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Mountain range in Pima and Pinal counties, Arizona, United States
Photo: Debby Kriegel, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Santa Catalina Mountains, often called simply the Catalinas, are a mountain range in the Coronado National Forest and located northeast of Tucson. Crowned by Mt. Lemmon at an elevation of 9,157 ft, the range is a 'sky island', which has a very different climate from that of the valley and surrounding desert. This climatic difference makes it a popular tourist destination for those in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, particularly in the summer months.
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This is a good area for wildlife viewing. A number of scenic and challenging trails can be accessed here from the north side of Tucson, as well as from Catalina Highway and Catalina State Park near Oracle. No mountain bikes, horses, or dogs permitted.
A spectacular desert canyon cut into the south side of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this area is justifiably popular with both locals and visitors and is the starting point for a number of hiking trails. Half-hourly trams operated by Sabino Canyon Tours ($8/$4 adults/children) can take visitors nine stops up into the canyon; a separate tram ($3/$1 adults/children) will take you into Bear Canyon and to the trailhead of the popular Seven Falls Trail. Free trail maps are available at the visitor center, which also sells a good selection of regional hiking guidebooks and topo maps.
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter / Steward Observatory
Operated by the University of Arizona, this astronomical observatory offers nightly observation programs and workshops for the public.
Run throughout the year for teenagers, adults, and educators. Campers spend time learning how to use the astronomical facilities, which range up to telescopes in size, and collect their own research data. Truly a must-do for any astronomy guru, although the camps tend to fill very quickly so check their website for details.
The southernmost ski resort in the United States. It's a very small resort with short runs.
Pricey but beautiful.
At the far side of Summerhaven. They serve excellent giant cookies.
Fudge.
The cabin is fully furnished and has indoor plumbing and electricity, but guests must bring their own sleeping bags and pillows. Pets permitted. The property is maintained by the US Forest Service, and reservations can be made online.
RV Camping is 22 feet and less. No hook-ups. Tents, trailers to 22' and small motor homes permitted. Drinking water and toilets available.
68 first-come, first-served sites. No RV hook-ups available, fire pits, grills, and tables are available at the sites. All campgrounds have potable water and vault toilets.
Open from 1 Nov - 15 Apr. No hookups, trailers and RVs under 22' permitted. No water, vault toilets. There is a pleasant hike between this campground and Gordon Hirabayashi (see listing below); park all the way at the end of prison camp and walk downhill to Molino. The destruction from the Aspen fire is evident here as is all the new green growth.
This campground is unusual as it displays the remnants (mostly rock walls) of a Japanese-American internment camp from WWII. The Arizona Trail also passes through this campground. Open from late fall through early spring. No hookups, trailers and RVs under 22' permitted. No water, vault toilets.
Not recommended for trailers or RVs. No water, vault toilets.
This picturesque campground is located on the northern slope of Mt Lemmon. Toilets and water, no hookups, RVs up to 22'.
The only way to really reach the mountain is on the Catalina Highway that begins in Tucson.
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Tucson · International · TUS
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