Road & Trail Line · August 2026 · By the Cart Central Hub team
One of the best things about living in Tucson is how quickly you can escape the heat. The Catalina Highway climbs about 6,000 feet up Mount Lemmon, and the temperature can drop 20 to 30 degrees by the top. Here is a simple kit for that drive and other day trips.
Check your tires before you go
Tire pressure changes with temperature and elevation. A cordless Airmoto tire inflator lets you top up at the trailhead. Check in the morning, before the tires heat up, for the truest reading.
Protect your eyes
The sun is strong on the way up and the switchbacks swing you in and out of glare. Keep a pair of UV400 aviators in the car.
Pack for the trail
Light barefoot-style shoes are great for creek walks at the top. Bring a layer, because it can be cool in the pines even in summer.
Be ready on the road
Cell service is patchy on parts of the mountain. A roadside emergency kit and a few spare trim clips in the trunk can save the day. On the way home, the heated neck massager is a nice treat for the passenger.