Growing up in Arizona you hear that expression a lot. Yes, it’s a dry heat but so is your oven! However, I can attest that people in Tucson have adjusted quite well to the sweltering conditions. I see people working outside in the middle of the day when it’s 105 degrees . I see people jogging, and each time I see these people I’m amazed at the resilience of the human body. For those of us that would rather not test ourselves against the heat there is an enchanting place that you can go to in less than an hour and it can be seen from almost anywhere in Tucson. That place is Mount Lemon.
Mount Lemon, was named after botanist Sara Plummer Lemon, who with her husband and a local rancher rode horses and climbed on foot to the summit in 1881. Mount Lemon is part of the Santa Catalina Mountain range that is located in the Coronado National Forest in Tucson , Arizona. The summit is 9159 feet and a cool 70 degrees in the summer when the desert floor is 105 degrees. The mountain is called a Sky island. Sky islands are isolated mountains surrounded by radically different lowland environments. On the mountain you will find , hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing and in the winter skiing. There is also an observatory ran by the University of Arizona, an excellent place to view the cosmos, and of course some food!
There is a small village at the top called Summer Haven and its home to some year round residents, but many people have summer cabins there and they can be rented out, it is also a tourist destination. There are a few really fun shops and places to buy camping necessities . However, many people love to stop at the Cookie Cabin where you can get a cookie the size of your steering wheel or a pizza of equal diameter. The General Store is known for its vast array of amazing fudge and The SawMill restaurant serves American Classics, like burgers, salads and sandwiches. My favorite place to eat is in Ski Valley just about two miles from Summer Haven. The Iron Door is the restaurant and it’s an Alpine lodge with a wooded cozy feel and German inspired dishes. It’s known for its freshly baked individual sized pies that are served hot with a scoop of ice cream.
When I find myself at the Iron Door I’m usually famished. Maybe its the hiking I did or the elevation, but I usually gravitate towards the Bratwurst dinner. Two perfectly cooked brats with spiced apples and warm German potato salad, it really hits the spot. I have to apologize because I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture until I had already eaten half! I did manage to get a picture of the baked brie and a freshly baked blueberry pie. The baked Brie is a meal onto itself with a slightly sweet walnut and honey compote resting in the center and it’s served with fresh fruit. They also have an array of soups and sandwiches that are sure to please almost everyone in your crowd. Many customers love the chili and cornbread,(the cornbread is served hot with butter and honey!) and I overheard many compliments about the bacon mac n cheese. The dishes change a little with the seasons so it’s best to look at their website or just keep an open mind before going. The pies are served year round, but they go fast, so ask your server and put one on hold before you eat your main meal.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Tucson, it won’t be complete without a drive up Mount Lemon. You’ll be amazed at how something like this can exist in the desert. The views are incredible and air is refreshing. Do watch out for motorcycles and bicyclist and of course the wildlife. Storms can approach suddenly and the rain can cause flash flooding. Winter storms can cause the road to be closed so check with the Forest Service before driving up after a snow storm. Thanks so much for stopping by , if you have any questions or comments please leave them in the box below. Until next time Boone Appétit!
