Thanks Steve! Your vids are top-notch. No wasted time in the beginnings, no annoying sales pitches, no inappropriate pictures of unrelated subjects...just well-researched story telling and excellent quality production values. Your narration is clear, low-key and always interesting, and last but not least, your background music is beautiful, subtle and never overpowers your narration. You do everything right! You're a TouTube Treasure!
Thank you for visiting Tucson and our wonderful Mt. Lemmon. There are many many beautiful scenic drives in Arizona, but Mt. Lemmon is our refuge in the summer when the temps are actually 113F and in the winter when snow allows for skiing and winter sports.
@brkaz5864 Three of us from central Ohio rode our bikes to visit a buddy in Tucson in '74. Cruised up Mt Lemon a couple times. We had so much fun in Tucson (and saddle sores) we didn't make it to Route 1 (Pacific coast hwy).
I love Mount Lemmon! One of the best sunset spots I've ever been to. I even saw a proposal and spontaneous wedding at Windy Point back in May! Such a gorgeous place. Reminds me of my local mountain drive up Highway 33 in Ojai :)
I went to school in Tucson and became an avid climber. I spent hundreds of days on Mt Lemmon for the world class climbing. It truly is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges anywhere.
I love the reference “like being in Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦 “. My home province. The ski lift was slowed down for summer usage. Those attached chairs are old school slow. Most ski areas use high speed detachable chairs. Love your videos!
A lot of people have mentioned they slow them down in the summer. Good to know. I can't imagine waiting to ski and having to take such a long ride to start.
Great video. We love visiting Mt. Lemmon! We've stayed at the Mt Lemmon hotel and give it two thumbs up. As for the speed of the ski lift, they move much quicker when transporting skiers. They slow it down for "scenic" rides. And you're right; the views along the highway and from the vistas/trails are stunning. If you ever get the chance, we recommend coming back at night for a visit to the observatory.
I saw this thumbnail and said "Hey, i know that road!" And i can confirm that you can definitely see waterfalls. Depending on time of year. When there is snowmelt, and during Monsoon season. There are several popular trails in the foothill area that aren't too hard to hike with beautiful views, and waterfalls.
Thanks for taking this delightful drive for me, Steve. Now I won't have to. I would perish in 113 degrees. The last time I was in Tucson was as a 10 year old boy; my Dad dragged his family to his beloved Arizona (he always wanted to move there from Colorado, but thankfully never did). This was in the late 1950s and our car was a black Cadillac with no air conditioning. In August. I've never forgiven him, and I've never been back.
Some years ago a coworker and her boyfriend bought their first brand-new car, a black Chevy Aveo without a/c. Six months later they moved from northern New England to Los Angeles in it. Must've been fun in traffic on the freeway in midsummer.
I did this drive a few years ago and camped over night. It was June and well over a 100 degrees in the valley. However, up on the mountain it was in the mid 70’s. Well worth the time spent taking the drive up. Listening to the audio tour from the local college on the way up the mountain was real informative. Everyone, when in the area should do it.
We used to drive up there all the time to get a cheese burger at the sawmill restaurant. Mount Graham next to Safford is much nicer, higher and with fewer people...
To The Sidetrack Adventure Crew, Thanks for All You Do! 😊 Your videos 🎥 are sources of history 🧑🎓 📚 , information 📈 📊 📖 , and wonderful scenery 🏜️ 🗻 🏕️ 🚡 🏞️ 🌵 🌲 🌻 🌼 🪻 🍂 🌿 🌼 🌄 🌞 ! Special Thanks to Steve & his Wife for being an adventurous and exploring Husband & Wife who enrich the lives of their Children with such Great Trips! 😃 My gratitude to you, Sidetrack Adventures Crew, for bringing us along on the journeys, and inspiring us all to get out and explore! 😃🚶🧑🦽🧑🦼 🚙 🚗 🧳 🗺️
I really enjoy your videos. My Mom and Stepdad live in Tucson, and Mt Lemmon is a regular outing for them. She's 86, and he's 92. He drives to the top. There is a spot to park and walk, and that's what they do. I need to make it up there when I visit Tucson again. Thanks for the video.
I have been binge watching your videos and love the history of SoCal. Unfortunately, due to the crime issues in CA, I won't be visiting any time soon. I have been to SD and Hemet CA MANY moons ago when I was in the Military. Your videos are a breath of fresh air from all the nonsense going on around us. Thank you!
I would really love to see an itinerary of place’s visited in the past,you know a chronological list of these amazing forgotten towns by which I would plan my adventures. Great series Steve and of course your wife and son for being with you makes it that much more personal. Brilliant editing videography and of course the calming narration. Oh,and lest we forget the music,the perfect accompaniment to the whole daggum thing.
