Up Mt. Lemmon

Tour 2 : Windy Point

About half way up to Mt. Lemmon, the scenary changes from brush to the beginnings of a lush forest.

The division between the desert and the forest is marked by a geological oddity of sculptured rocks worn by wind and time. Windy Point is one of the most popular stop off points, and thus, the busiest.

The elevation is at this spot is about 6,600 feet above sea level. This is the mid-way point from the base of the mountain to the top.

This is also a Visitor's Stop and Rest Area. Views overlooking the city of Tucson are magnificent, especialliay at sunset. The area is very congested with cars and people crossing the street. It is a dangerous corner turn, so drive slower.

An ideal day trip is to leave Tucson after lunch around noon, take a leisurely drive up the mountain (you must purchase a permit to make stops along the road, use the picnic tables or facilities) and stop at rest stops along the way.

Each stop can take a half hour or more walking around the trail heads, hiking deeper into the mountain, or just sitting at a picnic table.

Views of ten mountain ranges can be seen from this vantage point. As its name implies, it is often windy at times. The winds whipping through the forms have carve impressionable images out of stone.

On you way up, you can bypass this stop and plan to return a half hour before the sun set. This provides a chance to catch a more spectacular view as the lights of Tucson start flickering on while the sun sets over the mountains.

If you like to hike the WIndy Point area, park just past the first rest stop. It has less traffic, more parking and another view of the other side of the mountain range. You can always stop back to watch the sun set later.