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 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.
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 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 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 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 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!
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 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. ❤
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...
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! 😉😁
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.
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!
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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 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!!
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. 🤠🐺
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.
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 used to think Tucson was hotter than Phoenix, but then my neighbor, who has lived there, told me about the cooling effect of the mountains. Really beautiful scenery, and thank you for taking it slow and showing off the views. My first time on a ski lift (Big Bear, around 1983), my boyfriend and I were on our way up when I finally thought to ask how we were supposed to get off. "Does it stop for us?" I asked. "No," he said, "There's a little hill, and you just jump off and ski down it." :0
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”!
Nice video of one of my favorite escapes. As you found out, it's great for getting away from the Tucson heat. Rose Canyon Lake, another sidetrack to this adventure, is a small fishing spot that can get quite crowded during the summer. Thanks for posting this one. I enjoyed the trip more now that someone else did the driving!
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. 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!🥶
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!
Thanks for the ride. I live just a quarter mile from the highway and haven't been back up there since the tragic fire of 2003. It burned again recently. Your photos of Summer Haven show what's left of the pine trees after the fires distroyed the town twice. All the tall pines trees and huge ferns seem to be gone now. There used to be a bakery that sold homemade pies back before the 2003 fire, maybe it's cookies now. I'll take a trip up there soon, now that I've seen your video.
We live in Vail, Az. Mt Lemmon has been our home away from home and a reprieve in the summer when it’s so hot in the valley. My husband and I go up 3-4 times a month to hike or we sometime es rent a cabin to enjoy some extended time on the mountain. We have hiked just about every trail the last 20 years. There are some wonderful thru hikes to do. The Arizona trail runs through 5he Mt Lemmon area. We are so very blessed to have Mt Lemmon so close to us. Just a hour drive and we are in pine tree filled cool country.
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!
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
Beautiful. I live in the T or C, NM area and your trip up that mountain just made me desire to take a drive up into the Gila toward Silver City. Just far enough to be in the cool air for a day and be surrounded by pines. I forget how close that really is. Better get that done before a fire starts up there. Ruidoso is burning bad. It's a real disaster.
I drove to Tucson from San Diego on a spur of the moment trip in March and drove to the cookie house on Mt Lemmon. There were patches of snow all over the place, and the plate-sized, warm oatmeal raisin cookie was just what the doctor ordered. Great video.
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.
You drove right by my high school just before you started your climb up. I used to love camping up there, and Summerhaven was always a nice escape from the heat.
Glad you got to finally experience Mount Lemon Steve. I’m from Alberta and winter in Arizona. We ride our motorcycles up to Summerhaven usually about twice a season. One of my favourite drives/rides. It is indeed spectacular for the Southwest.
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!
God Steve So glad I subscribed to your channel. As I said in a previous video I have a disability arthritis in both of my knees. You take us to places only one could imagine. I think this is my best video I watched from you so far. Keep up the good work and God bless you always for what you bring to us. I love secluded country driving on twisty windy roads. If you ever come to California try caleveras road in Milpitas. 17 miles one way of nothing.
When I was stationed at Davis Monthan in 1999 we took the road up and then went wheeling down the back side and stumbled across the real life biodome on our drive back. Those were some good times.
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 UA-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.
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!!
The last time I was on that road and atop Mt. Lemmon was during a family outing in 1958. Thanks for the memories!
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Excellent vid thx. I was expecting that plaque on the rock outcropping to read: ‘ Official site of Wile E. Coyote and roadrunner episode’.
Thank you for panning slowly. It makes for a very good time for your viewers.
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 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 !
Thank you Steve, for another wonderful video. It's 2AM here and this video is so soothing for the sleepless like me.
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!
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 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. ❤
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...
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! 😉😁
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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!
The view of Tucson lights at night from there would be stellar . Thank you Steve and Mrs. Steve 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
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.
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!
What an absolutely gorgeous drive! Thank you, Steve, for sharing it with us.
Driven to the top several times over the years. Thanks for sharing. Mt. Lemmon is in a class by itself.
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 camped up there, had a beautiful unobstructed view of tucson and the surrounding deserts. Great place to escape the heat
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.
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!
I grow up in Tucson. We would go up Mt Lemon several times a year it’s is beautiful. Thank you. Blessings Be.
Wow! I love a pine forest and with that view. This place is outstanding. Thank you for showing it to us 👏. 👍☮️🌞🌲💖
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.
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.
I’ve driven that road since I could first legally drive in 1970. We spent many summer weeks there as teens. 👍🏼👍🏼
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.
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.
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.
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.🙂
❤Having been up that road I can attest to it being one of the most scenic in AZ. Beautiful views from every angle!
In a country and world gone crazy your videos and narration are a welcome weekly respite. Thank you.
You said it, brother...sister...friend ?
