gordon Hirabayashi Campground
  • 5m
Get in some good camping! Open from October to April, and there are bathrooms.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESBabad Do'ag Trailhead
    • Mount Lemmon Highway
    • 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEEast Catalina Highway
    • East Catalina Highway
    • 85749, Tucson, Arizona, United States

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Tucson your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Tucson

With so many activities in Tucson, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Tucson. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Tucson to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.