Mt. Lemmon - Worth it??

We are planning on spending a few days in Tucson in the late summer. I%26#39;m wondering if Mt. Lemmon is worth the trip? I am assuming we will need most of a day to drive up there and back. We will be staying right in Tucson (not sure where yet). Are there sights to see on the drive up and what can we expect when we get there? Is there anywhere to eat along the way or at the top? We would not be doing any hiking or camping just driving to enjoy the scenery. Any feedback to help me decide if I should plan a day for this venture would be appreciated. The rest of the trip is going to be checking out Tucson, driving to Mexico, touring some wineries in the area and relaxing in the Arizona sun.

Mt. Lemmon - Worth it??

It takes a little over an hour to drive from central Tucson to Summerhaven on Mount Lemmon. The sights to see on the way up are the rock formations, the forest, the views and the mountains. There are places to stop but no services except rest rooms and water until you get to Summerhaven. There is one cafe but closes at 4 pm. There is a general store which has snacks, drinks and packaged sandwiches and food .... and fudge. There%26#39;s a cookie place. Summerhaven is still being restored after fires a few years ago.

Is it worth it? It%26#39;s scenic. You can drive almost to the summit. The views are beautiful. And it%26#39;s cooler than the valley.

Mexico - Nogales? Really not worth your time unless you just want to say you%26#39;ve been to Mexico. Do not drive into Mexico; confusing, crowded, and you need special insurance. Park at the very end of I-19 at Ed%26#39;s Parking, walk about 2 blocks to the border crossing. The shopping district is just a few blocks in. Stop at Tubac on the way to or from.

Mt. Lemmon - Worth it??

Thanks BobBear - that%26#39;s the info I was looking for. As for driving to Mexico.. yes we would only drive to the border and walk across since we will be in a rental car. I have been to a few Mexican border towns and I know not to expect much. Basically to say that we%26#39;ve been there.

The third time was the charm for us - we tried twice to drive the Catalina Highway, and once it was closed for construction and once due to forest fires. We really enjoyed our trip, very scenic, good views. I would suggest taking a picnic, eating at the Windy Point Vista and starting back. You can%26#39;t get to the actual summit.

It is a US Forest Service fee area - national park passes and Golden Age passes are accepted.

Windy Point is only half way to the top, and not a very good place to picnic. There are many other places to picnic further up the mountain. And, yes, you can drive all the way to the summit. You just have to know where the road is. You drive to the ski lift, and keep going beyond it. The very top is a fenced private area operated by the Univ. of AZ. You can also drive to the summit of Mt. Bigelow.

Nogales - My favorite restaurant is La Roca in a shallow cave in the hillside. To get there, walk straight ahead from the border about 2 blocks, then go 2 blocks to the left (east) and walk south to the restaurant. Also has some interesting shops in the same buildings. Don%26#39;t expect to pay less, however, as the costs are about the same in the nicer restaurants as in Tucson. There are also some nice restaurants along Avenida Obregon upstairs above the street.