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Beat the heat camping on Mt. Lemmon near 8000 ft. surrounded by the cool pines above Tucson.
We've got the Whitetail Group Campsite No. 1 reserved. It's just steps from a dramatic view of Tucson. Getting to the campsite is a memorable trip up the Sky Island Scenic Byway, a recently improved road that has changing vegetation from the desert floor to the fir tree forest above. Figure about two hours from Phoenix to Tucson and another hour up the hill.
There are great hiking trails are all around. An organized hike will be planned for those interested. Check out www.sabinonaturalists.org for more info. In addition there are many things to explore up on the mountain. The Mt. Lemmon ski area operates its lift year round. The Iron Door Restaurant is open for lunch. There’s the little vacation village of Summerhaven only 4 miles up the road where you can find eats, ice cream and a small general store for ice. There is a restaurant open for brunch and dinner called Sawmill Run. You might want to explore the Marshall Gulch picnic area at the Lemmon Summit Trailheads. Hopefully you’ll have time for a quiet afternoon in the cool air.
The campsite is intended for tent camping. The improved terraced sites are perfect for tenting. Parking space is limited to 10 vehicles and is strictly enforced so carpooling will be a big help. Overflow may require parking along the road off the campsite. The Rose Canyon Campground close by may be able to accommodate an RV for the weekend if you book quickly.
A BYOB is planned for Saturday from 5pm till 6pm. Please bring something to share for the cocktail hour. A Saturday meal will be provided for 6:00 PM and those wishing to come for the meal only are welcome. We will provide coffee and snacks or Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings.
At this time, you will likely have to park on the road a bit of a walk from the campsite (although you can unload at the site).
Directions
From the 10 take Ina Rd. east. Following the main road bear right as it turns into Skyline then Sunrise Dr. Turn right at Kolb Rd. and follow it about four miles to Tanque Verde Rd. Turn Left on Tanque Verde Rd. and follow it to the Catalina Highway (Last chance shopping center). Turn left on Catalina and follow it up the mountain. Do not pay at the fee station. Watch carefully at about the 21 mile marker and turn left into the Whitetail Campground. (See flyer) Do not come up the back side of the mountain. Rugged four wheel only.
Weather Info
Trip Leaders
For more information contact Doug in the Phoenix area at 480.991.6513 and Peter in Tucson at 520.881.8276