Wow, Steve, that was beautful! I like that you took the ski lift. Reminded me of when I was about five years old and we rode one in New Mexico. Found out my mother was afraid of heights and she clutched me the whole time! Thanks for that memory.
I recall back in 90s when I tried skiing, those slow chair lifts often had a strange aroma as it made it's way to the top! Think, Creech and Chong! Thanks, Steve!
I had saved this video for a few days, for just the right moment to sit down and watch! That was an absolutely beautiful ride Steve! Thanks again for taking me all the places I can't go anymore!!
I used to live in Tucson. Every summer we would go up Mt. Lemmon, to a cabin near the lodge. We spent summers there? It’s a beautiful ride, so much beauty to see. Thank you for choosing this on one of your videos. Be nice to see again, as I haven’t been up there since I got married in 1970, my husband and I went up there on our honeymoon. ❤
You missed the ol Air Force Base at the top, that the UofAz took over and now houses several telescopes ran by different universities/countries. Cool you got to hang out in our back yard. Thxs
I remember hiking along the fence to the right of the entrance to the observatory to get to the summit. The views looking North/Northwest are gorgeous and missed by so many visitors. On a clear day, you can see clear to Phoenix!
Wow 😁! Thanks for staying here in Tucson, Arizona and making the Mt. Lemmon 🍋 drive! It's very cool.. literally and figuratively! I'm glad you got to get the cookies! They're excellent... Now all you need is to get here in the late fall/early winter and get the fantastic chili and sides from the Iron Door there in Ski Valley. Just to mention that the drive back down the Highway at night is incredible as well....there are a few pull offs that are "sheltered from the headlights. Everything is dark except for the lights of Tucson and Pima County spreading across the Valley floor below; East to West: Vail, Mt Wrightson, San Xavier Mission, The Tucson Mountains, and where Oracle Rd and the Rillito River Cross. Just past Summerhaven in Marshall Gulch, there stands the last remaining stand of First Growth (The Oldest) Ponderosa Pines in the US. There are some Massive Trees in there. On your way into Summerhaven, just outside of the town, you may have seen the sign for the "Oracle Control Road"... Its a USFS fire control road, AND that is the "original" road up the mountain out of the city of Oracle. You mentioned you were in the USArmy one time, and that road will require an All Terrain Vehicle to come up...full tracked, 4x4 or 6x6, with winch.. lololol 😆😆 Okay, a normal Jeep and 4x4 lol! There's a phone number to call and check passability and if it's been recently graded. THAT drive would truly be a "Sidetrack Adventure" to say the least! Steve, Thanks to you and your family for sharing and stopping over here in Tucson! All of us who live/lived here and commented, really appreciate it!! Thank You So Much!!! I hope you also get to try our fantastic Mexican Food we have here. It's the Best, Bar None! 😉😁
Ski lifts can run faster when there is snow because it's easy to get on and off when your feet can slide along as the chair picks you up and sets you back down. Thanks for another great calm video of the SW!
I drove up Mt Lemon road 20 years ago. I was stunned by the natural beauty all along the way. I saw many balancing rocks, much like the ones I used to see as a kid on the Road Runner cartoons. I was amazed at how the natural environment changed at each 1,000 foot point. It was January and there was a lot of snow at the top. I'm hoping I'll be able to return there someday and see it again.
STEVE ! I agree with your wife. Spicy Chile on a hot day is just the thing! No kidding. I live in Florida and make several pots over the summer, LOTS of peppers! This was a super video! Thanks!
I live in Tucson and have lived here for 58 years. I used to go to Mt. Lemon when I was a lot younger. Glad that you didn't take the road on the backside of Mt. Lemon, which you need a 4x4 to do so. Both sides are beautiful going up and coming down. Thank you for sharing Mt. Lemon.
@@The-Way-Watchmen expect hot summers, descent winters, for some people might say there isn't anything to do but there are things to do and places to see. Just keep an open mind. I sometimes go back to places that I haven't been to for a long time and find new things that I haven't seen the last time that I was there.
Thanks for the memories. I was between FEMA emergencies in 2005, renting a straw bale house in San Manuel, north of My Lemon on the Oracle Rd. I took my 4WD Toyota T100 truck up the backside of Mt. Lemon just to see if I could, all the way from the desert floor to the top. I made it just fine and it was way more direct than the front way that I took on the way down. The alpine feel at the top was indeed remarkable. AND FWIW, I was an avid skier back in the say. Those chairlifts usually move much faster than that. I think they had them at half speed for the summer tourists.
Thanks for taking us with you on your day out. I could almost taste that pizza and those cookies all the way from the UK. That truly is a beautiful place. The view is outstanding, and thank you so much for not rushing and allowing us to take a good look too!! You seem a very human and very chilled out individual, and it makes for relaxing viewing. Nice to see that your wife was with you on this adventure. We just subscribed.
