Drive to Mt Lemmon with Darin

 2 January 2021

Well the New Year has begun and a drive up to Mt Lemmon with Darin. Remembered John and I drove up here in March of 2015, but it wasn't until I checked my blog that we actually drove up here twice that trip. We also had lunch at the same cafe as today. Had completely forgotten...another reason I have a blog. Anyway Darin picked us up around 1030. So glad he likes to chauffer us.

Earlier in the week we met Darin and Kerry at Bisbee Breakfast Club on Sunrise for breakfast. The one in Bisbee has been recommended, but we just did not get to go. This is definitely a return for breakfast or lunch in future visits here. They are only open 6-3 for breakfast and lunch. May return for lunch.

Anyway the drive to Mt Lemmon is scenic with hairpin curves and amazing rock formations. Once you leave the rocks you come into the pine forests and the village of Summerhaven and Mt Lemmon ski area. The drive from Tucson is around 30 miles via the Catalina Hwy and takes 1-1/2 hours. There are several vista points for photo ops and this is the only paved road to Mt Lemmon. The drive affords several camping, picnic and hiking trails. Over 1 milion visitors travel the road each year.

 The community of Summerhaven features many homes and cabins built on mountainsides.  Be sure and stop at the General Store for homemade fudge. We choose to stop at the Cookie Cafe that features pizza, ice cream and large cookies.

It was a nice day and thank you Darin for driving us.