Description:​

​​The spectacular Mount Lemmon summit is only a 30-mile drive from Tucson along a scenic byway.  Nestled in the Coronado National Forest, Mount Lemmon offers more than 40 trails with an overwhelming variety of difficulties and amenities.  

The Meadow & Mount Lemmon Loop is a good choice for a cool hike in mid-summer.  It is rated “easy” though it does pose some challenges such as rocky sections, narrow paths, and steep slopes (>8°).  It is not suitable for people using wheelchairs but could be navigated with the use of canes or walking sticks.  Dogs are welcome on leash.  

This hike is at the peak of Mount Lemmon – trail elevations

range from 8700-9200’ – with panoramic views of the Santa Catalina mountains and the city of Tucson.  The trail winds for

2.1 miles through an open forest of ponderosa pine and aspen trees.  A highlight is the climb to the fire lookout station,

perched mid-hike on a rocky outcrop with 360° views of mountain ranges in all directions.  

In 2020, the mountaintop and nearby town of Summerhaven burned for nearly two months in the Bighorn Fire (caused by a lightning strike and named after the native bighorn sheep).  Today, Summerhaven has been largely rebuilt and the forest is beginning the natural process of regeneration.  The hike along the Meadow & Mount Lemmon Loop crosses several burn scars where hikers can view forest regrowth.

A suggested route is to start on the Mount Lemmon trail (#5); take a spur to the left to view the fire lookout station; and then, connect with the Meadow trail (#5A) for a hike back to the parking lot.  This 2.1-mile loop can be followed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.  Signs are posted at each trail intersection to keep you on route.  

Hikers can rest on boulders and fallen logs but don’t expect any benches, restrooms or drinking fountains along this backcountry trail.  In contrast, the hike can start or end with a delicious meal at an outdoor café in Summerhaven.

This loop is ideal during the hot season in Tucson (May through October) when Mount Lemmon shows off wildflowers in late spring and golden aspen leaves in early autumn.  Always check the road conditions for snow on Mount Lemmon Highway before heading out.

​​​