We have lived in Tucson 3 different times and each time we traveled up to summer heaven. There was a famous dive up there to eat very large piece of desert pie. We some times stopped at Rose Lake. A great scenic drive up and back. Oh! I am a huge history buff so we stopped at the WW2 Japanese internment camp. I’ve walked all over and around it picturing what the original layout was. I was very impressed with the resolve and the survival skills of the Japanese that were there!
Fascinating. As you are probably aware, trails on the Phoenix Mountain Parks (City of Phoenix) are closed on days of National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warnings since an ordinance was passed last year. If you ever come back this way between October through April, you should check out the trails at South Mountain Park from either the Telegraph Pass Trailhead or Pima Canyon Trailhead. There is also another trailhead from a dirt parking lot near South 17th Avenue and Chandler Blvd.
Great choice of locations. The southern and northern areas of AZ are amazing. Having lived and worked in beautiful Arizona, I have to laugh when they issue "Unusuallly excessive" heat warnings for normal summer temperatures. Arizona is a must see in the winter too. Beautiful!
Thanks Steve! Love your videos and they are so well done. I have family who live in Vegas and am in the area a lot. Your videos always provide a wealth of ideas for fun things to check out in the great southwest when I'm out there, not to mention the historical knowledge you pass along. Thanks again and I cannot wait for the next video.
My family and I went to Mt. Lemmon last year when there was still snow on the ground, we brought sleds and had a great time, I always recommend Mt. Lemmon to friends and family whenever they want to sight see over Tucson, AZ. Good video. THE SARGE
You think it's warm there? Just wait till you get to Lake Tahoe in August!!!! Having your wife along to share what you see and do is major plus for you. Thank you Mrs Steve for going along on these educational trips for us.
Great job, oh, and FYI, a summer ski lift usually runs slower so you can enjoy the scenery and relax, whereas during the winter it runs much quicker so as to get you up to the top in a timely fashion.
Your video brings back so many memories of driving up to Mt. Lemmon for a mini vacation because I was too poor to afford a longer one but wanted to get out of the heat when I lived in Tucson. I still occasionally go up there since I live in Benson. I've enjoyed your other video on Turkey Creek and the Johnny Ringo grave, another favorite place of mine.
I was in Tucson about 10 years ago on my motorcycle. I wished I would have known about this ride then!! Especially when I saw that cookie!!👍😂 Thanks, Steve!!
We made the trek up the "north road" in March of 2022. Back then you needed clearance, we didn't use 4X4 mode. (Toyota FJ). Had lunch at the Cookie Cabin Pizzaria as well. Got the same cookie. Food is really good there! We drove down the south road. Amazing views, for sure! Nice job on the video.
I had no idea there was a mountain range in southern Arizona. Whenever I've been there, just out of common courtesy when I see a saguaro waving at me, I wave back. 🖐Thanks Steve. Happy Humpday. 🤠🐺
Thanks for the video ride! I took my family to Mt. Lemmon in 1996. Due to road construction and a very active 6 year old, we turned back before reaching the summit. You're video filled in the missing details.🙂
I actually experienced a little vertigo at 17:11 when that rock in the foreground disappeared. What an awesome view! Thank you, Steve, for another fantastic video!
Hey Steve Thank you for the opportunity to tag along on such a gorgeous trip that I would otherwise, never get to see. The views were almost breath-taking and I can only imagine how much more awe inspiring they must be actually being there. Thank you again for the journey and I will be anxiously awaiting the next amazing adventure. Until then take care, stay safe and God bless. Steve in Oklahoma
The rock wall at that Hitchcock monument is actually new. It was to keep stuff from falling into the roadway. That tall thing with the plaque is a common climbing point for lead climbers. I've climbed it a few times myself. We always called it Hitchcock's thumb.
I drove the Sky Island Scenic Byway a couple of years ago. I want to do the backway to Mt Lemmon next. I have a Jeep Wrangler that should be able to do it. Hopefully, I can take that drive in the near future. You described the drive perfectly. Your video was outstanding. Thank you.
Was Stationed at Ft Huachuca by Sierra Vista in the early 80’s. I was always up in Tucson on the weekends. Drove up Mt Lemmon many times on my motorcycle. Great ride/road! Was featured also in the movie “The Wraith”!
Thanks Steve. Very informative. I´m from Europe, and we visited Tucson and did this same drive just a couple of months ago. There was a ton of snow and some skiers active. The temperature difference from the valley was incredible .. we found that our shorts and T-shirts didn't really cut it at the top!🥶
Steve, you've got to adventure down the north face of Mt Lemmon (the road to Oracle). It's like a primeval forest environment. I took my family over that road back in the early 1990s in a Dodge Durango (2WD). So worth it!
Another great episode of Sidetrack Adventures! This was especially great to watch having taken that road in the late 60's early 70's. I can remember to old Mount Lemon Inn building and the ski lift, taking us up as far as we can go. We even walked over to the communication towers as well! Thank you, thank you, thank you for this great story!
