Hiking in Arizona - Mt Lemon

When the valley floor of Tucson starts to bake in the relentless Arizona sun, there’s really only one direction to go: up. Winding your way up the Catalina Highway to Mount Lemmon is an experience in itself, watching the landscape shift from saguaro cacti to dense, alpine pine forests. But the real reward comes when you lace up your boots and hit the Incinerator Ridge Trail.

Accessed via a bumpy, rugged dirt turnoff just before milepost 20, the trailhead feels immediately remote. While there are a few different ways to tackle the ridge, the hike out to Leopold Point and Barnum Rock is an absolute must-do for anyone looking to get the best views for their effort.

Walking the Spine

Unlike hikes that bury you deep in a canyon, Incinerator Ridge lives up to its name—you are hiking directly on the spine of the mountain. Because of this, the trail offers unparalleled, panoramic vistas on both sides as you weave through grassy glades and towering ponderosa pines.

"There is a unique thrill in ridge-line hiking. With the San Pedro River Valley dropping away to the east and the jagged peaks of the Santa Catalinas to the south, it feels like you're walking on the roof of the desert."

The Terrain and The Elements

While the trail is generally considered moderate (about a 3-mile round trip if you're just heading to the main overlooks), it demands respect. The path is notoriously rocky and loose in sections, making sturdy boots an absolute necessity. Because you are highly exposed on the ridgeline, this is one trail you must avoid if thunderstorms or lightning are in the forecast.

But on a clear day, stepping out onto the rocky outcrops of Leopold Point is breathtaking. The wind whips across the ridge, the air is crisp, and the sheer drop-offs remind you of just how high you've climbed.

Trail Fast Facts:

Whether you're looking to escape the heat or just want to experience the dramatic verticality of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Incinerator Ridge delivers. Just pack plenty of water, watch your footing, and don't forget to look down.