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Local Rides
Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb
DISTANCE: Up to 26 miles one way
START / FINISH: Turn north on Catalina Highway from Tanque Verde Road, on Tucson’s east side, and travel north 4 ½ miles to parking area at National Forest boundary (Milepost 0), 1 mile north of intersection of Snyder Road and Catalina Highway
ROUTE: Ride up the mountain on excellent road to chosen turn-around point; descend mountain back to start
TERRAIN: 5% average grade, continuous hill climb on excellent road.
FEATURES: Outstanding views of Tucson Valley and surrounding area from the various vista lookouts along the roadway up the 9,157 foot mountain.
- Mile 3: Babad Du’ag (Frog Mountain) Vista Lookout
- Mile 6: Molino Basin (restrooms)
- Mile 8: Thimble Peak Vista Lookout
- Mile 9: Seven Cataracts Vista Lookout
- Mile 11: Bear Canyon picnic area (restrooms)
- Mile 14: Windy Point Vista Lookout
- Mile 14.5: Geology Vista Lookout
- Mile 17: San Pedro Vista Lookout
- Mile 20: Palisades Ranger Station (water)
- Mile 23: Aspen Vista Lookout
- Mile 25: Summerhaven village (restaurants and restrooms)
- Mile 26.5: Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
Note 1: The Mt. Lemmon Highway is currently under construction between mileposts 11 and 16 with construction completion scheduled for May 2005.
Note 2: Road toll not required of cyclists
Note 3: Catalina Highway access road scheduled for construction beginning November 2004 to add continuous bike shoulders along the route. Use Bear Canyon and Snyder Roads during construction to gain access to the Mt. Lemmon Highway.
OPTIONS: Begin riding 15 miles east of the Kitt Peak turn-off in Three Points (Robles Junction) on AZ 86. (Three Points has a restaurant and general store.)
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