Hi Steve. You can't take this as a reference for ski lifts 🤣! I am from Switzerland, I would know 😉 ... modern lifts release the seats at the bottom and the top for getting on and off, then connect with the rope that runs at 10-12 miles per hour. Beautiful scenery, fun video as always!
Oh wow! That was spectacular Steve! We were just in Tucson in early March (the weather was cool and great!) but had no idea about this scenic byway.....thanks to you it is for sure on my to do list for our next visit!
Years ago when I moved to Tucson to go to school my grandfather came to visit and I took him up Mt Lemmon. He was a landscape architect, when he saw the sign at the bottom for the “Coronado National Forest “ he said “What forest, I don’t see a forest!” When we got to the top he “Wow, this is an impressive forest.”
Thanks for this video, Steve. I have a great view of the Santa Catalina’s from both the front and back yards at my house. I enjoy the views daily and appreciate the history you provided.
This past April I was in Tucson, and it was "only" 105 degrees. When I got to the top of the drive up Mt. Lemmon, it was in the mid 70's. Beautiful drive! There were still snow patches here & there, and most of the campgrounds were still closed. But the General Hitchcock campground was open, and I camped there. It got down below freezing that night! When I came down the mountain the next morning, it had "cooled down" to 96 degrees. Still a beautiful area.
I love your videos, thank you for being one of the few normal and friendly people posting on you tube!
Great statement.😊
I love them too!
Can’t get enough normal.
Since he is one of the few, I would consider him one of the abnormal people posting on youtube for exactly those reasons.
Yeah!!
Thanks Steve! Your vids are top-notch. No wasted time in the beginnings, no annoying sales pitches, no inappropriate pictures of unrelated subjects...just well-researched story telling and excellent quality production values. Your narration is clear, low-key and always interesting, and last but not least, your background music is beautiful, subtle and never overpowers your narration. You do everything right! You're a TouTube Treasure!
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
You gave 40% of 5.00 to TH-cam. You gave him 3 bucks😂
Agreed! Great videos! 👍
Thanks Les, I couldn't of said it any better. Thanks again Steve.
@les Well said!
Thank you for visiting Tucson and our wonderful Mt. Lemmon. There are many many beautiful scenic drives in Arizona, but Mt. Lemmon is our refuge in the summer when the temps are actually 113F and in the winter when snow allows for skiing and winter sports.
@brkaz5864 Three of us from central Ohio rode our bikes to visit a buddy in Tucson in '74.
Cruised up Mt Lemon a couple times. We had so much fun in Tucson (and saddle sores) we didn't make it to Route 1 (Pacific coast hwy).
Oh yea, what was the name of the bar with carvings and cannons and aircraft?
I love Mount Lemmon! One of the best sunset spots I've ever been to. I even saw a proposal and spontaneous wedding at Windy Point back in May! Such a gorgeous place. Reminds me of my local mountain drive up Highway 33 in Ojai :)
I went to school in Tucson and became an avid climber. I spent hundreds of days on Mt Lemmon for the world class climbing. It truly is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges anywhere.
I love the reference “like being in Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦 “. My home province. The ski lift was slowed down for summer usage. Those attached chairs are old school slow. Most ski areas use high speed detachable chairs. Love your videos!
Looked like fun runs ,and hate those old chairs !😊
A lot of people have mentioned they slow them down in the summer. Good to know. I can't imagine waiting to ski and having to take such a long ride to start.
What a trip!! I think that a LOT of your viewers will want to take this highway for the views and cooler temps!! Thank you!!
Not only scenic, but a great example of how the vegetation changes with altitude.
Great video. We love visiting Mt. Lemmon! We've stayed at the Mt Lemmon hotel and give it two thumbs up. As for the speed of the ski lift, they move much quicker when transporting skiers. They slow it down for "scenic" rides. And you're right; the views along the highway and from the vistas/trails are stunning. If you ever get the chance, we recommend coming back at night for a visit to the observatory.
Excellent vid thx. I was expecting that plaque on the rock outcropping to read: ‘ Official site of Wile E. Coyote and roadrunner episode’.
The last time I was on that road and atop Mt. Lemmon was during a family outing in 1958. Thanks for the memories!
I saw this thumbnail and said "Hey, i know that road!" And i can confirm that you can definitely see waterfalls. Depending on time of year. When there is snowmelt, and during Monsoon season. There are several popular trails in the foothill area that aren't too hard to hike with beautiful views, and waterfalls.
Thanks for taking this delightful drive for me, Steve. Now I won't have to. I would perish in 113 degrees. The last time I was in Tucson was as a 10 year old boy; my Dad dragged his family to his beloved Arizona (he always wanted to move there from Colorado, but thankfully never did). This was in the late 1950s and our car was a black Cadillac with no air conditioning. In August. I've never forgiven him, and I've never been back.
