A Conversation with Southwest Discoveries
For many visitors, exploring Mount Lemmon is defined by the scenic drive, winding through dramatic elevation changes, stopping at overlooks, and taking in the views. But beyond the highway lies a much deeper experience.
For guests staying at Mount Lemmon Lodge, one of the best ways to truly experience the mountain is with a knowledgeable guide. We spoke with Mitch Stevens of Southwest Discoveries about what makes Mount Lemmon so special, and, how guided hikes and tours can reveal a side of the mountain many visitors never see.
What makes Mount Lemmon such a special place?
A drive to the summit on the Mt. Lemmon Highway takes visitors from the upper Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, to a cool Canadian pine forest at the top. In fact, the southernmost ski area in the country is located atop Mt. Lemmon.
The drive itself is spectacular, with many amazing hikes, overlooks, and scenic views along the way. For those wanting to escape the desert heat of Tucson, the higher elevations are often 20–30 degrees cooler than the desert floor.
The scenery along the highway is breathtaking. This sky island mountain contains some of the most awesome, wondrous, and secluded hikes in the Southwest, featuring a staggering diversity of landscapes, perfect for Arizona day trips and adventures.
Visitors will also enjoy seeing six different biomes, or ecosystems, and how they change from bottom to top. It’s remarkable that all of them exist in one place.
Mount Lemmon is often described as a “Sky Island.” What does that mean?
Mt. Lemmon is one of approximately 30 sky islands found in Arizona, New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico. A sky island is a non-contiguous mountain that rises above the desert and grasslands, supporting at least five different ecosystems.
These mountains typically reach elevations between 7,000 and 9,000 feet and receive more rainfall, which helps sustain the surrounding desert below.
Sky islands also make it possible for wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, coatimundi, and other high-elevation species to exist in this region. The Southwest is the most prolific sky-island region in the world, with Venezuela being the second largest.
From a distance, these mountains often appear like islands rising into the sky, sometimes even above the clouds. Unlike ranges like the Rockies or the Alps, sky islands are not connected to other mountain systems.
How long have you been guiding and exploring Mount Lemmon?
We have been guiding people on hikes at Mt. Lemmon for over twenty years. During that time, we’ve come to know where the most spectacular, out-of-the-way areas are to hike, backpack, and enjoy nature.
Some of our favorite areas include Green Mountain Trail, Lower and Upper Bug Springs, Bear Wallow, the Aspen–Marshall Loop, Lookout Trail, Meadow Trail, and the hike to the perennial Lemmon Pools.
Fall is also a particularly beautiful time on the mountain, especially from late October into early November when the colors peak.
What inspired you to start Southwest Discoveries?
I started in 2006, leading local hikes in the Southwest for the Sierra Club, the world’s largest environmental organization. John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club, believed that by taking people into the wilderness, they would fall in love with it and want to protect it.
At Southwest Discoveries, we share that philosophy. Our mission is to inspire wonder in the natural world while promoting ecological conservation through our guided hiking tours in Tucson and the surrounding region.
What do people notice or experience with a guide that they might otherwise miss?
Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna of the mountain and what makes a sky island so unique.
They may explore remote waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and seasonal highlights like blazing fall colors, summer wildflowers, and the majestic Douglas fir, aspen, and Ponderosa pine near the summit.
There are also many subtle details along the trail…lichen, the resurrection plant, mushrooms, moss, yellow columbine, and seep monkeyflowers that most people would likely overlook without a guide.
What types of guided experiences do you offer on Mount Lemmon?
We offer guided nature hikes, photography workshops, team-building activities, orienteering, astronomy viewing, and canyoneering. We also offer guided sightseeing tours along the Mount Lemmon Highway.
Guests enjoy the journey from the climate of northern Mexico to the atmosphere of southern Canada, observing the transition from desert landscapes with columnar cacti to forests of oak and pine—all within about a 40-minute drive.
They also take in views of other sky-island mountain ranges formed by tectonic activity roughly 30 million years ago.
Tell us about your weekly nature hikes
We are very excited to offer this new hike in partnership with Mount Lemmon Lodge. These tours take place every Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, beginning April 4th.
