Mt. Lemmon Ascent

18.6 miles

2750 - 9100 ft. 

Total gain: 7300 ft.

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This is one tough run. For the distance, it’s probably the toughest run we do. Total climbing is around 7300 feet, with a very steep section above Romero Pass. With the trail damage and overgrowth in Sabino West Fork and up to Romero Pass, the run has also gotten significantly more difficult. Now that I’ve said all that, this is also a very beautiful and satisfying route. To ascend from the desert of Tucson to the forested top of the Santa Catalinas, with such great scenery along the way, is a pretty special experience.

Trailhead: Start at Sabino Canyon Visitor’s Center. $8 fee or Coronado Recreational Pass or National Pass/America the Beautiful Pass

Route: Up Sabino Canyon Tram Road, Sabino Canyon Trail #23 to the Basin, Sabino West Fork #24 to Romero Pass, then Lemmon Trail #5 to the top. The end is at the parking area just off  Ski Run Rd, near some restrooms. You may have to run 1.75 mi down the road to Ski Valley if the road is closed, usually only in icy conditions.

Darrel's Ode to Lemmon Ascent

Here's a map I made after my 2009 ascent with a good GPS. Between the GPS and Maptech, the climb is estimated at 7500 feet.  Click to see the full sized map.

Note that this elevation chart is in meters: