Mt Lemmon and the Catalinas (Tucson: live, cabins, getaway)

[carrob]

Hello,
Would someone please update me on how Summerhaven and the rest of Mt Lemmon has been since the fires of 2003? I lived in Arizona in the past, but spent very limited time in Tucson...and never had the opportunity to visit Mt Lemmon (to my regret). Was it the type of destruction that will remain apparent for many, many years? Or have they taken steps to plant many trees and whatnot? Is it really a summer escape from the heat of Tucson or more of a crowded getaway with limited things to do (in the summer) and only slightly lower temps. Thanks for your replies

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by carrob

Hello,
Would someone please update me on how Summerhaven and the rest of Mt Lemmon has been since the fires of 2003? I lived in Arizona in the past, but spent very limited time in Tucson...and never had the opportunity to visit Mt Lemmon (to my regret). Was it the type of destruction that will remain apparent for many, many years? Or have they taken steps to plant many trees and whatnot? Is it really a summer escape from the heat of Tucson or more of a crowded getaway with limited things to do (in the summer) and only slightly lower temps. Thanks for your replies

Sadly, it'll never be the same.

[brooks2007]

We went up the mountain in late March while visiting the area and did not know about the 2003 fires. I had been there before and was absolutely shocked at the devastation, even 7 years later! There were miles of singed tree stumps and cleared areas where forests used to stand, burnt cabins with no access or buildings sitting exposed where they used to be snuggled into beautiful treed lots.

I used to love hiking the area. Don't hesitate visiting, as there are still many beautiful areas to see and explore, but I imagine it will be decades before the damaged areas are returned to their former glory, if ever.

[Ritchie_az]

Summerhaven/Mt. Lemmon is still a beautiful place to visit....