Some years ago a coworker and her boyfriend bought their first brand-new car, a black Chevy Aveo without a/c. Six months later they moved from northern New England to Los Angeles in it. Must've been fun in traffic on the freeway in midsummer.
I can't even imagine no a/c in that area in that heat. My first car had no a/c and I drove to Vegas in the summer once. Bad mistake.
I did this drive a few years ago and camped over night.
It was June and well over a 100 degrees in the valley.
However, up on the mountain it was in the mid 70’s.
Well worth the time spent taking the drive up.
Listening to the audio tour from the local college on the way up the mountain was real informative.
Everyone, when in the area should do it.
The audio tour is so good and reveals why this eco-zone is so important. Great mention!
I saw the signs for the audio tour but had no idea about it before hand. Wish I had known about it.
@@SidetrackAdventures
It made me think you were riding in the passenger seat.
Lol.
We used to drive up there all the time to get a cheese burger at the sawmill restaurant. Mount Graham next to Safford is much nicer, higher and with fewer people...
I'll have to check that out.
Totally agree. As great as the Catalinas are, Mt Graham is a whole other level of spectacular, although a couple hours further away from Tucson.
@@SidetrackAdventuresPlease do! Also, ever go up to the Kitt Peak Observatory?
Yeah but there isn't a town or ski resort up there, lol...
To The Sidetrack Adventure Crew, Thanks for All You Do! 😊
Your videos 🎥 are sources of
history 🧑🎓 📚 ,
information 📈 📊 📖 , and
wonderful scenery 🏜️ 🗻 🏕️ 🚡 🏞️ 🌵 🌲 🌻 🌼 🪻 🍂 🌿 🌼 🌄 🌞 !
Special Thanks to Steve & his Wife for being an adventurous and exploring Husband & Wife who enrich the lives of their Children with such Great Trips! 😃
My gratitude to you, Sidetrack Adventures Crew, for bringing us along on the journeys, and inspiring us all to get out and explore! 😃🚶🧑🦽🧑🦼 🚙 🚗 🧳 🗺️
I really enjoy your videos. My Mom and Stepdad live in Tucson, and Mt Lemmon is a regular outing for them. She's 86, and he's 92. He drives to the top. There is a spot to park and walk, and that's what they do. I need to make it up there when I visit Tucson again. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for panning slowly. It makes for a very good time for your viewers.
I have been binge watching your videos and love the history of SoCal. Unfortunately, due to the crime issues in CA, I won't be visiting any time soon. I have been to SD and Hemet CA MANY moons ago when I was in the Military. Your videos are a breath of fresh air from all the nonsense going on around us. Thank you!
Move to Tucson! Just please don’t bring CA politics…. However, the summers are brutal, but phenomenal food and good people!
Steve, so many experience new places thru you. We all look forward to see where you will take us next! Thank You.
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Your trips keep getting better and better. I travel vicariously theough Sidetrack Adventures. Never stop exploring.
Thanks. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
That's good to know Mr. Sidetrack Adventure Guy.
Thank you Steve, for another wonderful video. It's 2AM here and this video is so soothing for the sleepless like me.
Driven to the top several times over the years. Thanks for sharing. Mt. Lemmon is in a class by itself.
These drop every Wednesday during my lunch break. Perfect timing. Thanks!
I would really love to see an itinerary of place’s visited in the past,you know a chronological list of these amazing forgotten towns by which I would plan my adventures.
Great series Steve and of course your wife and son for being with you makes it that much more personal.
Brilliant editing videography and of course the calming narration.
Oh,and lest we forget the music,the perfect accompaniment to the whole daggum thing.
Wow, Steve, that was beautful! I like that you took the ski lift. Reminded me of when I was about five years old and we rode one in New Mexico. Found out my mother was afraid of heights and she clutched me the whole time! Thanks for that memory.
What an absolutely gorgeous drive! Thank you, Steve, for sharing it with us.
I recall back in 90s when I tried skiing, those slow chair lifts often had a strange aroma as it made it's way to the top! Think, Creech and Chong!
Thanks, Steve!
Had enough time to eat and down a beer too !
I’ve added Mt Lemmon to my AZ bucket list. It does look beautiful but the 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff will always be my favorite!😍
I had saved this video for a few days, for just the right moment to sit down and watch! That was an absolutely beautiful ride Steve! Thanks again for taking me all the places I can't go anymore!!
I rode my Yamaha 650 up and down Mt lemon many times. It is a motorcyclists dream. Thanks for this vidio. And bringing back good memories.
Such a pleasure to tour with you 🤩
I used to live in Tucson.
Every summer we would go up Mt. Lemmon, to a cabin near the lodge. We spent summers there?
