Mt Lemmon
, AZ | Advanced | Uploaded by: Tyler Ford
, AZ | Advanced | Uploaded by: Tyler Ford
Rating: 5.0/5 (2 cast)
Rating: 5.0/5 (2 cast)
This is an epic ride! You start off at 2,557 ft surrounded by saguaro cactus and mesquite trees and climb as high as 8,198 ft to pine tree vegetation and cool air. If you love to climb and descend this is the ride for you. The road is in great shape with a bike lane for most of the ride. ON the way down there is no need for a bike lane because you will be keeping up with traffic. Lance Armstrong in his winter training months in preparation for Tour de France rented a cabin on the top of Mt Lemmon and would climb up the mountain to top off a long days ride. This ride is up there with some of the best climbing rides in the US. To add 2.89 miles and 760 ft of climbing to the ride you can climb up to the Mt Lemmon Ski area. Just before Summerhaven towards the top of the ride turn right on Ski Run Rd. Potential Hazards: No real hazards other than potential high speeds and cliffs on the way down. Just ride in control and beware of vehicles. You may want an extra layer for the ride down.
Park at the Safeway shopping center at the intersection of Tanque Verde Rd. and Catalina Hwy.
Jump on Catalina Hwy and head northeast. Catalina Hwy turns into Mount Lemmon Hwy at the base of the climb. Keep riding to the top. Stop for some awesome homemade pie at the Mt Lemmon Café and ride back down the hill.
Chuy's Mesquite Broiler and La Buzz Coffee shop at Catalina Hwy and Tanque Verde Rd
Water and Bathrooms at (Mile 8 - Molino Basin) (Mile 12 - Bear Canyon) (Mile 18- Windy Point) (Mile 24 - Palisade Ranger Station) (Mile 20 - Sumer Haven)
Sabino Cycles 520-885-3666
DISCLAIMER: Outdoor Activities, LLC, RoadBikeRides.com and the author of this route make no warranties as to the conditions, safety, distance accuracy, profile, or suitability for cycling of this route. Ride at your own risk!