Phoenix may have more of the stay-cool amenities money can buy (stadiums, shopping malls, etc.), but Tucson has a 27-mile stretch of pavement called the Catalina Highway.
Officially the General Hitchcock Highway, this scenic route climbs more than a vertical mile — and is the only paved road — into the Catalina Mountains.
Vista points, trailheads, campgrounds and picnic areas and the mountain community of Summerhaven offer everything from big views and vigorous hikes to shopping and dining at an altitude of more than 8,000 feet.
And, when there are 100-plus- degree days on the desert floor, temperatures amid the mountain's pines and aspens are typically in the 70s or 80s. That's reason enough to make the journey. Here are some more:
Nestled in a pine-shaded canyon at 7,000 feet, the 7-acre lake is a cool escape. Catch a trout. Stroll around the lake or hike the surrounding hills. Nearby picnic sites and a campground make the lake area a popular destination for family outings.
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Boats and swimming are prohibited at the lake. Dogs must be leashed. A signed turnoff for the lake is near Milepost 17. It costs $18 to camp per night.
This Saturday is free fishing day in Arizona — which at Rose Canyon Lake means the $8 day-use fee will be waived and fishing licenses will not be required for that day only. Fishing tackle and bait will be available at no charge. Forest Service fees for day use on Mount Lemmon will be waived on that day only.
The Iron Door Restaurant at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley offers one of the best patios in the Tucson area — look out on the ski run and watch the hummingbirds.
And the menu has enough options to please everyone in your hiking party — from the Mountain Soul (bratwurst, red cabbage, apple sauce, corn bread and warm German potato salad) to vegetarian options, including the Catalina Gourmet (a half-liter of wine, three cheeses, fruit and bread). Make sure to try the homemade corn bread. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. for dinner on Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays (but open July 4).
You can catch a ride year-round. From the overlook, you can literally see for miles and miles. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Cost: $9 for adults; $5 kids age 12 or younger; $8 military and seniors; $25 family ticket.
The Mount Lemmon Volunteer Interpreters are leading two hikes every week on Mount Lemmon through the end of August.
On Thursdays the group leads a nature walk that will give you plenty of time to observe the plants and birds. The destination is usually decided that morning. You can meet at 8 a.m. at Chuy's, on the northwest corner of Tanque Verde Road and Catalina Highway, to carpool, or catch the group at 9 a.m. at the Mount Lemmon-Palisades Visitor Center. People who carpool usually stay and have a picnic lunch.
The Friday hikes, which start at 9 a.m., offer more of a workout. This week's scheduled trek, the Box Camp Trail, will cover a total of 4.6 miles round trip, gaining 1,200 feet in elevation. Hikers meet at the trailhead, which is at Milepost 21.9. Go to www.scvntucson.org for more information.
– Compiled by Inger Sandal
In 2003, the Aspen Fire on Mount Lemmon burned almost 85,000 acres of forest and ripped through Summerhaven, destroying most of the homes and businesses in the small mountain village. Four years later, renewal is everywhere, but much has changed in the mountain's environment and community. Read more about Mount Lemmon's recovery in Sunday's ¡Vamos! section.