Hikes are held at several trails near the summit or at lower elevations, depending on the season. At higher elevations, guests walk beneath a shaded canopy of ponderosa pine, alligator juniper, aspen, and Rocky Mountain maple.
Guests meet at the Mount Lemmon Lodge lobby, then caravan to nearby trailheads, typically within a 15–20 minute drive.
Each hike offers something different. Routes and start times may vary depending on weather and seasonal conditions, and we can tailor the experience to the interests of the group.
As the saying goes, “No man ever steps into the same river twice.” Similarly, no two Southwest Discoveries tours are the same. Guests staying multiple Saturdays are encouraged to continue exploring with us week after week.
What kind of wildlife and birdlife might guests encounter?
Guests may encounter animals such as white-tailed deer, gray fox, black bear, marmots, bobcats, coatimundi, coyote, bats, and javelina.
Mt. Lemmon is also a premier birding destination, with over 200 species recorded. These include Mexican jays, warblers, yellow-eyed juncos, canyon wrens, hummingbirds, and raptors such as hawks, turkey vultures, and ravens.
Why is Mount Lemmon such a great place for wildflowers?
Because of Mt. Lemmon’s 9,100-foot elevation, wildflowers flourish across a wide range of elevations and climates.
In lower elevations, desert blooms peak from February through April. In higher alpine areas, peak bloom occurs from July through September.
Some of the best alpine trails for wildflowers include the Aspen Trail and Meadow Trail near Ski Valley. At lower elevations, Babad Do’ag Overlook offers colorful displays.
High-elevation species include Golden Columbine, Paintbrush, Mountain Geranium, and Woodland Strawberry, while lower elevations feature Mexican Gold Poppies, Desert Marigold, Desert Chicory, Sacred Datura, and Mariposa lilies.
Do you have a favorite trail to share with guests?
The Aspen and Marshall Loop is one of our favorites.
The Marshall Gulch portion features a classic pine forest setting, with stands of aspen, ferns, and maple along a flowing creek. From there, the Lookout Trail climbs gradually, offering incredible views and an ever-changing landscape.
This loop showcases multiple life zones, with species ranging from Douglas fir and white fir to Gambel oak, madrone, and more. Along the way, you’ll also notice rocks shimmering with mica and quartz.
Viewpoints like Lunch Ledge and Marshall Saddle provide sweeping views of the Wilderness of Rocks, making this one of Arizona’s finest loop hikes.
Why should Mount Lemmon Lodge guests consider a guided hike/tour?
The diversity of climate, flora, fauna, and landscapes on Mt. Lemmon is second to none, and a guided hike is one of the best ways to experience it.
From the sweeping views at higher elevations to the unique geology of trails like Bug Springs, few places offer this kind of variety in such a compact area.
At Southwest Discoveries, we help match guests with the best trails based on their interests and experience level, allowing them to fully appreciate the mountain’s beauty.
If someone is visiting for the first time, where should they start?
We recommend the Aspen and Marshall Gulch Loop. This scenic hike highlights the lush vegetation, expansive views, and diverse geology that define Mt. Lemmon.
Exploring Mount Lemmon on a Deeper Level
While the scenic drive is unforgettable, the true essence of Mount Lemmon is best experienced on the trail.
For guests of Mount Lemmon Lodge, exploring the mountain with Southwest Discoveries offers a deeper connection to the landscape, one that reveals the details, stories, and beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Special thanks to Mitch Stevens of Southwest Discoveries for sharing his insight and deep knowledge of Mount Lemmon.
Book a Guided Experience on Mount Lemmon
Guests of Mount Lemmon Lodge can enhance their stay by joining a guided hike or tour with Southwest Discoveries. Whether you’re interested in wildflowers, birding, photography, or simply exploring the mountain with a knowledgeable guide, there are a variety of experiences available throughout the year.
To learn more or reserve your spot:
Southwest Discoveries, LLC
Toll-free: 888-882-2282
Direct: 520-991-1199
www.SouthwestDiscoveries.com
You can also inquire at the front desk during your stay at the Lodge for upcoming tours and availability.
