Mount Lemmon is truly one of the most beautiful bike rides in the United States. It's located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, just north of Tucson, Arizona, and is a popular destination for cyclists from around the world. Lance Armstrong trained on Mount Lemmon late in his career. You'll see pros mixed in with cyclists of all skill level.
Park in the Le Buzz plaza off E Catalina Hwy or ride there directly. The climb is long and brutal but you'll be distracted by 360 degree views, changing landscapes, and remarkable rock formations.
Layer up because it gets very very cold on the way up with temperature deltas between 30 and 40 degrees at times.
There are several rest stops along the way but come hydrated and prepared with extra fuel. Water available at the top at Mount Lemmon General Store.
Route Details:
- 28.91 miles
- 7,074 ft elevation gain
- 4.2% average grade (but very steep at the top)
NOTE: This route is just the climb - just turn around and descend down the way you came - take it nice and steady but enjoy the descent, you earned it!
Photos from Daniel Radel
Route from Nathan Bodenstein