Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview
This lovely loop takes you through alpine meadows and conifer forests before reach-
ing views of Tucson. The first section is flat and suitable for introducing pre-kinder-
garten youngsters to the high country. A gentle 300-foot descent loops around to a
side trail that heads to a fire lookout with extensive views of southern Arizona—this
view is the only reason the hike gets five stars for scenery. The final return is a slightly
steep challenge for the young ones in your party.
Route Details
At the parking area, you'll find a map board and a sign for Mount Lemmon Trail #5.
Take this trail, which skirts around the chain-link fence surrounding electrical power
equipment, before striking out west-southwest through the pines. After about 0.2 mile
you'll reach a signed trail fork where you take the right (west-northwest) branch,
labeled “Meadow Trail #5A.” This short side trail, which will return to the Mount
Lemmon Trail after 0.8 mile, gives this hike its name.
Through the trees to your right (north), you'll glimpse buildings belonging to the
University of Arizona astronomy observatory (see Nearby Attractions). The trail tra-
verses a mix of ferns, bracken, and living and dead conifers—a legacy of the devast-
ating Aspen Fire of 2003. As the trail's name suggests, meadows are crossed, and you
have intermittent views of Tucson to the south. The trail is clear and rather rocky.
About 0.5 mile from the parking lot, the trail swings left (southwest), away from
the university buildings, and continues fairly flatly for a few hundred yards through
