Mount Lemmon: Catalina Highway

Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona · Tucson → Summerhaven

Twisty29 mi50 min6,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 8,200 ftOne way

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The drive

The Catalina Highway climbs from the Tucson desert to Summerhaven near 8,000 feet. You drive through saguaro, then oak, then pine, on long sweeping bends with big views at Windy Point Vista. The climb is about 6,900 feet.

Driven uphill from Tanque Verde Road, the views open behind you and the drive ends in cool pines at Summerhaven. The bends are twisty most of the way.

Along the way

Tucson (Tanque Verde Road)
Windy Point Vista
Summerhaven

Elevation

6,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 8,200 ft

TucsonSummerhaven

Curves

Twisty most of the way

mi 4–12mi 12–16mi 15–25

TucsonSummerhaven

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Coronado National Forest charges a day-use fee, $8 per vehicle, to park at trailheads, picnic areas and roadside parking; driving through and overlook stops are free.
The road closes for snow and ice in winter.
The Palisades Visitor Center is at milepost 19.9.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Coronado National Forest alerts.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Catalina Highway take to Summerhaven?

The Catalina Highway from Tanque Verde Road to Summerhaven is 29.4 miles and takes about 50 minutes.

Is there a fee for Mount Lemmon?

Parking at trailheads, picnic areas and roadside sites needs a day pass, $8 per vehicle. Driving the highway is free.

Is the road to Mount Lemmon open in winter?

Usually, but it closes during snow and ice storms. Check the road status before you go.

How twisty is Mount Lemmon?

Twisty most of the way, with three long twisty stretches.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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