It’s a beautiful ride, so much beauty to see. Thank you for choosing this on one of your videos. Be nice to see again, as I haven’t been up there since I got married in 1970, my husband and I went up there on our honeymoon. ❤
❤Having been up that road I can attest to it being one of the most scenic in AZ. Beautiful views from every angle!
My favorite thing to do is get my lunch out at work and let you take me in an adventure! Keep up the great work!!!
The view of Tucson lights at night from there would be stellar . Thank you Steve and Mrs. Steve 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
You missed the ol Air Force Base at the top, that the UofAz took over and now houses several telescopes ran by different universities/countries. Cool you got to hang out in our back yard. Thxs
I remember hiking along the fence to the right of the entrance to the observatory to get to the summit. The views looking North/Northwest are gorgeous and missed by so many visitors. On a clear day, you can see clear to Phoenix!
As a native Tucsonan, going up to Mt Lemmon was always a nice cool getaway when it's 115° in the city. And it only took us an hour and a half!
Wow 😁! Thanks for staying here in Tucson, Arizona and making the Mt. Lemmon 🍋 drive! It's very cool.. literally and figuratively! I'm glad you got to get the cookies! They're excellent... Now all you need is to get here in the late fall/early winter and get the fantastic chili and sides from the Iron Door there in Ski Valley. Just to mention that the drive back down the Highway at night is incredible as well....there are a few pull offs that are "sheltered from the headlights. Everything is dark except for the lights of Tucson and Pima County spreading across the Valley floor below; East to West: Vail, Mt Wrightson, San Xavier Mission, The Tucson Mountains, and where Oracle Rd and the Rillito River Cross.
Just past Summerhaven in Marshall Gulch, there stands the last remaining stand of First Growth (The Oldest) Ponderosa Pines in the US. There are some Massive Trees in there.
On your way into Summerhaven, just outside of the town, you may have seen the sign for the "Oracle Control Road"... Its a USFS fire control road, AND that is the "original" road up the mountain out of the city of Oracle. You mentioned you were in the USArmy one time, and that road will require an All Terrain Vehicle to come up...full tracked, 4x4 or 6x6, with winch.. lololol 😆😆
Okay, a normal Jeep and 4x4 lol! There's a phone number to call and check passability and if it's been recently graded. THAT drive would truly be a "Sidetrack Adventure" to say the least!
Steve, Thanks to you and your family for sharing and stopping over here in Tucson! All of us who live/lived here and commented, really appreciate it!! Thank You So Much!!!
I hope you also get to try our fantastic Mexican Food we have here. It's the Best, Bar None! 😉😁
Ski lifts can run faster when there is snow because it's easy to get on and off when your feet can slide along as the chair picks you up and sets you back down. Thanks for another great calm video of the SW!
I drove up Mt Lemon road 20 years ago. I was stunned by the natural beauty all along the way. I saw many balancing rocks, much like the ones I used to see as a kid on the Road Runner cartoons. I was amazed at how the natural environment changed at each 1,000 foot point. It was January and there was a lot of snow at the top. I'm hoping I'll be able to return there someday and see it again.
I grow up in Tucson. We would go up Mt Lemon several times a year it’s is beautiful. Thank you. Blessings Be.
STEVE ! I agree with your wife. Spicy Chile on a hot day is just the thing! No kidding. I live in Florida and make several pots over the summer, LOTS of peppers!
This was a super video! Thanks!
It also means you don't have to sweat over a stove. Throw everything in the crockpot, go to work and come home to a ready meal.
I live in Tucson and have lived here for 58 years. I used to go to Mt. Lemon when I was a lot younger. Glad that you didn't take the road on the backside of Mt. Lemon, which you need a 4x4 to do so. Both sides are beautiful going up and coming down. Thank you for sharing Mt. Lemon.
@@The-Way-Watchmen expect hot summers, descent winters, for some people might say there isn't anything to do but there are things to do and places to see. Just keep an open mind. I sometimes go back to places that I haven't been to for a long time and find new things that I haven't seen the last time that I was there.
I camped up there, had a beautiful unobstructed view of tucson and the surrounding deserts. Great place to escape the heat
I’ve driven that road since I could first legally drive in 1970. We spent many summer weeks there as teens. 👍🏼👍🏼
Wow! I love a pine forest and with that view. This place is outstanding. Thank you for showing it to us 👏. 👍☮️🌞🌲💖
Thanks for the memories. I was between FEMA emergencies in 2005, renting a straw bale house in San Manuel, north of My Lemon on the Oracle Rd. I took my 4WD Toyota T100 truck up the backside of Mt. Lemon just to see if I could, all the way from the desert floor to the top. I made it just fine and it was way more direct than the front way that I took on the way down. The alpine feel at the top was indeed remarkable. AND FWIW, I was an avid skier back in the say. Those chairlifts usually move much faster than that. I think they had them at half speed for the summer tourists.
