'''Mount Lemmon''' is a famous "sky island" that is approximately two hours drive from Tucson, Arizona. The mountain is at an elevation of 9,157 feet which makes the overall climate very different from that of the surrounding desert area and makes it a popular tourist destination for those in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, particularly in the summer months. Mount Lemmon is located in the Coronado National Forest, is the home of Ski Valley, is the location of the town Summerhaven, and is the site of an astronomical observatory.
On average the climate at the summit is at least twenty degrees cooler than it is at the base. Please note that this means ample amounts of snow can, and do, fall on the mountain during the winter months.
The only way to really reach the mountain is on the Catalina Highway that begins in Tucson. During the winter months it is advisable to use vehicles that have four wheel drive and/ or snow chains as the road can become very slippery.
There is a road fee in order to get up the mountain except for circumstances such as visiting a business in Summerhaven. These can be paid at the foot of the road.
The town of Summerhaven, which has a year-round population of 100 that swells up during the summer months. Most of the town is being completely rebuilt after the 2003 Aspen Fire destroyed most of it.
Dehydration is very easy on the mountain and altitude sickness is very common so be sure to drink plenty of water in order to avoid both!