Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter: Summer DayTours – Uncover the Secrets of Our Mountaintop Observatory

Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility.

Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking tour, highlighting our impressive state-of-the-art facilities, including the SkyCenter’s Schulman 32-inch and Phillips 24-inch telescopes. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to learn about other fascinating programs operating on our site, including the Catalina Sky Survey, where astronomers search for potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids. Weather permitting, our guides will give you the opportunity to gaze at the sun through our specialized solar telescopes and witness its dynamic surface in a safe and unforgettable way.

Activities

• Guided tour of the observatory grounds and select facilities.
• Learn about the history and current research conducted at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter.
• Up-close views of various telescopes, including the Schulman 32-inch and Phillips 24-inch.
• Safe solar observing through our dedicated solar telescopes (weather permitting).
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape

What to Expect on Your Daytime Tour:

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Capacity: Up to 14 participants.
• This is a walking tour at 9200 ft elevation.

Know Before You Go:

• Accessibility: The tour involves walking on paved paths with some uphill and downhill sections. Please wear comfortable, flat closed-toe shoes.
• What to bring:  Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, snack.
• Weather: This tour is weather dependent.

Age Appropriateness:

• Recommended for ages 7 and up due to the outdoor setting and program length.

Pricing:

• Adults: $10 per person
• Youth (7-17): $5 per person

Policy

• No-Shows & Late Cancellations: Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or rescheduling for no-shows or cancellations made less than the specified notice periods.
• Individual Tickets: For individual daytime tour tickets, rescheduling is available with at least 48 hours’ notice prior to the scheduled tour.
• For large groups please contact us.