Geology Vista is a roadside viewpoint among dense stands of manzanita with oaks. The view south overlooks Bear Canyon, the Rincon Mountains and, in the distance, Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley. To the north, the view is of the high Catalinas. Being next to the road, vehicle noise can be a factor affecting birding.

In season Turkey Vultures, Zone-tailed and Red-tailed hawks, swifts and swallows, Spotted Towhees and Black-chinned Sparrows may be present. Mexican Jay and Woodhouse's Scrub-jay are both possible.

Approximately an hour's drive from Tucson's city center, Mount Lemmon is a favorite day trip and camping spot for Tucsonans. It's a beautiful outdoor escape, ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, picnicking, sunset watching, sledding, and skiing.

Mount Lemmon is usually 20-30 degrees cooler than Tucson, so you can find cooler temperatures there in the summer and a beautiful layer of snow in the winter, along with vibrantly colored leaves in autumn.

With a summit of 9,159 feet, Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The mountain was named for botanist Sara Plummer Lemmon, who trekked to the top of the mountain by horse and foot in 1881.

Mount Lemmon is a peak in the Catalina mountain range, surrounded by Coronado National Forest.

To reach Mount Lemmon from Tucson, turn off Tanque Verde Road onto Catalina Highway. Take Catalina Highway as far up the mountain as you desire to go!

On your way up the mountain, you may want to stop at Windy Point Vista (Mile Marker 14). This popular lookout point has bathrooms and is a terrific spot for photos.

Note that the road up the mountain is curvy with very few straight sections. If you or anyone in your car is prone to motion sickness, plan ahead by bringing bags, mints, cold water, snacks, or stomach-settling medications. It also helps to not drive on an empty stomach.

Take Catalina Highway northeast from Tanque Verde Road. For desert and mountain species, stop at picnic and campgrounds (Molina Basin, Bear Canyon, Rose Canyon Lake, and others) as you drive the narrow, winding road to high elevations.