Lemmon Meadow — perched high in the Catalina Mountains just below the 9,157-foot summit of Mount Lemmon — is prized by many Tucsonans and visitors as one of the most beautiful and tranquil sites in the range.
Reached by an easy walk of less than a half-mile on the Meadow Trail, the grassy, forest-hemmed meadow has attracted generations of nature lovers seeking a perfect place for a picnic, wildflower watching or quiet contemplation of clouds.
It’s a spot where the big picture beauty and pure mountain air might dominate your attention at first. But wander a bit, watch for details, and you’ll notice small, delicate summer wildflowers in addition to more bodacious blooms, leathery-looking mushrooms, graceful fern fronds, birds, bees and more.
Late summer and fall are excellent times for a walk on the Meadow Trail, but keep an eye on the weather because the mountaintop location should be avoided if thunderstorms are in the area.
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Those who make their way to the meadow after winter snowfalls might find some good cross-country skiing.
GET TO THE MEADOW
Take Tanque Verde Road to the Catalina Highway and follow the highway past mile marker 24 to a turnoff for Mount Lemmon Ski Valley. Drive to Ski Valley and continue on a narrow road beyond the ski area 1.7 miles to a parking lot at road’s end.
A signed trailhead is at the parking lot. Follow the trail about 0.2 mile to a junction with the Meadow Trail. You’ll pass some mountaintop observatory installations along the first part of the trail.
Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@tucson.com or at 573-4192. On Twitter: @DouglasKreutz
