Where is Mount Lemmon?
Usa, north-america
52.3 km
2,792 m
easy
Year-round
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Mt. Lemmon Highway, also known as the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive! This 32.5-mile beauty winds its way up to the 9,159-foot summit of Mount Lemmon, just 45 miles north of Tucson, Arizona.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Expect some serious climbing – we're talking a leg-burning average gradient of 4.27%, with ramps hitting a max of 10%! Over the course of the drive, you'll gain 7,329 feet in elevation. It's a cyclist's dream (or nightmare, depending on your perspective!). The road is paved, but very large motorhomes, trailers over 22', and buses might find the steep grades and sharp turns a bit challenging.
Construction of the road was a long process, started in 1933 and not finished until 1950!
So, why should you make the trek? First off, the views are killer. Think sweeping vistas and crazy rock formations. You'll find plenty of pull-offs to soak it all in. Plus, the summit is about 20 degrees cooler than Tucson, making it a perfect escape from the desert heat. In winter, prepare for snow – Mt. Lemmon gets an average of 200 inches! Road closures are possible due to weather, so check conditions before you head out. Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to drive the whole thing without stops. Named after botanist Sara Plummer Lemmon, it's got a unique history, too!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 52.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,792 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Mount Ord in Arizona?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna tackle Mount Ord in Arizona? This peak sits pretty at 7,128 feet in Maricopa County, nestled within the Tonto National Forest. The road up, Forest Road 27, is a 7.6-mile dirt track starting from the Duthie-Martin Highway. Now, listen up: the beginning is doable in most cars, but trust me, you'll want a 4x4 with good clearance for the rest. It's a narrow, shelf road that can be a bit unnerving if you're not a fan of heights. Expect some tight turns, ruts, and areas where the brush gets a little too friendly. The climb is a solid workout for your vehicle, gaining almost 4,000 feet in elevation with an average gradient of nearly 10%. Keep your eyes peeled for other trucks on the road as there are some serious drop-offs and hairpin turns along the way. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane! From the summit, you're treated to panoramic vistas of the Tonto National Forest, the Mogollon Rim, Lake Roosevelt, the Four Peaks Mountains, and Saguaro Lake. The peak itself is home to communication towers and a forest service tower. Just watch out for spiders and snakes – some of the local residents pack a punch. Oh, and one more thing: in winter, expect snow. So, gear up and get ready for an unforgettable Arizona adventure.
moderateDriving the wild Antelope Mountain (in Lassen County, CA)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let me tell you about a killer drive up Antelope Mountain in northeast California’s Lassen County. We’re talking serious elevation here – this peak tops out at 7,687 feet! You'll find this gem tucked away in Lassen National Forest. The road's a decent forest road, but trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind, this route is a no-go in winter; the snow usually hangs around until late June or even July. The climb is a real workout. From Eagle Lake Road, it's about 5.4 miles to the summit, and you gain a whopping 2,434 feet in elevation. That’s an average grade of over 8%! And the payoff? A fire lookout tower awaits you at the top! Built in '78, it was actually the first solar-powered lookout in the US. Usually, there's someone up there during fire season. The views? Absolutely incredible. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
moderateNorris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Norris Canyon Road! This beauty winds through the heart of Yellowstone, way up high in Wyoming. We're talking serious elevation, folks—over 7,500 feet the whole time and topping out over 8,200! This fully paved, 11.5-mile stretch connects Norris Geyser Basin with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, making it a super handy shortcut. Just be warned, it's a bit of a climb! Some sections hit a 10% grade, so your car will get a workout. Think of it as a scenic detour between the Grand Loop Road and Canyon Village! You'll find the turnoff for Virginia Cascade Drive along the way. Heads up, though: cell service is spotty at best up here. Keep in mind that Old Man Winter shuts this road down for the season, so plan your trip accordingly. It's all about the views, the crisp mountain air, and that feeling of being utterly immersed in Yellowstone's wild beauty.
moderateDriving Interstate 90 to Homestake Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Montana
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Homestake Pass in beautiful Montana! This paved beauty sits at a cool 6,410 feet up in the Rocky Mountains, right on the Jefferson/Silver Bow county line. You'll find it nestled inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. We're talking Interstate 90 here, and Homestake Pass marks its highest point on that massive, cross-country highway. Fun fact: when I-90 was built, they chose this route over Pipestone Pass for an easier crossing of the Continental Divide. Smart move, Montana! The stretch we're interested in is about 25 miles long, connecting Butte to Whitehall. And while it's usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather in the winter. Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable, and you might find a temporary closure due to snow or ice.