Mount Lemmon at a glance
Mount Lemmon rises above the Sonoran Desert on the north side of Tucson. A single paved road leads into the upper mountain: the Catalina Highway, also called the General Hitchcock Highway or the Sky Island Scenic Byway. You start among saguaros and finish in pine forest.
Most visitors treat it as a day trip. The federal byway description gives the length as 27.2 miles (43.8 km) and the climb as reaching almost 9,000 ft (2,743 m). It lists 3 to 6 hours as a typical outing including the return, so the drive is not a quick detour. Stops at viewpoints, a stop in Summerhaven or a walk quickly fill the day.
Driving the Catalina Highway
The road is open to ordinary cars. What matters is timing, fees at certain stops and the weather on the day.
Leave early
Start in the morning. Parking areas in the upper mountain can fill quickly in the busy season, and an early start also gives you cooler air for walks on the way.
Fees at stops, no toll
The federal byway page describes fees at certain stops, not a general toll for the road. Current rates differ by site, so check the sign at each parking area.
Plan for a long day
With viewpoints, lunch and a short hike, six hours go by easily. Fill the tank and bring water and snacks before you leave town.
Check the road first
Pima County updates its road list on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00. Outside those hours, call the Sheriff hotline at 520-351-3351. Do this before a winter or storm-day trip.
Tucson tours and day trips
Guided trips from Tucson that fit around a Mount Lemmon drive, with live prices and availability.
Summerhaven, Ski Valley and the summit area
The Forest Service treats Summerhaven, Ski Valley, Marshall Gulch and the summit area as one upper recreation area along the Catalina Highway. Summerhaven is the small mountain village near the top. Ski Valley is the resort area a little higher up, with the Sky Ride chairlift.
The view from the upper mountain looks over rocky ridges into the valley. Parking at the upper sites can fill quickly in the busy season. Opening hours of shops in Summerhaven vary, so do not plan the day around one specific time.
Ski Valley Sky Ride: prices and hours
The chairlift ride takes about 30 minutes. Tickets are sold at the resort only, not online. Prices as listed by the operator in October 2026.
| Ticket | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 18 to 64 | $17 |
| Senior, military, youth | 65+, with ID, 13 to 17 | $14 |
| Child | 4 to 12 | $12 |
| Small child | up to 3 | free |
The lift runs Monday, Thursday and Friday from about 10:30 or 11:00 to 16:00, and on Saturday and Sunday from about 09:30 or 10:00 to 16:00. It is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ticket sales can end early in bad weather, and the end time is listed as 16:00 or 16:30 in different places, so check the current timetable before you go. A chair carries up to two people, babies included. There are no scenic rides while the ski area operates in winter, and no fixed opening date for the 2026/27 ski season is set.
Marshall Gulch closure and hiking in 2026
The Forest Service has a closure order for the Marshall Gulch area from 30 July to 17 December 2026 because of construction work. The affected area is closed Monday to Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on federal holidays it is open to people on foot. That covers the Arizona Trail, Marshall Gulch Trail 3, Aspen Trail 93 and Sunset Trail 90.
This is not a closure of the Catalina Highway. The road itself stays the way into the upper mountain. If you want a hike in this area before mid-December, plan it for a Friday, a weekend day or a holiday, and read the current alerts on the day.
Weather and the right season
Our Tucson weather guide uses the airport station, so its monthly averages do not apply directly to a mountain much higher than the city. Expect different conditions at the top than in town and check the forecast for the day. In winter, ask about road status before you drive up.
On the way down you can combine the mountain with a lower-elevation outing. Good pairings are Sabino Canyon at the foot of the same range and, on another day, Saguaro National Park West. For the wider region, the sister guide on Saguaro National Park covers the park from an Arizona-wide view.
Mount Lemmon: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive up Mount Lemmon?
The Catalina Highway is 27.2 miles (43.8 km) long. The byway description gives 3 to 6 hours for the trip including the return, depending on how often you stop.
Is there a toll on the Catalina Highway?
No general toll is described. Fees apply at certain stops, such as parking areas. Rates vary by site, so check the sign when you arrive.
Is the Catalina Highway closed?
The highway is not part of the Marshall Gulch closure order. That area has a construction closure from 30 July to 17 December 2026, with foot access on Friday to Sunday and holidays. For the road on your day, call 520-351-3351 outside weekday office hours.
What does the Sky Ride cost?
An adult ticket is $17 and a child ticket (4 to 12) is $12 in 2026, as listed by the operator. Seniors, military and youth aged 13 to 17 pay $14. Children up to 3 are free.
Can I buy Sky Ride tickets online?
No. Tickets are sold at the resort only. The lift is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and does not run scenic rides during the ski season.
Can I reach Mount Lemmon without a car?
The Catalina Highway is the only paved road into the upper mountain, so plan to drive. Tucson tour operators may offer guided trips, which you can compare in the list above.