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- Mount Lemmon
9,159 ft · Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona
Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon is a 9,159 ft peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona. The standard route is the Mount Lemmon Loop: 8 mi, 2,407 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Lemmon at a glance
- Elevation9,159 ft2,791 m
- RouteMount Lemmon LoopClass 1
- Distance8 mi2,407 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonApr – Nov
- RangeSanta Catalina MountainsArizona
Climbing the Mount Lemmon Loop
From Tucson, Arizona, the Catalina Highway climbs the Santa Catalina Mountains toward Summerhaven, and hikers can take the Mount Lemmon Trail up to the highpoint area. This Class 1 route rises through cool pine forest, a striking contrast to the desert below. While a road reaches near the top, the trail makes for a satisfying climb; watch for loose rock, quick storms, and cold, windy summit conditions. Start earlier in the warmer months, carry layers and sun protection, and bring plenty of water. Afternoon monsoon storms are common in late summer, so be down before they build.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Light Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
First-Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
- Cold summit conditions
- Dry conditions
- Steep exposure
Quests with Mount Lemmon
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Lemmon?
Mount Lemmon is 9,159 feet (2,791 m) tall. It is in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona.
How hard is it to hike Mount Lemmon?
The Mount Lemmon Loop is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 2,407 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Lemmon?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Mount Lemmon Loop, covering 8 miles with 2,407 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Lemmon?
The Mount Lemmon Loop needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 2,407 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Mount Lemmon?
The usual hiking window is April to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Lemmon?
The Mount Lemmon Loop starts at about 7,450 feet, roughly 1,709 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Lemmon with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list