Hike Mint Springs Trail

Mount Lemmon, Arizona

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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!

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Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Food Nearby

Forest

River

Scenic

Wildlife

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