Hike Mint Springs Trail

Mount Lemmon, Arizona

Save

View all 7 photos

All 7 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

5 miles

Elevation Gain

2000 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jimbo Neesen

Beautiful drive up, and well rounded hike at the end of the drive. You hike to the peak of Mt Lemmon! Amazing view and variety of wilderness.

This hike begins in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon, Tuscon AZ. This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. Any car can access this trail-head easily.

Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. Park at the end of the road. Do not enter any private driveways please! The trail-head sign is normally hard to find because it is small and brown but I have taken a photo to help you find it.

Once you get hiking you will notice the trail is quite thin and the fall would be quite treacherous so be careful! Please bring plenty of water and some light snacks as this has a pretty big elevation gain and can be exhausting for inexperienced hikers.

You will hike Mint Springs trail for about 2 miles until you get to a junction with many options. The one I did and am writing about would have you take Aspen trail back to town. This takes you to the peak of Mt Lemmon where they have a chairlift and other building to provide for an easy landmark.

Just before the chairlift is the Aspen Draw trail. Take this down until you find a sign that indicates the town of Summerhaven is right for about a mile.

I hope you go and have fun! I have hiked all over AZ and I have to say this is one of the most underrated spots in the state. At any time of the year this hike is spectacular!

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Food Nearby

Forest

River

Scenic

Wildlife

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Incinerator Ridge to Leopold Point

Starting out at San Pedro Vista Trailhead, located just off the shoulder of the Catalina Highway, this trail follows along the ridgeline, drops to a small saddle, and terminates at a gorgeous vista: Leopold Point. There is only 1 sign that you will come across that actually designates it as Incinerator Ridge which is halfway through your hike, but don't let that deter you. Keep on keeping on al...

Rock Climb the Hitchcock Pinnacle

Hitchcock Pinnacle on Mount Lemmon may be the most recognizable landmark in the Santa Catalina Mountains due to its prominence over Catalina Highway and Windy Point. Ample parking is available as are bathrooms. The Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top. The most common route is the direct route on the North Face aka...

Camp at Molino Basin

Molino Basin Campground is the only campground of the Catalina District of the Forest Service to be open year round due to its lower elevation at only 4500'. Its position along the Mount Lemmon Highway makes Molino Basin a perfect basecamp for further adventures in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the Arizona Trail passes right through the Basin along Molino Creek which flows strongly in the S...

Canyon Loop Trail in Catalina State Park

The Canyon Loop trail is an easy hike through the foothills that begins and ends at the Trailhead parking lot. (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required) The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. The Canyon Loop trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel. Cal...

Romero Pools via Romero Canyon

To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). The next 1.7 miles ar...

Hike Blackette's Ridge

Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Don't worry about how busy it seems - most of the people you see are probably only going as far as the dam or picnic areas. There is a good chance that you'll have the top all to yourself especially if you go on a weekday.When you hit the paved tram road you'll need to take a right and keep wa...