mount lemmon ski valley

However, we chose to ride the ski lift on a round trip to the top and back. It is a little pricey ($10 per adult) but the views as you come back down the hill are spectacular. I don't know when they actually have enough snow to ski? We have visited in January twice and there wasn't much snow either time.

We drove up in late December just after it had snowed. We left Tucson and it was 70 degrees, by the time we arrived at the ski resort it was below freezing. The views were stunning and it's hard to believe the changes in the types of plants and animals. We watched pretty little birds with the most stunning irridecant blue wings. We stopped first to look back over Tucson and the desert. 20 minutes later we were throwing snowballs and eventually we stopped for a pick nick in the snow. Fab day out and what diversity. Ski resort was closed so not sure how much it gets used.

We love Mount Lemmon and took this trip on a miserable hot humid July day. It's 30 degrees cooler at the top so it felt heavenly. We tried to take the lift trip up the mountain, but it was closed for service the first attempt and lightning storms shut it down the second trip. The staff if great and they have a very cute store full of things you might need if you weren't prepared for the drop in temperature. Well worth the beautiful drive.

It takes almost 2 hours to drive up to the top of Mt. Lemmon and come back... if you stop for pictures along the way. I kind of regret not being able to take more time to get out and explore some of the rest areas along the way... but was restricted by time.Couln't believe the change in climate and vegetation the further you drive up the mountain. At about 3000/4000 feet you no longer see cactus everywhere... the landscape becomes littered with massive pillars of eerily shaped rocks and stone walls... at about 5000/6000 feet you start to see traces of snow... and trees! At 7000 feet more snow, tall pine trees stretching over 50 feet high, rivers, wildlife, bears, deer... and at the top 9000 feet, a ski hill with a small community of chalets... general stores... and even a post office!On the way down I got the best sunset ever. I took amazing pictures that I will remember forever. Some of the locals I talked to said they have never even been up the mountain!!! Whoever visits Tucson and does not take this drive is... well, missing out to say the least.

We took the ride up mount Lemon and took a hike, The ride up is awesome. There are lot of pullover to see the views and take photos.

It's a lot of fun to escape the dessert heat and go to where the air is cool. The restaurant is kind of fun and they usually have a good selection of food. We have been up there for Octoberfest and had a great time.

Mt Lemmon is one of the most peaceful places. When in ski valley be sure to find wood fire pizza and giant cookies and some fudge.

We went up with another couple for the Oktoberfest event. Good food, but pretty expensive ($22 for two brats and 3 sides). Beer was reasonable ($5 for import bottles) but they had a limited selection of German beers. But when you factor in no charge for admission with free entertainment (polka band and games for kids) it's not unreasonable. You have the option of riding the chairlift. I would highly recommend doing that - the views are spectacular. Having been to Munich last year for the real Oktoberfest, I would say they do a reasonable job emulating it. The alpine environment is an added bonus. The only reason I knocked off a star is for the bathroom situation. They claim there is no bathroom, despite having several buildings including an indoor restaurant. They directed me to a row of 4 permanent port-a-potties in the parking lot, one of which looked like it was about to fall over. They are DISGUSTING. The doors can't be locked and there are gaps in the doors where people can see in. They reek of excrement, and their floors are made out of urine-stained, warped, and rotten wood. The unit on the right has a broken urinal so as you urinate in it your urine starts spraying out of the bottom of the urinal, soaking your shoes before running out one of the gaps in the door. There is literally a stream of urine that pours out every time someone uses that unit. It is completely unsanitary and they should be ashamed to have a beer festival with that woefully inadequate and unhygienic bathroom situation.

Great people, love the outdoors. The drive up the mountain has great views. When we arived we had lunch at the IronDoor and had a fantastic time.

The trip to the top of Mount Lemmon is not to be misses. The trip takes close to an hour if you dont stop; however, there are multiple overlooks and it is worth your time to stop at as many as you can. You will see multiple changes in the topography - from Sonora Desert to woodlands. There is a tiny village at the top with a general store and several restaurants. Take a serious look at your gas tank before you leave - there are no gas stations anywhere along the way.

We took the ski lift ($9.00 per person) up to the top and decided to walk down (I was a chicken)...The walk down on the paved road was SPECTACULAR! The smells and sights were stunning. The best part was at the top (August 22nd....By the way) There were THOUSANDS of ladybugs. It looked like raspberry bushes...Stunning...You could grab a handful (gently) and they would fly away....A must see!

great place to cool off and get away to go for a hike or enjoy a nice picnicHot chocolate and a cookie or a bowl of chili at the Iron Door Restaurant.

If you like the outdoors, Mount Lemmon is a must do! I take about 45min to an hour to get up the Mount in your car, but it is all a nicely paved road and the view is beautiful! There are plenty of pull out spots to stop and take photos! I would suggest riding the ski lift, it is $9 for adults and is peaceful, with a beautiful view! Also offers great trails, be sure to get a map in the visitors center that shows you all the hiking trails and distances.

Deep forest area so close to Tucson. Great trails and rock climbing

You can not depend on good ski snow, but it is beautiful high-country get-away if you live in the desert or city. Check the weather to know if the snow is good for skiing or better for taking the lift for the view and clear air.