Mount Lemmon is a hiker’s paradise. With cooler temperatures, and over 1,000 miles of trails in Coronado National Forest to explore, there’s so many recreation options for backpackers, cyclists, and day hikers to choose from even in the middle of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ summer.
Hiking can be intimidating, but it helps to know what to expect on the trail ahead of time. Luckily, we’ve done all the work for you!
Whether you’re new to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, new to hiking, or just looking for some inspiration or new trails to try, we’ve compiled a beginners’ guide to four of the best hiking destinations on the mountain, so you can get out in nature and make the most of your summer.
Before you head up, take note that Coronado National Forest has an $8 per vehicle day-use fee at each of these recreation areas and trailheads.
Meadow Trail:
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The Meadow Trail is probably the most well known and popular trail on Mount Lemmon, and for good reason!
The view from the Meadow Trail overlooking the Catalina range and the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ basin.
Located at Mount Lemmon Recreation Area, near the top of the mountain, this short, easy route is perfect for families with younger children, beginning hikers, or even experienced hikers wanting to take it easy and enjoy the stunning vistas. The trail winds through pine woodlands covered with dense ferns, and offers expansive views of the Catalina range, and the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ basin far below.
A hiker and his dog along a trail inside the Marshall Gulch picnic area in Summerhaven outside of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
You can turn around at the viewpoint, or — if you’re feeling adventurous — continue down the trail, following a small series of switchbacks to where it ends at a junction with the Mount Lemmon Trail. Following the Mount Lemmon Trail back to the Mount Lemmon Recreation Area makes a 1.8-mile loop that includes 400 feet of elevation gain, and an equal 400 feet elevation loss.
Kathryn Salm was one of several hikers enjoying the well-used path last Thursday, accompanied by her dog, Benson. She said the Meadow Trail was a personal favorite route of hers. “I like to do it, because this is the top,†Salm said. “If you really want to cool off, this is where I come.â€
Beyond the temperate weather, it is the scenic beauty found along the trail that Salm loves the most.
For more advanced hikers, the Mount Lemmon Trail connects with other trails in the upper reaches of the Catalina range, including the Lemmon Rock Lookout Trail, the Southerland Trail and the Wilderness of Rocks Trail.
The trailhead is fairly easy to find. From Catalina Highway, turn right onto Ski Run Road, passing through Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, then continue uphill for 1.7 miles to the parking area and the Mount Lemmon Recreation Area trailhead.
Marshall Gulch and Aspen Trails:
If you’re looking to escape the sun and the heat, Marshall Gulch offers the perfect oasis, with a shady picnic area and cool, tree covered trails.
The Marshall Gulch Trail follows a creekbed — and sometimes trickling stream — just over a mile through the pine, fir and maple forest at the base of Marshall Peak. The hike is relatively easy, and you can enjoy the colorful wildflowers and wildlife along the trail.
For a more moderate hike, you can follow the 3.7-mile loop route made up of the Marshall Gulch and Aspen trails. The Aspen Trail section of the hike will take you along the top section of Marshall Peak with panoramic views of the Catalinas. You’ll hike through groves of aspen and oak trees, high mountain grassland, and areas of burned pine forest from previous wildfires.
From the connected junction, you can also access the Wilderness of Rocks Trail and the Mint Spring Trail, or if you’re an experienced hiker, follow the Aspen trail to the top of Mount Lemmon.
Hiking in ponderosa pine along the Aspen Trail on Mount Lemmon.
To reach the gulch area, follow the Catalina Highway to Summerhaven. Continue through Summerhaven on North Sabino Canyon Park for about a mile to the parking areas in the gulch.
Butterfly Trail:
This moderate to challenging 5.7-mile trail is aptly named. You’ll see no shortage of moths and butterflies along the trail, as they gather nectar from the plants and wildflowers on the ridgeline.
Walking along the northern side of the mountain, you’ll have beautiful views of the ridges around you, as well as the valley below. The trail descends, traveling through ponderosa pines, and carpets of ferns, before eventually climbing up Mount Bigelow.
Along the trail you can see Novio Falls, and the crash site of an F-86 aircraft. You can also access the Crystal Spring Trail, the Davis Spring Trail, and the Kellogg Trail from trail junctions. If you’re not looking for an intense hike, the first bit of the trail from the Upper Butterfly Trailhead is a great place to stroll and take in the views.
Tall pine trees shade the trailhead of the Butterfly Trail.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥an Bill Scott was enjoying a snack at a shady picnic table near the trailhead on Thursday morning. He said he frequents the trails on Mount Lemmon during the summer.
“We come up Mount Lemmon quite a bit, but not necessarily the Butterfly Trail. Although we’ve been on it many times,†Scott said. “It’s a nice trail. Before the fire, it used to be a lot shadier, but it’s still pretty nice.â€
For this through hike, start at the Upper Butterfly Trailhead, located just before Soldiers Camp Road, just off Catalina Highway. The trail ends at the Growing Pains pull-out, near the Palisades Visitor Center, so you might want to bring a hiking buddy and an extra car.
When you’re out on the trails, remember to always practice safe hiking procedures. Check the difficulty level of the hike before leaving to ensure it matches your abilities, make sure to carry extra water in case you are out on the trail for longer than planned, and check the weather conditions regularly. Storms can roll in quickly, and Mount Lemmon is about 25 degrees cooler than the valley, so dress accordingly. Most importantly, have fun, and happy hiking!
