Oasis Tour of Tucson: Mount Lemmon scenic drive with views

See Tucson’s wild side on a guided drive up Mount Lemmon

The Oasis Tour of Tucson is a guided van tour from Park Place Mall up Mount Lemmon with three scenic stops, an audio guide in English, air-conditioned transportation, and binoculars provided. You book a day in advance, meet at the mall, and spend four hours driving to viewpoints and back down. Masks are required. If you don't have one, the operator provides one for $5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mount Lemmon scenic tour

• Meet at Park Place Mall
• Drive up Mount Lemmon
• Enjoy audio tour on the way
• Visit 3 scenic destinations
• Use provided binoculars and water
• Wear mask for safety
• Drive back to pickup location

The experience

You meet at Park Place Mall and climb Mount Lemmon in an air-conditioned van with an audio guide playing as you drive. The operator provides binoculars and bottles of water, so you arrive ready to look instead of scrambling for gear. The route stops at three destinations along the way up, each with views across the Tucson basin and the surrounding desert. The drive back down follows the same road, so the whole trip runs four hours from start to finish.

The audio guide narrates what you're seeing as the van gains elevation: the landscape shifts from the low desert floor to pine forest, and the temperature drops noticeably. You interact with the landscape at each stop rather than staying in the van the whole time, though the details of what you do at each point depend on the season and conditions. The van does the work. You don't navigate or drive.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned van.
• binoculars.
• bottles of water.
• audio guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tucson Mountain Shuttle

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a guided scenic drive without navigating yourself or arranging multiple stops: the van, the audio narration, and the fixed route handle the planning, leaving you to watch the landscape change as you climb.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What time of day does the Oasis Tour of Tucson run?

The tour runs in the morning or afternoon depending on when you book. You choose your preferred time when you reserve a day in advance, and you meet at Park Place Mall for the start.

Is the Mount Lemmon drive suitable if I have mobility concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to the elevation gain and the winding mountain road. The operator notes the tour is suitable for all other fitness levels.

What's included in the Oasis Tour of Tucson?

Private transportation in an air-conditioned van, binoculars, bottles of water, and an audio guide in English are all included. Masks are required. If you don't have your own, the operator provides one for $5.

How high does Mount Lemmon go, and what will I see up there?

Mount Lemmon rises to around 9,000 feet, and the three scenic stops along the drive offer views across the Tucson basin and the surrounding desert landscape. The elevation gain means the terrain and vegetation change noticeably as you climb.

Can I bring a service animal on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the Oasis Tour of Tucson. Let the operator know when you book if you're traveling with a service animal.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Park Place Mall?

You need to get to Park Place Mall on your own. The tour provides transportation from there. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car.