Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Mount Lemmon
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour of the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway to unlock the secrets of this breathtaking route from Tucson’s desert floor to the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains. As you climb 6,000 feet, experience dramatic scenery changes, panoramic vistas, the country’s southernmost ski resort, and a mountaintop observatory.
Along the way, hear stories on ancient Tohono O'odham culture and the unique Sky Islands ecosystem play automatically, enriching your drive through one of Arizona's most remarkable landscapes.
Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t.
Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location
Travel at your own pace
Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed
Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates.
Like having a tour guide along for the drive
Purchase one tour per vehicle.
Available options
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Mount Lemmon
What's included
Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates.
Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
Trip Planners: In-app and web
GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 45+ Points
Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
Detailed itinerary
1
A stunning drive through diverse landscapes, from desert vistas to alpine forests, offering breathtaking views along the way.
2
A rugged, moderate hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic views of Tucson and the surrounding desert.
3
A perfect spot for sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert and the city of Tucson from a high vantage point.
4
A scenic viewpoint showcasing the beauty of Molino Canyon, ideal for short walks and photography.
5
Access point to various trails, including the Arizona National Scenic Trail, surrounded by picturesque canyon scenery.
6
A picturesque area where waterfalls cascade during the rainy season, providing a serene natural setting.
7
A scenic overlook offering dramatic views of the Thimble Peak formation and the vast mountain range.
8
A must-stop lookout along the byway, offering stunning panoramic views of the valley below and towering rock formations.
9
An iconic rock formation resembling a duck’s head, popular among visitors for photos and short hikes.
10
A lovely viewpoint with panoramic views of rugged mountain landscapes and dense forests.
11
A peaceful mountain lake surrounded by pine forests, perfect for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
12
Learn about the area's geological formations while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding rock landscapes.
13
A quiet spot for a family picnic surrounded by pine trees and beautiful mountain scenery.
14
A scenic vista showcasing unique rock formations called hoodoos, formed by wind and erosion.
15
A popular hiking trail offering a mix of desert and forest terrain with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
16
A beautiful viewpoint overlooking the San Pedro River Valley, ideal for birdwatching and photography.
17
An informative stop along the byway with exhibits about the local flora, fauna, and geology of Mt. Lemmon.
18
Start your journey into diverse forests and meadows on this popular hiking trail known for seasonal wildflowers.
19
A starting point for hiking through scenic mountain landscapes, offering access to the Red Ridge trail.
20
Arizona’s southernmost ski destination, offering winter sports and scenic chairlift rides in the summer.
21
A renowned facility for stargazing and astronomy, offering guided night sky viewing experiences with powerful telescopes.
What's not included
Food and Drinks.
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
Meeting point
Start at(Catalina Hwy)or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.
Important notes
STEPS TO GET YOUR GUIDEALONG AUDIO TOUR:
1. SIGN IN + REDEEM your VOUCHER CODE: https://store.guidealong.com/voucher
2. DOWNLOAD the GuideAlong App
3. SIGN IN to the GuideAlong app with the same Apple or Google account as Step 1
4. DOWNLOAD the Audio Tour NOW
FIND YOUR VOUCHER CODE AND INSTRUCTIONS
- Email: Search your inbox for “Your Tour Operator Sent You A Message” and “Instructions for GuideAlong Audio Tour.” Check All Mail and your junk/spam folder.
- Text: Check for a text message from +17817732638.
- This Ticket: Find the voucher code at the top under the QR code and redeem at Step 1.
- Viator App: Open your booking and select Contact Support > Contact Tour Operator.
- TripAdvisor App: Open your Account and select Messages.
- Need help? Call GuideAlong toll-free on 1866-477-1791.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDEALONG APP & TOUR NOW
You must pre-download both the GuideAlong app and audio tour to your phone over reliable wifi or cellular data before you drive out of signal. If you can OPEN your tour and see the START TOURING button, your tour is downloaded. No service is required while touring.
FLEXIBLE TRAVEL DATE
There’s no expiry, date or time limit for your tour, so download the GuideAlong app and audio tour now. If your plans change to a different day there’s no need to change your travel date.
CHARGING & SOUND
We don’t recommend connecting your phone to the vehicle's USB port. Instead, use a USB/C car charger adapter in the auxiliary power outlet (cigarette lighter) to prevent an automatic secondary pairing and keep your phone charged. CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported, so listen to the tour through your phone’s speaker or pair it to your car stereo via Bluetooth: guidealong.com/travel-tips-bluetooth/.
HELP & SUPPORT
- FAQs: Check the offline Help menu in the GuideAlong app or online FAQs at guidealong.com/faq.
- Contact GuideAlong Support: Call toll-free 1866-477-1791, chat online at guidealong.com, or email info@guidealong.com.
About Tucson
Tucson, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, is a vibrant city known for its rich Native American and Old West history. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, stunning desert landscapes, and world-class outdoor activities.
Top Attractions
Saguaro National Park
A stunning desert landscape filled with giant saguaro cacti, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A unique blend of zoo, botanical garden, and museum, showcasing the wildlife and plants of the Sonoran Desert.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5-12)
Old Tucson
A historic theme park that recreates the Old West, featuring live shows, stagecoach rides, and Wild West stunt shows.
Historical/Entertainment
2-4 hours
$25 for adults, $15 for children (ages 5-12)
Mission San Xavier del Bac
A beautifully preserved 18th-century Spanish mission, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sonoran Hot Dog
A bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a variety of condiments, unique to the Sonoran Desert region.
Snack
Contains pork and gluten
Chiles Rellenos
Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, coated in egg batter, and fried, often served with a tomato-based sauce.
Dinner
Vegetarian (check for cheese and batter ingredients)
Prickly Pear Margarita
A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and prickly pear puree, giving it a unique pink color and sweet-tart flavor.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in Saguaro National Park
Mountain biking in the Tucson Mountain Park
Hot air balloon rides
Spa treatments at luxury resorts
Picnicking in Reid Park
Stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory
Visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Exploring the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the most popular time to visit due to pleasant weather and various festivals. Expect cooler mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tucson is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in less populated areas, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Tucson International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus
Tucson Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and efficient, with real-time tracking available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Tucson
Tanque Verde
Catalina Foothills
Day trips
Mount Lemmon
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A scenic mountain range with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a cool, forested environment.
Tombstone
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
A historic Old West town known for its role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and its well-preserved Western heritage.
Bisbee
90 miles (145 km) • Full day
A charming, artsy town with a rich mining history, known for its colorful buildings, art galleries, and unique shops.
Festivals
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase • February
Tucson Meet Yourself • October
Tucson Rodeo (Fiesta de los Vaqueros) • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Explore the 4th Avenue Shopping District for unique local crafts and vintage finds
- Take a day trip to Mount Lemmon for a cool, forested escape from the desert heat
- Try a prickly pear margarita, a local favorite made with the fruit of the desert's iconic cactus
- Attend a performance at the Rialto Theatre for a taste of Tucson's vibrant arts scene
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
