Palisades Visitor Center
Milepost 19.9 on the Catalina Highway

HOURS: Daily 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

If you’re not into desert-country mountain biking, head up the Sky Island Scenic Byway to the wooded and green Mount Lemmon and its many difficult, steep, and rocky trails.

Consider the Aspen Draw (summer only), a popular and technical route, or the Milagrosa Trail, Green Mountain, and the Molino Trail. Stop at the Palisades Visitor Center on your way up the mountain for a trail map.

The air up on the mountain, which rises beyond 9,000 feet, is cooler and thinner, so remember that you probably won’t be in top riding condition up here unless you’re used to the high altitudes.

You can also get information about Mount Lemmon biking trails at the Coronado National Forest Santa Catalina Ranger District (5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., 530/749-8700, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado, Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).

Want to get out on the trail but didn't bring your bike? Try one of the following Tucson bike shops to find a rental:

Broadway Bicycles

140 S. Sarnoff Dr., Tucson
520/296-7819
www.broadwaybicycles.com

Cycle Tucson

520/245-6011
www.cycletucson.com

Ordinary Bike Shop

311 E. 7th St., Tucson
520/622-6488
www.ordinarybikeshop.com