Been to Mt. Lemmon several years ago !!
One of my favorite drives. Sad that the fires have changed the scenes from my memories. Thanks Steve and gooooo Pads
Thanks for taking us with you on your day out. I could almost taste that pizza and those cookies all the way from the UK. That truly is a beautiful place. The view is outstanding, and thank you so much for not rushing and allowing us to take a good look too!! You seem a very human and very chilled out individual, and it makes for relaxing viewing. Nice to see that your wife was with you on this adventure. We just subscribed.
We have lived in Tucson 3 different times and each time we traveled up to summer heaven. There was a famous dive up there to eat very large piece of desert pie. We some times stopped at Rose Lake. A great scenic drive up and back. Oh! I am a huge history buff so we stopped at the WW2 Japanese internment camp. I’ve walked all over and around it picturing what the original layout was. I was very impressed with the resolve and the survival skills of the Japanese that were there!
Great job Steve! Lived here since 1974 and you taught me some things about the drive up the Lemmon!
Fascinating. As you are probably aware, trails on the Phoenix Mountain Parks (City of Phoenix) are closed on days of National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warnings since an ordinance was passed last year. If you ever come back this way between October through April, you should check out the trails at South Mountain Park from either the Telegraph Pass Trailhead or Pima Canyon Trailhead. There is also another trailhead from a dirt parking lot near South 17th Avenue and Chandler Blvd.
Great choice of locations. The southern and northern areas of AZ are amazing. Having lived and worked in beautiful Arizona, I have to laugh when they issue "Unusuallly excessive" heat warnings for normal summer temperatures. Arizona is a must see in the winter too. Beautiful!
Thanks Steve! Love your videos and they are so well done. I have family who live in Vegas and am in the area a lot. Your videos always provide a wealth of ideas for fun things to check out in the great southwest when I'm out there, not to mention the historical knowledge you pass along. Thanks again and I cannot wait for the next video.
My family and I went to Mt. Lemmon last year when there was still snow on the ground, we brought sleds and had a great time, I always recommend Mt. Lemmon to friends and family whenever they want to sight see over Tucson, AZ. Good video. THE SARGE
I'd love to head up there when there is still snow.
You think it's warm there? Just wait till you get to Lake Tahoe in August!!!! Having your wife along to share what you see and do is major plus for you. Thank you Mrs Steve for going along on these educational trips for us.
Yeah. It's a great area. We drove up and hiked Mt Lemmon many times during our stay in Tucson, 2004-2007.
Another great video, I have lived in AZ since 1960, driven by Mt Lemmon more times than a can remember now I will make a trip up there this year.
Great job, oh, and FYI, a summer ski lift usually runs slower so you can enjoy the scenery and relax, whereas during the winter it runs much quicker so as to get you up to the top in a timely fashion.
Nice drive. It was in the low 90's here yesterday. Just walking from my car into the store was an effort.
This was an awesome trip, scenery is some of Gods best work! Thks for taking us along!
Your video brings back so many memories of driving up to Mt. Lemmon for a mini vacation because I was too poor to afford a longer one but wanted to get out of the heat when I lived in Tucson. I still occasionally go up there since I live in Benson. I've enjoyed your other video on Turkey Creek and the Johnny Ringo grave, another favorite place of mine.
I was in Tucson about 10 years ago on my motorcycle. I wished I would have known about this ride then!! Especially when I saw that cookie!!👍😂 Thanks, Steve!!
We made the trek up the "north road" in March of 2022. Back then you needed clearance, we didn't use 4X4 mode. (Toyota FJ). Had lunch at the Cookie Cabin Pizzaria as well. Got the same cookie. Food is really good there! We drove down the south road. Amazing views, for sure!
Nice job on the video.
I had no idea there was a mountain range in southern Arizona. Whenever I've been there, just out of common courtesy when I see a saguaro waving at me, I wave back. 🖐Thanks Steve. Happy Humpday. 🤠🐺
There are actually about a dozen beautiful mountain ranges in South Eastern Arizona. There's a lot more to Arizona than arid desert and cactus.🌵🙂
Tucson is surrounded by 5 mountain ranges all unique. They're known as Sky Islands due to the vast environmental differences from the desert.
In a country and world gone crazy your videos and narration are a welcome weekly respite. Thank you.
You said it, brother...sister...friend ?
Thanks for the video ride!
I took my family to Mt. Lemmon in 1996. Due to road construction and a very active 6 year old, we turned back before reaching the summit. You're video filled in the missing details.🙂
I actually experienced a little vertigo at 17:11 when that rock in the foreground disappeared. What an awesome view! Thank you, Steve, for another fantastic video!