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!
One of my favorite drives. Sad that the fires have changed the scenes from my memories. Thanks Steve and gooooo Pads
Yeah. It's a great area. We drove up and hiked Mt Lemmon many times during our stay in Tucson, 2004-2007.
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.
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 love the sky islands of the southwest. So magical! 😊
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!!
Nice drive. It was in the low 90's here yesterday. Just walking from my car into the store was an effort.
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.
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.
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 used to think Tucson was hotter than Phoenix, but then my neighbor, who has lived there, told me about the cooling effect of the mountains. Really beautiful scenery, and thank you for taking it slow and showing off the views. My first time on a ski lift (Big Bear, around 1983), my boyfriend and I were on our way up when I finally thought to ask how we were supposed to get off. "Does it stop for us?" I asked. "No," he said, "There's a little hill, and you just jump off and ski down it." :0
Such a pleasure to tour with you 🤩
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
This was an awesome trip, scenery is some of Gods best work! Thks for taking us along!
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”!
We did the backside of mt Lemmon with a Honda element. It was a challenge but it was doable. Thanks for all your videos.
what a great adventure! thanks for taking us along 😊
Great job Steve! Lived here since 1974 and you taught me some things about the drive up the Lemmon!
Nice video of one of my favorite escapes. As you found out, it's great for getting away from the Tucson heat. Rose Canyon Lake, another sidetrack to this adventure, is a small fishing spot that can get quite crowded during the summer. Thanks for posting this one. I enjoyed the trip more now that someone else did the driving!
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!
I’m a Tucson bird photog and know this route quite well. Thank you for the feature & history on this iconic sky island drive.
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 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!🥶
Great video again Steve. Love watching them. Best wishes from England 🇬🇧 👍
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!
Thanks for the ride. I live just a quarter mile from the highway and haven't been back up there since the tragic fire of 2003. It burned
again recently. Your photos of Summer Haven show what's left of the pine trees after the fires distroyed the town twice. All the tall pines trees and huge ferns seem to be gone now. There used to be a bakery that sold homemade pies back before the 2003 fire, maybe it's cookies now. I'll take a trip up there soon, now that I've seen your video.
We live in Vail, Az. Mt Lemmon has been our home away from home and a reprieve in the summer when it’s so hot in the valley. My husband and I go up 3-4 times a month to hike or we sometime es rent a cabin to enjoy some extended time on the mountain. We have hiked just about every trail the last 20 years. There are some wonderful thru hikes to do. The Arizona trail runs through 5he Mt Lemmon area. We are so very blessed to have Mt Lemmon so close to us. Just a hour drive and we are in pine tree filled cool country.
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!
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
Awesome video Steve thanks and keep up the good work
Beautiful. I live in the T or C, NM area and your trip up that mountain just made me desire to take a drive up into the Gila toward Silver City. Just far enough to be in the cool air for a day and be surrounded by pines. I forget how close that really is. Better get that done before a fire starts up there. Ruidoso is burning bad. It's a real disaster.
Stay cool Steve...........I look forward to your weekly shows
I drove to Tucson from San Diego on a spur of the moment trip in March and drove to the cookie house on Mt Lemmon. There were patches of snow all over the place, and the plate-sized, warm oatmeal raisin cookie was just what the doctor ordered.
Great video.
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.
Really enjoyed the video!! The American Southwest, beautiful part of the USA and LOVE those vistas and all the National Parks. Fantastic!!
a friend of a friend was trying to tell me how beautiful the drive was...
thank you 😊
Don’t usually think of ski resorts in Arizona ha. But the southwest is so unique. Those are amazing rock formations and those Road Runner cactus ha.
You drove right by my high school just before you started your climb up. I used to love camping up there, and Summerhaven was always a nice escape from the heat.
Glad you got to finally experience Mount Lemon Steve. I’m from Alberta and winter in Arizona. We ride our motorcycles up to Summerhaven usually about twice a season. One of my favourite drives/rides. It is indeed spectacular for the Southwest.
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!
God Steve
So glad I subscribed to your channel. As I said in a previous video I have a disability arthritis in both of my knees. You take us to places only one could imagine. I think this is my best video I watched from you so far. Keep up the good work and God bless you always for what you bring to us. I love secluded country driving on twisty windy roads. If you ever come to California try caleveras road in Milpitas. 17 miles one way of nothing.
Thanks for the ride. I grew up in Tucson but never made it to the top of Mt. Lemmon. Must make another trip - put it on my never ending bucket list!
Nice! I haven't been out that way in 20 years. You've done the road justice!
I live in Tucson. This is a great video to give you the feel for Mt. Lemmon. Well done!
When I was stationed at Davis Monthan in 1999 we took the road up and then went wheeling down the back side and stumbled across the real life biodome on our drive back. Those were some good times.