Maps and Directions

Getting to Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter

Find Catalina Highway on the northeast side of Tucson. Follow the road up 27 miles towards the town of Summerhaven. Just after the signs in the picture below (but before the town) turn right on to Ski Run Rd.

Spring/Summer (March - October) Designated Meet Spot: 

Allow 1.5 - 2 hours driving time to get from central Tucson to the top of Mt. Lemmon. The Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter is at an altitude of 9,170 ft. Remember to bring several layers of warm clothing regardless of the time of year. 

After navigating the Catalina Highway, make a right on E Ski Run Road. Approximately two miles up this road you will see Ski Valley to your left, the Iron Door Restaurant on your right. Continue through the open gate, drive the remaining two miles past the open gate, and stop at the locked gate at the top of the mountain. Please pull over to the right side of the road as the parking lot on the left is by fee only. Our guide will meet you and check you in, let you through the gate, and your group will board our vans when you are parked on our property. Minimal driving is required on our site. 

Below are the directions for Winter (November-February) visitation only:

You must park in the Iron Door Restaurant parking lot on the north side of the road.  Do not park by the ski lift or your vehicle will be locked in the lot when you return to your vehicles after our program.

The Mount Lemmon SkyCenter will pick you up in our shuttles by the locked gate and transport you the last 1.5 miles to the observatory.  For this reason, it is important that you are on time for your program as we are unable to return for late arrivals.

Allow 1.5 - 2 hours driving time to get from central Tucson to the top of Mt. Lemmon. The Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter is at an altitude of 9,170ft. Remember to bring several layers of warm clothing regardless of the time of year.

For those using Google Maps, the address 9800 East Ski Run Rd will get you to the Iron Door Restaurant's parking lot. 

Image