I love the sky islands of the southwest. So magical! 😊
Hey Steve
Thank you for the opportunity to tag along on such a gorgeous trip that I would otherwise, never get to see. The views were almost breath-taking and I can only imagine how much more awe inspiring they must be actually being there. Thank you again for the journey and I will be anxiously awaiting the next amazing adventure. Until then take care, stay safe and God bless.
Steve in Oklahoma
what a great adventure! thanks for taking us along 😊
The rock wall at that Hitchcock monument is actually new. It was to keep stuff from falling into the roadway. That tall thing with the plaque is a common climbing point for lead climbers. I've climbed it a few times myself. We always called it Hitchcock's thumb.
Nice! I haven't been out that way in 20 years. You've done the road justice!
Even that old ski lift runs a lot faster during ski season. Don't forget on skies it is a lot easier to get off and on the lift than on foot.
I drove the Sky Island Scenic Byway a couple of years ago. I want to do the backway to Mt Lemmon next. I have a Jeep Wrangler that should be able to do it. Hopefully, I can take that drive in the near future. You described the drive perfectly. Your video was outstanding. Thank you.
Great video again Steve. Love watching them. Best wishes from England 🇬🇧 👍
You're doing actually what I would do if I live over there. I love your content. Amazing content.
Your videos just keep getting better and better, Steve. This one was especially enjoyable and informative. Thank you!
Was Stationed at Ft Huachuca by Sierra Vista in the early 80’s. I was always up in Tucson on the weekends. Drove up Mt Lemmon many times on my motorcycle. Great ride/road! Was featured also in the movie “The Wraith”!
It's adventures like this one that make living in the Southwest such an interesting experience. Another great video!
Thanks Steve. Very informative. I´m from Europe, and we visited Tucson and did this same drive just a couple of months ago. There was a ton of snow and some skiers active. The temperature difference from the valley was incredible .. we found that our shorts and T-shirts didn't really cut it at the top!🥶
Really enjoyed the video!! The American Southwest, beautiful part of the USA and LOVE those vistas and all the National Parks. Fantastic!!
Steve, you've got to adventure down the north face of Mt Lemmon (the road to Oracle). It's like a primeval forest environment. I took my family over that road back in the early 1990s in a Dodge Durango (2WD). So worth it!
Another great episode of Sidetrack Adventures! This was especially great to watch having taken that road in the late 60's early 70's. I can remember to old Mount Lemon Inn building and the ski lift, taking us up as far as we can go. We even walked over to the communication towers as well! Thank you, thank you, thank you for this great story!
Hi Steve. You can't take this as a reference for ski lifts 🤣! I am from Switzerland, I would know 😉 ... modern lifts release the seats at the bottom and the top for getting on and off, then connect with the rope that runs at 10-12 miles per hour. Beautiful scenery, fun video as always!
Oh wow! That was spectacular Steve! We were just in Tucson in early March (the weather was cool and great!) but had no idea about this scenic byway.....thanks to you it is for sure on my to do list for our next visit!
Years ago when I moved to Tucson to go to school my grandfather came to visit and I took him up Mt Lemmon. He was a landscape architect, when he saw the sign at the bottom for the “Coronado National Forest “ he said “What forest, I don’t see a forest!” When we got to the top he “Wow, this is an impressive forest.”
Thanks! That was a beautiful drive! Nothing like that in my area. Also, a nice way to beat the heat.
Thank you, I truly appreciate it.
I just learned about Mt Lemmon and the drive-up yesterday, and here your video is today! Great video
We did the backside of mt Lemmon with a Honda element. It was a challenge but it was doable. Thanks for all your videos.
Thank you BOTH...I lived in Marana outside of Tucson for almost 3 years on a construction project..and NEVER made it to Mt. Lemmon...
Thanks! Especially liked this one. I'm originally from Tucson and always enjoyed taking a drive up Mt. Lemon.
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Outstanding video production! Just so very enjoyable and technically in a league of its own… thank you for your hard work!
Thanks for this video, Steve. I have a great view of the Santa Catalina’s from both the front and back yards at my house. I enjoy the views daily and appreciate the history you provided.
Oh I loved this! I enjoyed watching this so much, what fun. Thank you so much. I hope you do more Summer time drives. So well done!
Awesome video Steve thanks and keep up the good work
This past April I was in Tucson, and it was "only" 105 degrees. When I got to the top of the drive up Mt. Lemmon, it was in the mid 70's. Beautiful drive! There were still snow patches here & there, and most of the campgrounds were still closed. But the General Hitchcock campground was open, and I camped there. It got down below freezing that night! When I came down the mountain the next morning, it had "cooled down" to 96 degrees. Still a beautiful area.
I’m a Tucson bird photog and know this route quite well. Thank you for the feature & history on this iconic sky island drive.
You have opened my horizon. Love seeing your adventure videos.
Stay cool Steve...........I look forward to your weekly shows