Mt Lemmon’s Meadow Trail Loop

by Dave Baker Monday, July 12th 2010

Short and sweet, this little hike is a pleasant 2.2 mile walk very near the top of Mt. Lemmon, the high point of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. It’s a great place to stretch the legs and enjoy a quiet walk among the cool pines after a drive up the Catalina Highway, and you’ll still have plenty of time to visit Summerhaven and Ski Valley.

Mt Lemmon's Meadow Trail

Reach the trailhead (32.44036 N, 110.7858 W, WGS84) by following the Catalina Highway from the Tucson valley towards the small settlement of Summerhaven. Just short of Summerhaven, turn right (west) onto “Ski Run Rd”. Continue on Ski Run Road past the ski facility through a gate (often closed during winter months), and on up the narrow winding road to the trailhead parking lot near the top of Mt. Lemmon.

Aspen Fire deadfall

The Mt. Lemmon Trail #5 leaves the west side of the parking lot right next to a fenced electrical facility, crosses a dirt road and very soon reaches a signed junction with the “Meadow Tr. #5A”, which splits off to the right. The Meadow Trail first wanders near the observatory and old Air Force facility occupying the true summit of Mt Lemmon, and then heads into the woods down a broad and gentle ridge line. Before rejoining Mt Lemmon Trail #5, the trail passes through an area charred by the 2003 Aspen Fire, where burned trees have toppled across the path. At the junction with the Mt Lemmon Trail, turn left (east) to head back towards the parking lot. A few tenths of a mile later, the junction with the short trail out to Lemmon Rock Lookout is encountered.

Lemmon Rock Lookout

Lemmon Rock Lookout

Season: Spring, summer and fall. The trailhead is closed to vehicular access for much of the winter, and snow often obscures many sections of the hike.

Water: Bring your own.

Difficulty: Easy. The full loop including the side trip to Lemmon Rock Lookout is about 2.2 miles long and involves about 350’ of elevation gain. One section of trail has been damaged by fire and is littered with deadfall.

Notes: This is a Forest Service fee area.

Maps: Green Trails Maps Santa Catalina Mountains, or National Geographic Arizona digital map software.

Map

Click Map for larger image

Trails

# | Comments (2)

Comments (2) -

7/13/2010 6:43:19 AM #

Dave, I enjoy reading your trail descriptions.  I think you made a typo on your directions?  "...by following the Catalina Highway from the Tucson valley towards the small settlement of Summerhaven. Just short of Summerhaven, turn left (west) onto “Ski Run Rd”"   Shouldn't that be turn right?

Warren

7/13/2010 8:23:17 AM #

Thanks Warren, I appreciate your help! You are absolutely right, and I have made the correction to the driving directions.

dave

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The Authors

Dave Baker I'm Dave Baker, founder of Summit Hut, an independent outdoor retailer based in Tucson, Arizona since 1969. As an experienced and passionate hiker, climber and backpacker, my blog is intended to be an informative and interesting look into the outdoors and the outdoor industry.

Dan Davis

I'm Dan Davis, after retiring from the National Park Service as a Ranger and manager, I worked for the Summit Hut until 2009, then retired for good (maybe). I'm now spending my time traveling around the southwest writing and working on my nature and fine art photography business.

Craig Little

Craig Little is my name and Extreme Picnicing is my game. I am a floor-staff member at Summit Hut's Wetmore store. As an outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, it is my mission to prepare delicious meals in the most remote and beautiful places I can find.

Emily Gindlesparger

I’m Emily Gindlesparger, assistant manager at the Summit Hut on Speedway. Since moving here from the Midwest, I’ve been taking advantage of all possible adventures in Arizona: rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, whitewater kayaking, caving and trail running; I’m always excited to see what’s next!

Frank Camp

I'm Frank Camp, Marketing Manager at Summit Hut. As a native Tucsonan, I grew up in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains. These days, I enjoy climbing, caving and backpacking but my biggest passions are photography and traveling. Standing at 5 continents, I'm nearing my goal of hitting all 7.

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