Mt Lemmon - Neat

Tucson, AZ, US

Route Overview

59 mi.

6,919 ft.

Mt Lemmon, the quintessential road climb in Southern Arizona. 26 miles and 6+ thousand feet of elevation change await you.

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Route Details

Mt Lemmon is the quintessential Tucson ride for anyone looking to enjoy southwestern scenery -- if you don't believe me [check this out](https://www.facebook.com/tucsonaerials/videos/1797949030448025/).  The full out and back ride offers just over six thousand feet of elevation gain with wide sweeping switchbacks and long luxurious descent at the end.

The [Le Buzz](http://lebuzzcaffe.com/) parking lot has become the meeting place for cyclists, triathletes, runners, rock climbers and hickers alike. Meet your fellow ride mates over a cup of coffee and stock up on any forgotten essentials at the Safeway.

After turning right out of the parking lot you'll encounter a mellow four and a half mile roll out before the climbing starts.  The first switchback itself is picturesque with 300ft cliffs and a view of the city. Don't get caught up here as the rest of the mountain is just as, if not more, beautiful.

As you're heading up you can easily pick your turnaround point. Just past @point[mile marker nine](d,21932.67) is the first popular one and overlooks the Seven Cataracts water fall. If you have 13 miles of climbing in you @point[Windy Point](d,29731.98) is a big attraction for its view. Finally the @poi[Palisades water stop](1306761) -- note this is the only water faucet on the route, plan accordingly -- just past mile marker 21 is a good turnaround as the climbing eases off and becomes more rolling at this point.

If you're into finishing off the climb enjoy another mile of forested climbing to mile 22 where a descent is welcome on your weary legs but causes the steep kicker right after to hurt twice as much as it should. Once you're up this descend into the small town of summer haven. Enjoy a stop at the @poi[convenience store](1306763) --my personal favorite stop although there's no seating-- for fudge, a piece of pie at the @poi[Sawmill Run](1306762) or a cookie at the @poi[cookie cabin](1306764).

Once you decide to head down the only thing that separates you from your car is some of the most enjoyable and relaxing descending I've ever done. Ease up and enjoy the scenery as you drop down through vegetation zones and end up in the unique sonoran desert.

# A few Reminders
* Tucson is a desert and the climate is extremely dry. If you're from out of town you'll be amazed at how fast you go through water. Hydrate before hand and bring enough to get you back to your car or up to @poi[Palisades at mile post 21](1306761) where the first consistently available water is located. 
* Mt Lemmon is popular amongst all types of recreationalists. Please be careful with cars especially while descending.

# Photo Credits
* [The Cycling House](http://thecyclinghouse.com/)
* [Scenic USA](http://www.scenicusa.net/052813.html)
* [Mt. Lemmon Realty](http://mountlemmonrealty.com/)

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Mt Lemmon - Neat

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