Mountain Biking on Mt. Lemmon: Trails, the Lemmon Drop & Tips
Mt. Lemmon is one of the most famous mountain-biking mountains in the Southwest — home to the Lemmon Drop, a 31-mile, nearly 10,000-foot descent that riders compare to Moab's Whole Enchilada. With more than 50 miles of all-mountain singletrack, forested trails at 8,000–9,000 feet, and summer temperatures 30 degrees cooler than Tucson, it's a bucket-list destination for mountain bikers.
Here's everything you need to plan a mountain biking trip up the Catalina Highway: the trails, the big drop, shuttles, best seasons, and where to stay.
Singletrack through the pines — Mt. Lemmon riding at its best.
The Lemmon Drop: The Bucket-List Ride
The Lemmon Drop is the ride that put Mt. Lemmon on the world mountain-biking map. It links 13 trails into one epic point-to-point: starting at the summit area near Aspen Draw (over 9,000 feet) and finishing at the base of the mountain in northwest Tucson — roughly 31 miles with about 9,900 feet of descending (and 3,600 feet of climbing thrown in).
- Difficulty: Expert / extreme. Trailforks calls it "one of the chunkiest hardest rides in the United States." Not for beginners.
- Time: A typical group ride takes 8+ hours; strong riders can finish in 4.5–5 hours.
- The route (top to bottom): Aspen Draw → Sunset → Incinerator Ridge → Green Mountain → Bug Springs → Molino Basin → La Milagrosa.
- Elevation & climate: You'll drop through pine forest, oak woodland, and saguaro desert — multiple climate zones in one ride.
- E-bikes: Not allowed on most Mt. Lemmon trails.
- Navigation: Mandatory. Download the Trailforks app and the Lemmon Drop route before you go; cell service is spotty on the mountain.
The upper mountain's trail network — right outside Summerhaven.
Great Trails for Every Level
Don't want to commit to the full Drop? Mt. Lemmon has plenty of incredible riding for intermediate and advanced riders — and even family-friendly forest trails near the village.
- Aspen Draw: Flowy, fast singletrack through pine and aspen near the top — the fun opening act of the Lemmon Drop, rideable on its own with a shuttle.
- Bug Springs & Molino Basin: The most popular loop on the mountain — hard, fast singletrack with fun rock gardens and sweeping views over Tucson and Saguaro National Park. Doable as a shorter shuttle run.
- Green Mountain & Incinerator Ridge: Steep, rocky, raw, and technical — for strong riders who love chunk.
- La Milagrosa: Called "Tucson's best technical descent" — a rowdy expert finish to the Drop.
- Turkey Run Trail: A classic forest trail near Summerhaven — rideable from the village and a favorite local loop.
- Upper Sabino & Meadow trails: More mellow forest singletrack options with creek crossings when water is running.
Turkey Run and Upper Sabino — ride right from Summerhaven.
Shuttles & Logistics
The Lemmon Drop is a point-to-point ride — you'll need a shuttle to get back to the top (or two cars for a self-shuttle).
- Home Grown Mountain Bike Tours: Locally owned guide, rental, and shuttle company in Tucson serving Mt. Lemmon (homegrownmtb.com).
- Tucson Mountain Shuttle: Offers mountain-biker shuttles all over southern Arizona, including Mt. Lemmon trailheads (tucsonmountainshuttle.com).
- Self-shuttle: Park one car at the bottom (La Milagrosa or Molino Basin trailheads) and drive a second to the top. Shorten the ride by skipping La Milagrosa and ending at Molino Basin.
- Route info: Get the full route and current trail conditions on Trailforks.
When to Ride
Mt. Lemmon's high elevation makes it a year-round riding destination, but the ideal window is October through April.
- Fall (October–November): Prime time — crisp air, fall colors, and great trail conditions. The annual TORCA Pachanga festival celebrates Tucson mountain biking in October.
- Winter (December–February): Upper trails can get snow, but the mountain is quiet and clear days are gorgeous. Check road conditions before heading up.
- Spring (March–April): The other prime window — wildflowers and perfect temperatures.
- Summer (May–September): The upper mountain stays 30 degrees cooler than Tucson — a great escape for shorter rides near Summerhaven. Avoid the full Drop: the bottom of the mountain bakes at 100+ degrees and monsoon storms roll in by afternoon.
What to Bring
- Bike: A medium-to-long-travel mountain bike (140–160mm rear travel) is ideal for the Drop.
- Hydration: At least 3 liters on the full route — there is no water along the way.
- Navigation: Trailforks app downloaded, plus a backup battery.
- Spares & tools: Tubes, patch kit, chain link, multi-tool — you're remote up there.
- Layers: The summit is a mile higher than Tucson — it can be 30 degrees cooler and windy.
- Helmet & pads: Full-face and knee pads recommended on the gnarly upper trails.
Where to Stay: Ride Right From Your Cabin
Mt. Lemmon Hotel sits at 8,000 feet in Summerhaven, with 21 private cabins — the closest lodging to the mountain's upper trailheads. Wake up, ride Turkey Run or shuttle up to Aspen Draw, and be back for a hot shower and dinner at Sawmill Run before the desert below even warms up. We're also pet-friendly — 12 of our 21 cabins welcome dogs with no pet fee, so the whole crew can come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Lemmon Drop?
The full route is about 31 miles with roughly 9,900 feet of descending and 3,600 feet of climbing. A typical group ride takes 8+ hours; strong riders can do it in 4.5–5 hours.
Is the Lemmon Drop for beginners?
No. It's an expert/extreme ride on chunky, technical trails with hike-a-bike sections and no water along the route. Beginners should try shorter, more mellow forest trails near Summerhaven instead.
Are e-bikes allowed on Mt. Lemmon trails?
Most trails on Mt. Lemmon are multi-use hiking trails, and e-bikes are not allowed on the majority of them. Check current Forest Service rules before bringing one.
What's the best time of year to mountain bike Mt. Lemmon?
October through April is the prime window. Fall and spring offer the best conditions; summer is a cooler-weather escape near the top but too hot at the base for the full Drop.
Do I need a shuttle for the Lemmon Drop?
Yes — it's a point-to-point ride from the summit to the base of the mountain. Local shuttle companies (Home Grown, Tucson Mountain Shuttle) serve the route, or you can run a two-car self-shuttle.
Where should I stay for mountain biking on Mt. Lemmon?
Mt. Lemmon Hotel in Summerhaven is the closest lodging to the upper trailheads — 21 private cabins at 8,000 feet, with Turkey Run and other trails rideable from the village.