Pricing:

$105/Adult
$75/Child (3-12 yrs)

Tour Details

• Duration: About 3 hours

• Group Size: 2–7 people per Jeep (groups up to 100 guests can be accommodated)

• Pickup: Available upon request for private tours.

• Included: Expert guide, interactive exploration stops, cold bottled water

• Restrictions: Suitable for ages 3+, and most mobility levels.

• Departure Location: Tanque Verde & Catalina Highway.

• Address: 9125 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749
  
  Click here for directions.

Please see our FAQ for more information.

Beat The Heat!

Leave the blazing desert behind and climb into the cool mountain air of Mount Lemmon. Only an hour from Tucson, but a world away in climate and scenery. This scenic Jeep tour follows the Catalina Highway through five distinct ecosystems, rising from 2,500 to over 9,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, you’ll feel the temperature drop by 20–30 degrees as you transition from sun-baked saguaros to shady pine forests.

You’ll stop at sweeping overlooks, explore the charming mountaintop village of Summerhaven, and discover why these “sky islands” are among Arizona’s most fascinating natural wonders.

Cool Pines, Mountain Views & Desert Escape

This isn’t just a scenic drive—it’s like traveling from the Sonoran Desert to the Colorado Rockies in under an hour. Our naturalist guides are storytellers who bring the journey to life with humor, insight, and a deep understanding of the mountain’s ecology, geology, and history.

Whether you’re intrigued by high-elevation wildlife, curious about Mount Lemmon’s mining past, or simply looking to beat the summer heat, your guide will tailor the experience to your group’s interests, with plenty of laughs and unforgettable views along the way.

Expect:

• 20–30° temperature drop as you gain elevation

• Stops at scenic overlooks with sweeping, 150-mile views

• Time to explore the village of Summerhaven

• Fascinating stories about wildlife, ecology, and geology

• Tales of mining history and local legends

• Photo ops at every elevation zone

• Room for questions and interactive conversation

Your Sky Island Adventure

Desert Beginning (2,500-4,000 ft) Start your journey among towering saguaros and blooming desert wildflowers. Watch the city shrink behind you as you begin your climb.

Oak Woodlands (4,000-6,000 ft) As the saguaros disappear, oak trees take their place. The air cools noticeably, and new wildlife begins to appear. Your guide will highlight the dramatic ecosystem shift unfolding around you.

Pine Transition (6,000-7,500 ft) Reach the first pines at Windy Point Vista—a favorite photo stop with jaw-dropping views of the city below. The scent of pine fills the crisp air.

Mountain Summit (7,500-9,157 ft) Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs, you’ll explore Summerhaven, a quaint alpine village nestled in the sky. Grab some locally made fudge, stretch your legs, and breathe deep—the cool mountain air is 20–30° cooler than the desert below.

Good To Know:

• Bring: A light jacket or sweater, it can get chilly at the summit

• Roads: This tour follows paved roads only (per USFS regulations)

• Permit: Operates under a USFS Special Use Permit for Coronado National Forest