Since becoming a Father in 2001 and 2003, I always look forward to this day. When asked what I wanted to do this year, I thought a nice hike and picnic at the top of Tucson's highest peak, Mount Lemmon, seemed like a cool idea. 

The summers in Tucson can be a bit warm, but the top of our 9,000 ft plus mountain offers cool pine-scented weather that many a Tucsonan makes the trek to escape the hotter temperatures in the city.  It was decided that a nice hike along one of the many trails the mountain offers would be a great way to spend the day. We planned to end the day at one of the numerous picnic sites near the summit. 

Starting out mid-morning, as we drove up the winding Catalina Highway our boys noticed that the desert vegetation they are used to seeing changed into what is typical of a mountain setting. Half way up, we were able to turn off the AC and roll our windows down to breathe in the cool air. 

I had read prior to our trip that "The Mt. Lemmon Trail starts out near the summit of the 9,157 foot peak for which it is named, at a parking area about a mile past Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley near the end of Observatory Road." We drove up to the very top, passing Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley on a access road that runs towards Steward Observatory. Right before the Observatory, there is a small parking area, at Radio Ridge, with restrooms that is the trailhead for many short and long distance hikes. 

Loading up our backpacks with water, snacks and sunscreen, we headed out for the trailhead. My wife and I had been up here before with our boys and looked forward to taking the hike again. Our total hike was about 1.5 miles and meandered through covered meadows and stunning mountain vistas. 

On our way down the summit, our boys asked if we could take them on the Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley lift.  For a nominal fee, we rode up to the top of the southern most ski area in the United States. Our ride took about 15 minutes to the top and offered us views of green grassy meadows, majestic pine trees and views for miles. We took two pictures at the top and then headed down again.

We topped off the day by grilling hamburgers and enjoying the afternoon at Inspiration Rock picnic area located a few miles from the summit. As the afternoon sun started to dip in the western sky, we packed up our picnic and said our goodbyes to the gentle, cool mountain breezes we had enjoyed. On the drive down, we talked about our day and what we had enjoyed.

As for me, spending the day with my family on cool Mt. Lemmon was a memorable experience that I hope to recreate every Father's Day.