Mt Lemmon Bike Ride, Tucson, AZ
Powered by Max Banner Ads
Cycling up the Mt Lemmon Hwy in Tucson, Arizona is an epic ride and will rival some of the best rides across the country.
You start off at about 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.
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.
If you love to climb and descend this is the ride for you!
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 of a long days ride. I know because I saw him on more than one occasion and even got the chance to talk to him.
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 toward the top of the ride turn right on Ski Run Rd.
As always Ride Strong!
Above is a sign at the base of Mt Lemmon showing the distances to the top.
Picuture above is taken from Wendy Pont looking down at the Mt Lemmon road. Below you can see the 7 Cat look out point.
Another picture of the Mt Lemmon hwy taken just before the Windy Point look out.
For a book on the best bike rides in Tucson, AZ which features the climb up Mt Lemmon click here.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Tweet This Post!
Related Articles
- Easter Ride up Mt Lemmon in Tucson, AZ – Snow in April
- TRIFEST 2009 Bike Ride – Police Escort To Mt Lemmon
- Tucson, Arizona The Best Place To Train During The Winter
January 16th, 2008 at 1:25 am
This route looks perfect. I went to Tucson for business trip some time ago but I did not go cycling, but I wish I could go back with my bike. I just wonder how is mountain biking in Tucson? My collegue told me that there are some rad places to ride and people go riding, but I became a bit scared with the wildlife. You know, riding with snakes, spiders and such does not sound so good.
January 16th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Check out http://www.singletracks.com/ . It is a great Mt. Bike site for Mt Bike rides.
There are some great Mt. Bike rides in Tucson.
March 1st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Just rode Mt. Lemmon today. What a ride! I’m from Colorado and am in Tucson for a week of riding. This ride is similar to riding Mt. Evans, but a bit easier given that Mt. Evans summits at over 14K feet. For that reason, Mt. Lemmon is actually a more enjoyable ride and, apparently, this time of year you don’t have to worry about storms at the top. Whenever you ride Mt. Evans, you have to make sure you are headed back down by 11am or so, since storms move in regularly. The weather was awesome today – mid 80′s and sunny at the start, mid 50′s and sunny at the top. I strongly recommend this ride to anyone visiting Tucson with a bike!
July 20th, 2009 at 11:43 am
This is an excellent ride however no one ever mentions water. Until you get to Palisades (almost to the top) there is no water. All campgrounds are dry. Two water bottles can go quick on a hot day. Carry more behind the seat or drink less!
September 21st, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I have done this ride many times and it is great. Pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
December 31st, 2009 at 11:42 am
Awesome, Johnny! You da man!
December 24th, 2009 at 9:50 am
[...] Online resources: Ride-Strong [...]
February 16th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
I’m headed to Tucson for a girls trip and we want to ride my Lemmon but are flying and would prefer to rent a high end road bike vs. having to ship ours to Tucson. Does anyone know of a good bike store that rents? Please help!
February 17th, 2010 at 10:29 am
call Fair Wheel bikes at 520-884-9018
April 17th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Is it reasonable to ride Mt. Lemmon in late June/July if departing early AM or is it simply to hot? Is there a good place to leave a car at the bottom?
April 19th, 2010 at 10:52 am
This is the best time of the year to ride to the top. Get an early start 5:30 AM. Park at Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy at the Safeway shopping center.
You will love it!
July 29th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
I have done Mt. Lemmon consistently this summer and it has been great. If given the opportunity to bike Mt. Lemmon I would suggest that you take advantage of it.
This mountain exposes my flaws and illuminates them for the world to see, but will never pass an opportunity to get up to Ski Valley.
GREAT RIDE!!!!
August 16th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
I made it up to Sky Center at the top of Mt Lemmon yesterday. A newly paved road from Ski Valley on up to the top, with 11 and 12% grades on that top 2 miles, so get out there and give it a try ! I left the bottom at 6 am, with 2 Polar bottles and 2 grocery store water bottles and 80 degrees at the start. You can refill at Palisades, so that was plenty of water. The Lemmon is an awesome ride !